WINTER Locations in utah
Winter Location Guide
Here is a list of some of my favorite places to take photos, during the winter months from November to April. You are mostly limited to this list. If you want to do a new location, I typically need to see the location in person or video prior to doing your session there!
Haley Thomas Photography's Favorite
NOTES:
When applicable, travel fees will be added to your final invoice.
For 1 hour photo sessions, in the mountains, we will start shooting 1.5-2 hours before sunset. All other locations start 30 minute-1 hour before sunset.
Make sure you bring a jacket incase it is cold, and shoes you can walk in (through snow or rocks).
Studio spaces
are perfect for the winter months, especially for longer sessions.
Here are my favorite spots for indoor sessions!
NATURAL LIGHT STUDIOS
There are studios everywhere. I have listed my favorites below.
Easy parking – Bathroom – Pay to rent the space ($45-95/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.
The Light Loft Studio in Layton
Layton
This is my absolute favorite space to photograph in, because the light is so beautiful,
and they have great props, like a couch, an egg chair, a bed and side table, a crib and a ton of chairs and stools.
OTU STUDIO
Taylorsville
I like this space for newborn sessions.
There is a bassinet, white couch, bed and some chairs. Best for small families of 3 or 4.
FERNHOUSE STUDIO
Bluffdale
I like this space for extended family sessions.
the loft STUDIO
Lehi
I like this space for extended family sessions.
Bountiful PonD Trees
No restroom, Street Parking, 200 yard walk in mud/snow. No travel fee. Best 1 hour before sunset.
Downtown Bountiful
This location has no additional travel fee, and is best in the evening 1-2 hours before sunset.
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.
INTERNATIONAL PEACE GARDENS
Salt Lake City
Easy parking
Plan to start 1.5 hours before sunset.
Woodland Park in Farmington
This spot is green all the way after Thanksgiving.
Easy Parking - $30 travel fee
This is a great location for late fall colors, around Thanksgiving. The trees turn in Early November.
GREAT SALTAIR
Salt Lake City
Easy parking - NO RESTROOM – Travel Fee ($50)
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.
Snow Basin Overlook
Easy Parking - NO Bathroom - Travel fee ($120)
This spot is likely covered in snow this time of year.
JORDAN PINES CAMPGROUND
Parking can be tricky - no restroom - Travel fee ($200)
This is a great location year round.
GOLF COURSE IN PARLEY's CANYON
Parking - no restroom - 100 yrd walk, Travel fee ($100)
Utah Lake in VINEYARD
Easy Parking - no restroom - Travel fee ($200)
This is a great location year round. If you want the ice shards, we need to schedule with flexibility on a warm day after it has been really cold.
The family session example was taken the end of November with overcast.
THIS LOCATION BEACH MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE, DEPENDING ON THE WATER LEVEL
Mcpolin barn in park city
Park City- Travel Fee ($200)
Bathroom, fits large groups. Best all year round.
Parking is on the other of the highway, and then we walk through a tunnel to walk up to the barn!
TIBBLE FORK
American Fork - Travel Fee ($200) plus $50 National Park Permit fee
Google Pin I only do Sunrise Sessions here.
Easy parking – Bathroom
WEATHER: In the winter the weather can be quite unpredictable. Winter sessions here should have a backup plan in case it’s too cold or too snowy to shoot.
NOTE: I lose cell reception as soon as I enter the canyon (about 25 minutes before the photo shoot starts). I will meet you on the sidewalk in the parking lot.
DIRECTIONS: For some reason Google maps won’t take you through American Fork Canyon (it will have you drive around through Heber. That adds hours). Never fear…that road is open, and it only takes 25 min to drive through in good weather! I’ve never seen the road to Tibble Fork close down, even in the winter. You can put this location at the mouth of the canyon into Google maps. Drive straight into the canyon, take the left at the fork and continue to drive into the parking lot.