As a photographer, i have been lucky to snap shots in this picturesque state from the GORGEOUS wasatch mountains to the great salt lake and beyond. Since i am in Davis county, most of these locations are within a 30 mile radius of Layton.
I have taken my years of knowledge of locations and compiled them here so that whether you are a professional photographer or just starting out as a hobby, these spots will hopefully fuel your creative fire!
Utah State Capitol
Location: Salt Lake City
Fee: None
Beautiful all year round. Also main spot for cherry blossom trees around April.
Stay tuned to their instagram page for blossom updates: https://www.instagram.com/utstatecapitol/
Utah Ice Castles
Stunning Ice Castles located in Midway, Utah at Soldier Hollow
Only open January - February (dependent on weather)
Admission Varies
Click here to read my blog about shooting at the Ice Castles
Website: https://icecastles.com/utah/
La Caille
Location: Sandy, Utah
Fee: $30/person including photographer and guests
A absolute breathtaking grounds near the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon. Offers acres of land with gardens, fountains, and ponds. French inspired.
Book a session here: https://www.lacaille.com/photoshoot/
The Gateway
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah
Fee: None
Shopping area in downtown SLC with many great areas for photos with an urban/modern vibe.
Albion Basin
Location: Alta, Utah
Fee: $15/car
Great for wildflowers during late July - early August
Downtown 25th Street Ogden
Location: Ogden
Fee: None
Great option for spring, summer, and fall. Multiple locations for an urban feel.
Old Snow Basin Road/Art Nord Trailhead
Location: Huntsville
Fee: None
Beautiful green tall grass with surrounding mountains. Great location for wildflowers in June.
Antelope Island
Location: Syracuse
Fee: $15/car
Beautiful all year long with amazing sunsets with the Great Salt Lake surrounding it.
Beus Pond
Location: Ogden
Fee: None
Great spot for all seasons but especially for fall with a large pond and big, tall trees.
SnowBasin - Maples trailhead
Location: Huntsville
Fee: None
Well groomed trail for winter sessions but can be used year round. Especially gorgeous in the fall.
Salt Flats
Location: Bonneville Salt Flats
Fee: None
Travel Fee: $50
Flat white blank canvas with mountains in the distance. Beautiful when reflective!
Mcpolin Barn
Location: Park City
Fee: None
White barn with multiple areas for photos. Great for all kinds of sessions and available year round.
Ogden Botanical Gardens
Location: Mouth of Ogden Canyon
Fee: None
Gorgeous location to use during Spring, Summer, and Fall. Lots of flowers!
The Fifth floor
Location: Downtown Ogden
Fee: $85/hour
Indoor studio with rustic appeal, exposed brick walls and natural lighting.
Reserve the studio here: https://www.thefifthfloorutah.com/the-5th-floor-studio
Light Loft Studio
Location: Layton
Fee: $65
Small indoor studio with natural lighting and many props for each season
Reserve the studio here: https://lightloftstudio.simplybook.me/v2/#
Tunnel Springs Park
Location: North Salt Lake
Fee: None
Nice open area with big open fields, rolling hills, and a great view of the city
Blood Lakes Trail
Location: Park City
Fee: $25
Great fall photo location with large aspen trees
City Creek Park
Location: Salt Lake City
Fee: None
Small park close to the capitol that offers multiple bridges and many trees. Another beautiful spot for the fall.
Fernwood Recreation Site
Location: Layton
Fee: None
Great for spring, summer, and especially fall. Popular trail for hiking that also offers a wooden bridge.
Trappers Loop
Location: Huntsville, Utah
Fee: None
Many spots to get great views of the mountains in the distant. Great for late spring, summer, and fall photos!
USU Botanical Center
Location: Kaysville, Utah
Fee: None
Another great spot for all seasons. Offers a pond, bridges, open flat areas, and flowers.
Apple Orchard
Location: Fruit Heights, Utah
Fee: None
One of my favorite spots. Rows and rows of apple trees for the perfect setting! Only available from Oct 1 - Oct 15 depending on how long owner stays open. Stay around and pick apples for an extra fee charged by owner
(pay by Venmo)
Cross E Ranch
Location: Woods Cross, Utah
Fee: Admission (varies)
Nice location for both summer and fall with open sunflower fields and rows of corn, red barn, and lots of pumpkins for fall time portraits.