I have been meaning to post this blog for a long time, but never quite feel it is complete! I'm going to do it anyway, and just to let you know, there may be a part II coming as I am always discovering new places to photograph my clients in the Treasure Valley, Idaho area.

As a family, newborn, children, wedding, and senior photographer, I have explored SO much of our area for great session locations.

I wanted to show you just how beautiful and diverse our area is.

Some of these locations can only be accessed with me as your photographer because they are on private land. I will state that when relevant!

Lastly... keep in mind that when I'm scouting locations, my goals is to be able to to do an ENTIRE session there. You don't want to cart your kids around to 5 different spots to get a full session. I don't want your whole session to be you standing by the same tree. So, the goal here is to get as many different looks as possible in one spot. Got it?!

Download the Location Guide PDF HERE

1. Jump Creek, Idaho

This one is quite far out, but totally worth the drive.

When I have sessions out at jump creek, I'm usually, moaning and groaning to my husband about having to drive out there. But once I do, I'm always SO glad I went! It's just a very IDAHO place to photograph your family at and it's really cool to see too!

It's a super fun day trip/hike (like a quarter-mile hike) - but if you want stunning pictures here, you need to go at sunset.

(I might sound like a broken record in this post because every single one of these places I will chat about should be done at sunset! ha!)

It's just a very beautiful, unique place!

2. Nampa Secret Garden

I can NEVER get tired of this spot. Unfortunately, since part of it is on private property, I also can't tell you where it is.

But I have taken MANY images here!

If you are going for something LUSH and GREEN - this is the #1 place I recommend here in the valley. I used to live close to it, but even now, I drive 25 minutes to go here all the time.

It looks different in different seasons.

Winter doesn't disappoint...

Spring is poppin' with blossoms...

And deep rich greens as it transitions to summer...

And finally, it puts on a fall show...

Seriously...

Pick this spot and book a session... I love it so so much!

3. Wilson Pond, Nampa

Okay, so this is one of those spots that a lot of photographers use, but I don't think it gets enough credit!

It's diverse, beautiful year-round, and really keeps kids entertained. I have got this location down to a science actually.

There a short loop I take every client on, and I time it so we get to all my favorite spots at just the right lighting for that time of night.

Two things to remember at this spot... bug spray, and watch out for the goose poop. 🤣Other than that it's literally the BEST.

I do a lot of first looks here for my brides... because it's easy to hide her while I get the groom!

And in winter... this place STILL is gorgeous. The water is heated in some of the ponds for the migrating birds or something... but I love it because it creates a magical lift of fog on the water.

4. Lake Lowell, Nampa

Lake Lowell is FULL of amazing spots to take pictures. I love a big open sky! It's such an Idaho thing... I've lived in a lot of places around the US and our sunsets here are truly amazing and unique.

But this location is great because I can also get images in the really cool trees.

Plus, if you're an early riser Lake Lowell is amazing at sunrise too.

In the late summer, all of these beautiful little sunflowers start popping up, and they're so cute!

This is probably my #1 spot to take clients who want a big sunset sky in their images.

5. Merrill Park in Eagle, Idaho

Guys, this might be the most obvious one on my list.

Heck, if you've had your pictures taken in Idaho you've probably been told to do it at Merrill Park.

Don't get me wrong, it's a beautiful spot for pictures.

I won't go here in the fall anymore though, not unless you reeeeally beg me (ha!)

It's just swarming with photographers (and mosquitos, for reals!)

But on a weekday, I have a few spots I just LOVE to use.

And as much as I complain about it, it's convenient, and really very beautiful, if you know what to look for! (and I know what to look for!)

6. Downtown Boise, Idaho

Downtown Boise can be tons of fun. It's not a bit city, but it has plenty of little nooks to satisfy me! Down by the river is always a safe bet.

But there is enough unique architecture and bridges and interesting walls to keep me busy for a whole session!

I take a LOT of my seniors here, because we can combine the downtown look with the greenbelt for two totally different looks. I have had so much fun here the last couple of years!

7. Downtown Nampa, Idaho

Believe it or not, I actually sometimes prefer downtown Nampa to Boise for sessions.

It's just not nearly as busy, so it's easier to keep people/cars out of the background when I'm taking your picture!

There is a really cool parking garage (I never thought I'd see the day when Nampa needed a parking garage, ha!)

And some of the walls are just really awesome!

It's a great place for me to combine urban images + outdoor images for my seniors without a big drive because then we can hop over to Lake Lowell for sunset.

8. Eagle, Idaho Foothills

This place is a more recent discovery...

I've been coming here for about 2 years now.

It's on private property, but it's just the best!

In June, there are usually some flowers, which is nice.

But this place is really great all year round! Big open skies, lots of rolling hills, and the light when it hits those hills is just insanely perfect! (plus, I haven’t seen a single snake yet… yay!)

9. Boise Foothills

The Boise foothills can be AMAZING.

It's not private property, but I have literally zero idea how I'd tell you how to get to these particular hills.

You'll have to follow me.

I took my 3 girls up here for a session this spring, and the flowers that were there for my grandma's engagement pictures were gone, but the green hills were simply spectacular. I take a lot of my seniors and engagement couples up here and we just have a blast!

I currently have two very favorite spots up here, and I can’t draw a map to either of them haha! Just pull off the side of the road when I see it!

*EXTRA -

Just past the spot in the foothills that I love (and by just past I mean like 45 minutes further haha) - there’s this AMAZING place. I did an engagement session here just before the snow fell and the road was blocked for the year, but OH YES I will be back!

10. The Orchards in Marsing, Idaho

This is a rare occurrence...

In fact, one year my client and I drove all the way out there to discover that a major storm the night before had blown ALL the petals away!

And you have to get direct permission from the orchard owners every time.

But, when the trees are blossoming it's TOTALLY worth the drive and the hassle.

Spring blossoms are SO much fun!

BONUS: Swan Falls Dam

This is my new favorite spot. I have a special cliff area I know and love. I don’t recommend this spot for those will toddlers (or disobedient kids haha), but for older families and engagement sessions and seniors, and basically ANYTHING else, this place is so IDAHO and has the best sweeping views!