3 top locations for family photos in Elk Grove
The best places for family photos in Elk Grove
When it comes to family portraits, picking your location for your session can be a challenge when you aren’t familiar with good areas and aren’t sure what type of location is best for a family session. One of the best parts of hiring a professional photographer who’s been doing this whole picture-taking thing for a while is that I can offer you some insight and suggestions on some great locations. Using a location that the photographer is familiar with, having good knowledge about the lighting, and has a general familiarity with the location is a must.
Elk Grove, California is a charming little city that offers some beautiful locations for portraits. Elk Grove and its surrounding area has lots of parks, nature trails, and a downtown area that will give your family portraits some amazing backdrops. The following 3 locations are some of my absolute favorites to use when it comes to family portraits. Each offers something special and won’t disappoint you if you choose them as your location.
Jack Hill Park
Description:
This neighborhood park is tucked down a quiet side street in a very nice neighborhood. It is 7.5 acres of beautiful, lush grounds that are part of a nature trail. There are groves of trees all over. The center of the park has a bathroom, parking lot and play structure. There is a footbridge not far from the play structure that leads to the other side of the trail. Depending on what time of year you visit there are amazing flowers and foliage that accentuate all portraits. Running through the nature area is a tiny little creek with ducks and geese swimming or bathing at any given time of day. There are so many great spots throughout the park that offer a great background for your photo sessions. It is perfect for all types of sessions, but definitely for family sessions.
Recommended Time:
Jack Hill Park’s real beauty comes to life during that golden hour which is typically 1½ to 2 hours prior to sunset.
Parking:
They do have a parking lot and on a rare occasion it is full, there is parking on the street along the park.
Fee:
There is no fee for the park
Key Features:
Lots of trees and areas to do poses
Small creek that is easily accessible
Walking paths and trails
Quiet off the path spots
Bathroom for changing clothes
Good for large family sessions
Sessions at Jack Hill Park:
Cosumnes River Preserve
Description:
The Preserve is centered along the Cosumnes River and consists of over 10 miles of trails located around the main Visitor Center. There are opportunities for wildlife and plant viewing all year! The Preserve is home to hundreds of species of flora and fauna. There is a big parking lot and there is no fee to access the preserve.
Recommended Time:
The best time to take advantage of the Preserve is during that golden hour which is typically 1½ to 2 hours prior to sunset.
Parking:
They do have a large parking area right in front of their visitor center. On the occasion the lot is closed you can park on the street access.
Fee:
There is no charge to get into the preserve.
Key Features:
1. Lots of trees and areas to do poses
2. A lot of walking paths and trails
3. Several bridges to pose on
4. Quiet off the path spots
5. Beautiful nature area and very serene
6. Good for large family sessions
Sessions at Cosumnes River Preserve:
Camden Lake Area
Description:
Located in a quiet neighborhood, Camden Park Greenbelt offers an extensive walking and biking path along a scenic lake. Most of this area is shaded with various species of trees throughout the extensive well-maintained grass areas. Large willow trees sway in the breeze near the lake that runs through the center of the greenbelt. There is a long trail that crosses over a bridge. This is a great spot for all types of photo sessions. The large lake in the center is a big plus, but so are the beautiful hanging willow trees and the bridge on the trail.
Recommended Time:
The golden hour time is best for this location, especially if you want to pose near the lake and the bridge. You could do early in the morning, but it limits the areas that can be used.
Parking:
This is in a neighborhood and there is street parking along the path areas.
Fee:
There is no fee for this area
Key Features:
1. Big lake for water photos
2. Big willow trees with hanging branches
3. Long walking trail to make it easier to walk around the area
4. A bridge on the trail for great photo ops
5. Easy to layout a blanket
6. Perfect for large family sessions, cake smashes, and senior portraits
Sessions at Camden Lake:
Being from Elk Grove, California I’m always on the hunt for great locations to do portrait sessions. If you know of one that you would like to use for your family session, please let me know. I love discovering new places and will help you find the perfect location for your next family portrait session. If you are interested in booking a family session, please contact me through my contact page. I would love to send you my Portrait Welcome Guide which will walk you through the entire booking process and answer any questions you may have.
To see other article on family sessions see below:
