When our family moved to the Sacramento area ten years ago, (and instantly fell in love), we immediately set about finding the best locations in the area to take pictures of our own family, and of our clients.
The first thing to think about when finding a good place for pictures is light. Great outdoor pictures live or die by the direction and quality of the sun. Great pictures usually dont happen in the middle of the day when the sun is directly overhead. Great pictures mostly happen in the morning or evening when the sun is low.
Because we have to time our pictures around the sun, its best to find a place that is very convenient, especially as the size of your family increases. (We’ve tried driving to great locations 45 mins to an hour away, but our six-month-old fails to see the value in it.)
With that in mind, at least one of these locations in the Greater Sacramento area should be convenient for your family.
East Sacramento
Secret Ravine (Roseville): Secret Ravine is a small tributary to the American River, just small enough to be perfect location for a water backdrop. The best place to access Secret Ravine is from the parking lot behind Black Angus. There is a short trail (about 100 feet or less) near the back of the lot which leads down to the creek. Plan to take the pictures about two hours before sunset for that perfect light.
Central Sacramento
State Capitol Park (Sacramento): State Capitol Park is on the west side of the state capitol and its absolutely gorgeous. The park is full of a variety of old and well manicured trees and a rose garden. Because of the size and variety of trees you’re almost guaranteed to find one in bloom to provide a colorful backdrop. Plan for about two hours after sunrise, or two hours before sunset.
South Sacramento
Sunrise Dam Park (Folsom): Sunrise Dam Park is part of the American River Bike Trail, next to Sunrise Dan, close to Highway 50. On the north side of the park there is a beautiful stand of trees and reeds next to the river (the reeds are seasonal). Keep walking up the bike trail for more options and backdrops.
For more information go to www.manhartphotography.com.
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