Locations

Choosing a location for a photo shoot can sometimes be a daunting task. The location can largely influence the look and feel of the images produced. When choosing a location I like my clients to consider the following questions:

• Is there a location that holds special significance or meaning for me?

• What colors and or textures would I like to have in the background of my images?

• What colors and or textures will match well when displaying my photographs in my house?

• Does the location represent who I am and fit my personality or lifestyle?

• Will the location and/or colors in the background fit well with the clothing I would like to wear for the photoshoot?

• Does the current season affect the beauty/colors of the location, and/or restrict access to the location?

Below are some ideas for locations in Boise and the surrounding area with some example photographs. Your choice of location is not limited to these examples and I would be happy to explore additional location ideas you may have.

Idaho Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park

The Idaho Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park is a great location for its proximity to the Boise River, the Greenbelt and the red truss walking bridge that crosses the river. The park is exploding with blossoms and green in the spring, and vibrant reds and oranges in the fall.

Example of shoot at this location:

Patterson Family Shoot

Boise Military Reserve

The Boise military reserve is a network of trails in the northeast section of the city. The landscape is comprised of natural terrain with a combination of tree covered trails and grassy sage covered foothills. If you don’t mind a short hike, you can also glimpse views of downtown Boise and the surrounding valley.

Examples at this location:

Abigail’s senior portraits

Our Maternity Photos

Lydia’s Senior Portraits

Fall Family Shoot

Tucker Family Fall Photoshoot

Fall Senior Portrait Session

Downtown Boise

From the Capital Building, to Freak Alley, to 8th street and parking garages downtown boise has a lot of variety to offer for a more urban location setting.

Julia Davis Park

Julia Davis is a great option if you want to access to a variety of terrain within one park. Julia Davis is Boise’s oldest park, and therefore has a variety of mature landscaping, with Boise Greenbelt access. The Julia Davis rose garden is a favorite of mine to shoot at golden hour when the golden sun beams through the various colors of rose bushes. The park also has a pond with willow trees on the shore, and you can even rent paddle boats.

Edward’s Greenhouse

Edward’s Greenhouse is a great option for natural lighting and greenery while still being in a covered area and somewhat out of the elements, not to mention that the plants are gorgeous! I also love how each time you visit the scenery changes a bit as they cycle through different plants throughout the year.

Camel’s Back Park

Camel’s back is known for the steep grassy hill that separates the manicured front part of the park from the more natural landscaped trail system behind it. It therefore provides an variety of backgrounds all within walking distance as well as views of the Boise north end if you don’t mind the short hike up the camel’s hump.

Examples at this location:

Boise Maternity Shoot

Spring Family Photoshoot - Camel’s Back Park

Senior Portrait Session

Hyde Park

Hyde park is a section of Boise’s north end known for many popular eateries and specialty shops. The architecture in the area is unique and provides a variety of backgrounds.

Senior Portrait Session

Snowy Engagement Session

Boise Train Depot

Central to the city, the historic train depot provides timeless architecture, views of the Boise Capital building and beautifully landscaped grounds including roses bushes and a pond with a waterfall.

Lower Hulls Gulch Reserve

The Hulls Gulch recreation area is adjacent to Camel’s back park and can be accessed by continuing up 8th street in the north end. It’s hiking trails provide access to the foothills which offer a natural background of tall grasses and sagebrush. Additionally there is a small lake on site backed up against a red rock cliff.

Upper Hulls Gulch

At a somewhat higher elevation, this location has a gorgeous sunset view as well as views of the mountains. It is a short drive on a dirt road and can be fairly bumpy depending on the time of year. Is also harder to access in winter months.

Kathryn Albertson Park

Kathryn Albertson Park is probably one of the most often photographed parks in the city, and for good reason! It has beautiful flower lined pathways and ponds, a couple wooden bridges and pavilions and lots of colorful trees. You can spend hours in the park and still not exhaust all of the landscape variety within the park’s boundaries. This park is often a favored location for my fall mini sessions.

Reid Merrill Park - Eagle

Reid Merrill is a small park located near downtown Eagle, ID. It has a play structure and pond, but the real gem of this location is the direct access to the Boise river greenbelt. A short walk will transport you into nature with tree covered paths, tall grassy fields, and sandy river beaches.

Examples at this location:

Spring Family Session

Mara’s Milestone Session

Cozy Couple’s Session

Veterans Memorial Park - Boise

My favorite aspect of Veterans Memorial park is its close proximity to the greenbelt and Boise Cascade Lake. It is the perfect place to capture a more natural background while still being within the city.

Examples at this location:

Spring Senior Session

Bogus Basin - Boise

Heading north out of Boise on Bogus Basin Road will lead you into the mountains and above the tree line. Within about 45 minutes you are transported into a densely wooded evergreen forest, or depending on the season, a white winter wonderland.

Swan Falls Overlook

The Swan Falls Dam is on the Snake River about 40 miles south of Boise. The area above the dam provides stunning cliff side views of the river valley below. There are no trees in the area, but lots of sagebrush and unique rock formations in the cliffside wall.

Your Home

One often overlooked location for photoshoots is in your own home or backyard. In home lifestyle shoots are some of my favorites and are especially suited to newborn shoots, or when weather isn’t accommodating to an outdoor location.

I would love to work with you!

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