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 :)
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 :)
Thank you Tatyana, this is great for other photographers who are lack of new locations, like me.
ReplyDeleteYou have taken beautiful photos on these places.
Let me know when will be your next move on the photoshoot. I hope I have the chance.
What a wonderful post! Thanks so much for sharing :) very useful!
ReplyDeleteThanks indeed for sharing
ReplyDeleteWOW! This is really an amazing and attractive post. I appreciate your posted wonderful photos. Thanks for sharing such an interesting post.
ReplyDeleteSalland Storage
For the salmon falls bridge when's the best time of year to go
ReplyDeleteSpringtime in May and April is best to capture the flowers :)
DeleteHi I'm loving the coloma country inn but it looks like its been closed..is it still kept up enough for photographs or gone to crap
ReplyDeleteHI Courtney, I am actually not sure what is going on there, I have not visited there since last year. Maybe you could give them a call and see?
DeleteThanks. I love all your photos. Is there a season for the wild flower field at salmon falls bridge.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. All of your photos are beautiful! I was wondering, of all the places above, which is the best location for fall family photoshoots?
ReplyDeleteThank you :) My favorite is Jensen Botanical Garden for fall photos. Although you would need to wait about two more weeks for the leaves to look their best fall colors.
DeleteDo you know any places in Sacramento or near sac for retro/vintage style engagement photo shoot, I really like coloma country inn but it's closed =( that would be a perfect The Notebook Inspired E-session =P anyhow do you recommend going anywhere else? thank you!
ReplyDeleteHi Chau, I'm not sure about any other retro/vintage places, i think your best bet would be to do to old town folsom or sac, or even placerville. They have some sweet buildlings for a vintage shoot. Personally, i would go to a carnival, with the right makeup and clothes you can get some amazing vintage/retro shots there!
DeleteHi Tatyanna,
DeleteHow about some places for Spring E-session. Do you recommend any other nice places. Thanks so much. I"m taking pic this sunday and was going to Dafodill Hill and they closed =(
Hi Chau. I recommend Dry Creek Community Park. I was just driving by the other day and the place is beautiful right now, flowers in bloom, trees are green and a little creek running through. Also, i just saw someone post photos from Coloma Country Inn, so its worth to check into that as well!
DeleteThanks for your help. Where did u see recent photoshoot at coloma country inn? I called their # but the # is invalid. I wanna make the drive to check it out tomorrow.. Can u tell me where you saw those pics recently. Thank you!
Deletehttps://www.facebook.com/Finemotions?fref=photo
DeleteHi there! I was wondering on how exactly to get to Salmon fall bridge. Or the location from your Salmon fall photos. Will I need to hike to get to the location?
ReplyDeleteThere is a paid parking lot on the right side as soon as you cross the bridge (coming from freeway 50). The flowers are right there, you would need to hike for a minute to get to them :)
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ReplyDeleteYour photos are amazing! You are blessed with photography. I was just wondering if you can describe the location of where exactly you took the pictures at the Powerhouse and Willow Creek. Also, where else would you recommend for a maternity shoot? Thanks a bunch!
ReplyDeleteYour photos are amazing! You are blessed with photography. I was just wondering if you can describe the location of where exactly you took the pictures at the Powerhouse and Willow Creek. Also, where else would you recommend for a maternity shoot? Thanks a bunch!
ReplyDeleteHi Christine. I suggest you go ahead of time and check out both places, they are not big so it won't take too long. I prefer Willow Creek over Powerhouse because it is simpler and there is more light. At the Powerhouse you need to pay $10 parking plus you need to have a special license to shoot there. I believe parking at Willow Creek is $7. Good luck! Let me know how it goes!
DeleteAt the powerhouse you can avoid the parking fee by parking in the city lot diagonally across the street
DeleteAlso if you don't look like you are obviously doing a photoshoot too much and go before they open, no one really says anything. If you are shooting down below out of , they don't really know you are there. I have shot there several times and have never been asked for a permit. If you don't do things that raise red flags, and stay low key, you should be ok. Stay down in lower part and you are good to go
DeleteThank you for sharing Tatyana
ReplyDeleteDo any of these places require photo permit?
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteDo you know where there are naturally bloomed flowers this time of year? Is it too hot for that?
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing. I'm doing a shoot in Sacramento and your post is very helpful in finding beautiful areas in this town. Thanks again!
ReplyDeleteHow do you get to Folsom bridge? I'm currently trying to look for it on Google, but it just shows me Folsom Bridge center.
ReplyDeleteHave you been able to scout anywhere in South Sacramento?
ReplyDeleteAnother really cool place is Graffiti Bridge by Davis,
Hi I love the fair oaks village photos but ive looked for the address but I just get the village apartments of fairoaks
ReplyDeletereally appreciate you sharing your scouting!
ReplyDeleteHello,
ReplyDeleteAll these photos and shoot recommendations are wonderful! I am curious if you have any specific recommendations for engagement photoshoots during the fall in the Sacramento area? Thank you! :)
Hello,
ReplyDeleteAll these photos and shoot recommendations are wonderful! I am curious if you have any specific recommendations for engagement photoshoots during the fall in the Sacramento area? Thank you! :)
Thank you so much for the recommendations! Your photographs are absolutely STUNNING!
ReplyDeleteI read your blog and after read you blog I feel that your blog is worth for us. Thank you for sharing these awesome photographs with us. Looking forward to see more worth blogs in future.
ReplyDeleteFolsom Portrait photographer