Sacramento is great for a lot of things, from fine dining, nature trails, and gorgeous parks for your photography session; but unless you live local or have spent time exploring, it can be hard to find some pretty cool spots! Below are my top 5 favorite places to take new clients too for epic portraits no matter the session.

1. Folsom Lake Granite Bay Entrance in Granite Bay, CA. Unfortunately this entrance has been hit or miss this year due to the massive amounts of rain we had last winter and the construction to fix up the roads. But, this is the home of the gorgeous lupines in the spring and makes for some gorgeous images despite! Enter the lake at the Granite Bay entrance and take the scenic drive ALL the way back. You’ll pass by epic fields, tall gorgeous weeping trees, then landing you in a parking lot where you can hike back into the lupines (during the season) or up hills to amazing views.

2. UC Davis Public Garden in Davis, CA. In the heart of the University lies a long and gorgeous public garden! From roses and flowers, to wide open grassy fields, and a section of redwoods that transport you to the forest. The Public Garden has a LOT to offer. This is where I mainly shoot my Christmas Minis, but I have wondered the path for pregnancy announcement photos leading to some wonderful patches of green grass!

3. The State Capitol in Sacramento, CA. Although the Capitol has been under construction for MOST of the summer and fall, the grounds are well kept with beautiful flowers and trees. I’ll have to say Sundays are the best time to have a session at the Capitol (unless an event is scheduled.) The cement steps up to the Capitol doors, walk-way of trees, and the rose garden are just some of the spots that the Capitol has to offer. Classy or casual outfits will fit in perfectly here!

4. Auburn Courthouse in Auburn, CA. The courthouse in the heart of Auburn offers Capitol vibes! A long staircase up to the building creates a lovely visual for the eyes, or take a walk to the other side of the building for a peek a boo hallway. Easy, convenient, and well kept grounds makes this place a wonderful option for families with young kids to have a session at!

5. Veterans Memorial Park in Roseville, CA. If you’re client is wanting an easy, casual, and accessible place for a session, look no further than this park! They recently redid the trail into the park but it still is as gorgeous as it was before! Right at the entrance of the park is a gorgeous set of weeping trees and green lush grass perfect for the whole family! Pets enjoy the outdoors and moms enjoy the gorgeous sunlight peeking through the trees in their photos. Don’t sleep on this location, I promise it’ll deliver.

Overall the Greater Sacramento Region has a variety of options for your clients to choose from for their next session location. From rows of flowers, to downtown vibes, and open grassy fields are just the beginning of the locations our region has to offer. Don’t be afraid to location hunt either! You never know if the next hot location is going to be right in your neighborhood! Happy Location Hunting, share your images if you try any of these locations!