Plus expert tips for taking family photos in Southern Utah from the area’s best photographers.
St. George’s vast array of scenery means you can take a family photo here every year for over a decade and still have drastically different backdrops. Our area’s best photographers have shared their favorite backdrops and tips. Let’s break these photos down by scene and in the end, don’t miss their expert tips for choosing a location and clothing colors that fit your family.
Red Rock
What I love about shooting in red rocks is it is beautiful every time of year ! You may get a little sand in your shoes , but the beautiful landscape is hard to beat and truly what speaks Southern Utah!
Captured By Chanelle Photography
White Rock
Photos by Hayley Bradshaw Photography:
I LOVE shooting here because there is so much variety! You can have a solid white, natural backdrop or peek into Snow Canyon and see the red rocks. This location is a bit of a hike – and it’s through sand – so if you select this location, I recommend bringing a separate pair of shoes for the walk in. There is also quite the climb if you want to shoot in the rocks (which I usually don’t do because I photograph families with small children). This location is beautiful to photograph all year.
Hayley Bradshaw Photography
Black Rock
Photos by Hayley Bradshaw Photography:
Bonus* This location is a 2 minute drive from Arcadia.
I LOVE shooting here! This is probably my favorite place to shoot in Southern Utah because it is so unique. There is literally nowhere else in the world like it (maybe Hawaii.. but they don’t have our beautiful red mountains). This location is easily accessible with very little walking and is by a bike path. This location is beautiful to photograph all year.
Hayley Bradshaw Photography
Sand
Snow Canyon State Park is absolutely full of gorgeous locations. Keep in mind you DO need a permit to shoot within the park (it can take up to three weeks to process). The sand dunes have beautiful backdrops on all sides so you can get a lot of variety with your feet planted in one spot. It is, obviously, very sandy – so be prepared for that! This location is beautiful to shoot all year.
Hayley Bradshaw Photography
Greenery
I love to shoot at the Tonaquint Gardens because it is a green paradise in the middle of the desert! It has lots of trees, grassy areas, and a whole nature center that can make it look like you are in the middle of a forest! There isn’t a lot of prep in order to shoot here for the families. I recommend wearing neutral or pastel colors to complement the green background when taking photos here! I love shooting here from the spring through the fall because you can capture blossoms on the trees in spring, beautiful bold colors in summer, and rich/warm colors for fall!
Lauren Wrigley from Wrigley Photo
Desert Plants
Water
Taking family pictures at the Virgin River or around another body of water is more of a fun, family activity and less of a stress-filled, perfection-seeking experience. I love hanging out with families in the water and capturing the fun moments as they splash each other and just enjoy the time!
The best time of year for a water session is probably May through September. Sometimes the river gets muddy during our July monsoon season, so there might be a couple weeks where you’d want to avoid photos here.
Kassidy Baker Photography
I really like the lighting that comes through the trees just before sunset at this location. When choosing this location, it is the Dixie Red Hills Golf Course, we do have to get permission the day of and they do have us follow the last golfer. So I usually shoot there the last hour before sunset.
I also suggest they do not match the backdrop. It’s best to wear clothes and colors that complement it instead of blend in.
Amber Wallis Photography
Downtown
Tips on Choosing a Location in Southern Utah
I’ve worked with these 8 talented photographers over the past few weeks and can vouch that they respond quickly and are wonderful to work with. Whether you’re a St. George local, or traveling here with family, I highly recommend hiring them to capture your memories.
- Lauren Wrigley Photography
- Malea Ellett Photography
- Hayley Bradshow Photo & Film
- Jostlyn Photo & Film
- Kassidy Baker Photography
- Mallorie Wilson Photography
- Amber Wallis Photography
- Captured by Chanelle Photography
Arcadia is here to help you experience a better vacation. We’ve got your entertainment and lodging covered. Book a home to play together and book a photographer to reminisce together.
