Haley Thomas Photography's Favorite
Utah Photography Locations
the locations in this guide are Locations with no travel fees!
Bountiful PonD Trees
No restroom, Street Parking, 200 yard walk. No travel fee. Best 1-2 hours before sunset.
This spot is best spring-fall. To say there are a lot of mosquitos is an understatement. I have to douse myself in bug spray to get through a session here, and even then I usually get a few bites. But, the light at this location is pure magic.
Bountiful PonD: mountains
No restroom, Street Parking, 100 yard walk. No travel fee. Best at sunset or on cloudy days.
I do not recommend extended family groups here, since this spot is only good for
15-20 minutes after the sun sets.
This spot is best spring-fall. To say there are a lot of mosquitos is an understatement. I have to douse myself in bug spray to get through a session here, and even then I usually get a few bites. But, the light at this location is pure magic.
Downtown Bountiful
This location has no additional travel fee, and is best in the evening 1-2 hours before sunset from spring to fall. There is no public restroom, but there are several businesses where you can use the restroom if you purchase something. I like to park near Sweet Cake Bakery and go to several spots around there!
Utah State CAPITOL BUILDING: STEPS & inside
Salt Lake City
Easy parking – Indoor area & Bathroom until 5pm
Lighting good during the days during most of the year.
Park near the steps on the West side.
I DO NOT shoot at The State Capitol Building in April during the Cherry Blossom bloom.
INTERNATIONAL PEACE GARDENS
Salt Lake City
Easy parking
In the green months this location is gorgeous. Plan to start 1.5 hours before sunset.
TUNNEL SPRINGS PARK
North Salt Lake
I only do mini sessions at this location, since the light is too harsh on a sunny day to achieve this soft look!
Easy parking, no bathrooms. I only use this location for mini sessions, or on cloudy days.
This location is all field. There are no trees, though there is a section of pampas grass.
5 minute walk, bring shoes that are easy to walk in.
Mueller Park in Bountiful
Easy Parking - Bathroom - Parking fee ($15/first car, $10 each additional car)
This is a great fall location, like in these family photos. The trees turn in late September and last through October 20th, typically. If the gate is closed, it is a 5 minute walk from parking.
Holt Farm
Easy Parking - No Public Restrooms
This location is so stunning year round, but the purple flowers bloom in late
April, Early May. I love this spot for small groups, as well as extended groups.
Lilac Bush in woods cross
This is on private property, and along a busy road.
No restrooms. Best in the middle of the day, blooms in the middle of May only!
Farmington POND
Easy Parking - No bathroom.
Short walk down to water location from parking, but only a few feet of walking for other 2 spots pictured.
Works best for morning sessions.
Ogden Botanical Garden
Easy Parking, Easy Walking
I can not do extended family groups here.
Beautiful in Spring and Early Summer
GREAT SALTAIR
Salt Lake City
Easy parking - NO RESTROOM
May not be available when there are concerts scheduled at the venue.
NOTE: I do not go to the water's edge here.
I can not do extended family groups here.
The salt does wash out of clothing and shoes, but fancy fabrics (like suede) might not wash perfectly.
This is a great option if you like the look of the Salt Flats but don’t want to drive for hours or pay the bigger travel fee.
The biggest differences between the Saltair and the Salt Flats:
1 – The Saltair sand is patchy. The Salt Flats are white.
2 – The Saltair is the beach of the Great Salt Lake.
This location is dry or wet depending on the season. Every season is gorgeous.
Many of the colors you see in the Salt Flats can be achieved at the Saltair, just depending on the lighting that day.
Millcreek Canyon
This spot is beautiful in late September and early October. $5 parking fee.
Easy parking, bathrooms, slightly steep hike up trail.
Ogden Union Station
Parking Easy, Restroom during business hours
Great year round. Good for large groups. (example photos taken in June)
NATURAL LIGHT STUDIOS
There are studios everywhere. I have listed my favorites below.
Easy parking – Bathroom – Pay to rent the space ($45-$80/hr). We usually need 1 hour.
Indoor options are a great backup in case of poor weather.
I will reserve the studio after we select a time and place. The studio rental fee will be added to your invoice.
Studio Noire Noir in SLC
Downtown SLC
Almost no props, but this studio has a desk, some stools, a tall mirror and gorgeous white brick.
OTU STUDIO
Taylorsville
I like this space for morning newborn sessions. There is a bassinet, white couch, bed and some chairs. Best for small families of 3 or 4.
