Folsom Powerhouse Senior Photography. Alyssa.

I am so thankful Alyssa and her mom chose me to take her senior photos. 

 Alyssa was a joy to shoot and she has the most stunningly beautiful eyes and smile!

 Thank you for putting your trust in me during the photoshoot ;

 I am THRILLED at the result of your senior pictures and I hope you enjoy these for a lifetime!

 

Hidden Sacramento: 10 places for photography in the Sacramento Area.

As a photographer I spend countless hours scouting for locations via the internet and driving through Sacramento. I have done it so much that every time I am out of the house I check out every little corner, field, old barn, fallen tree, brick building, flower fields and everything else in between to see if I can use it for a photo shoot. How does the light fall on it? What would be the best angle to shoot? Is it a private property, and if it is then how can I bribe the owner to let me use their yard for shooting? Would my client agree to climb in there? Would there be any snakes, spiders? Scouting for locations has taken over my life.
And I do not mind one bit. I love how photography has changed the way I view the world. Photography has taught me to see beauty in every single thing and capturing that beauty is the most rewarding thing I have ever done.
Now, back to our topic. I have put together a little guide for photographers like me, who are constantly looking for different and new places to shoot at. I hope you enjoy it and try these places out.
Here are my top 10 favorite shooting places. In no particular order.

Number 10. Folsom Bridge. Folsom Bridge has a variety of surroundings you can choose from. From the actual bridge overlooking the river, to a paved path leading to a hidden area that gives a beautiful view of the bridge and a lovely backdrop of green hills.

Number 9. Coloma Country Inn in Coloma CA. Only a short drive from Sacramento you will find this gem for photographers. If you like vintage antique things with a romantic feel than you will love this place. If you are looking for outdoor chandeliers, swings, boats, ponds, and weeping willows then this is your place. Please be respectful to the Inn guests/owners and call ahead to see if you can shoot there at a particular time. Lets be respectful and professional with them so they can continue to allow us to use their premises.

Number 8. Folsom Powerhouse in Folsom CA. Oh my Canon, this place is amazing. Yes, there is a line of photographers there longer than the line at Best Buy on Black Friday, but it is soooo worth it. Paths made out of old rocks, abandoned brick buildings, fallen trees, bridge views and green ivy vines are just waiting to be photographed.

Number 7. Elmanto Drive River Access, Rancho Cordova.  Most people come here to swim in the summer, but that red land, blue water and astonishing "cliffs" make it a out of this world photography backdrop.

Nubmer 6. Fair Oaks Bridge, Fair Oaks CA. This red bridge is quite popular with photographers, and it is obvious why. It is surrounded by beautiful scenery with tall green trees, golden grass, and a deep blue river that runs through it.

Number 5. Negro Bar, Folsom CA. I love this place. Love the boat dock, love the bridge view, love the cliffs in the background.

Number 4. Willow Creek Recreation Area, Folsom CA. A perfect place to capture a fairytale look with many paths and trees all around, a little bridge to be creative with, an island of rocks that create an alluring view, tree logs laying on the ground and a boat dock that can help you get beautiful water shots.

Number 3. Folsom Lake, Beal's Point CA. The lighting here was so amazing, it took my breath away!My favorite time to shoot here is at sunset, when the sun is hidden behind the trees and you get a nice pink tone to your pictures that gives people a beautiful creamy complexion.  The area includes mini sandy hills (if you compose it just right you can make it look like a huge desert) and a gorgeous view of the lake.

Number 2. Fair Oaks Village. As you can tell by the name, is a small village that consists of a variety of mini antique stores and little coffee shops that can give you a vintage look to your background. With chicken and roosters running around, you might really think you stepped back in time.

Number 1. Salmon Falls Bridge in El Dorado Hills ( Yes, I know this is not in Sacramento, but how can I not put this up)  This has got to be my favorite place to shoot at. Flower fields, bridges, streams, hills and rocks = perfection.

Feel free to share your favorite places in the comments below :)