Top Ten Locations
Choosing a location can make all the difference in your session. Each of these spots has its own look, feel, and little quirks, so I’ve put together my top 10 favorite locations to help you find the right fit.
For each location, you’ll find a quick breakdown of the scenery, accessibility, and overall feel so you can get a better idea of what to expect before your session.
Browse each option, find the one that feels like you, and we’ll go from there. And if you’re still unsure, don’t worry! I’m always happy to help you choose the perfect backdrop for your session.
Kathryn Albertson Park (Boise)
Scenery
Kathryn Albertson Park is a peaceful nature park along the Boise River. It features winding paths, mature trees, open grassy areas, ponds, bridges, and plenty of natural greenery. The scenery feels especially beautiful in spring and summer when everything is vibrant and full, while fall brings gorgeous golden and earthy tones. It offers a nice mix of open space and more intimate tucked-away backdrops.
Accessibility
The park has paved and well-maintained walking paths throughout, making it relatively easy to navigate and a good option for families, little ones, and clients who may not want to hike. There are plenty of areas to move between without needing to travel far, although some of the best photo spots may require a short walk from the parking area.
Overall Feel
Peaceful, romantic, and naturally elegant. Kathryn Albertson Park has a soft, garden-like feel. It works beautifully for all session types, especially if you want a variety of natural backdrops all in one location.
Two Rivers (Eagle)
Scenery
This little stretch of the Eagle Greenbelt is a beautiful mix of river shores, mature trees, and the natural landscape along the Boise River. It has a more relaxed, understated look than some of the larger parks, with plenty of soft woodsy vibes and pockets of shade. The trees and pathways create a natural, slightly wild backdrop that photographs beautifully without feeling overly manicured.
Accessibility
This location has a slight hill leading down to the trees and water. It also has lots of natural stumps and fallen trees to navigate around and over. Comfortable closed-toe shoes are recommended for this location. It has minimal walking otherwise due to its small size.
Overall Feel
Quiet, natural, and effortlessly pretty. This is a great option if you want a relaxed outdoor session with trees and a little bit of wild nature without committing to a long walk or a large park.
Dedication Point (Melba)
Scenery
Dedication Point is all about the dramatic views. Perched above the Snake River, it offers sweeping views of the canyon, rugged cliffs, rolling hills, and wide-open Idaho landscape. The scenery feels expansive and dramatic, especially around golden hour when the landscape takes on warm, glowing tones. It’s a beautiful choice for couples or families who want their photos to feel distinctly Idaho and outdoorsy.
Accessibility
The location is fairly easy to access by car (though it is a long drive out into the desert without much else around). There is a moderately flat walk to reach the main viewpoints. The terrain around the overlooks can be uneven and rocky, so comfortable shoes are recommended. There isn’t much shade, which makes it especially important to plan around the weather and time of day. Small children and animals must be watched closely because the cliffs have a sheer drop.
Overall Feel
Wild, expansive, and adventurous. Dedication Point has a more rugged feel than a traditional park or garden, making it perfect for sessions that embrace Idaho’s natural landscape. It’s especially beautiful for clients who love a little adventure.
Edwards Greenhouse (Boise)
Scenery
Edwards Greenhouse offers a completely different look from a traditional outdoor location. You’ll find rows of colorful flowers, lush greenery, hanging plants, and beautiful greenhouse structures that create a cozy, garden-inspired setting year-round. The abundance of plants gives photos plenty of texture and color, making this a great choice if you want something vibrant and a little more unique.
Accessibility
The greenhouse setting is relatively easy to navigate, with everything contained in a smaller area and no hiking required. Because it is a working greenhouse, availability and access can vary depending on the season, hours, and current operations, so sessions here may require some planning ahead. Since this is a private business, we must be considerate of their willingness to accommodate us. That being said, come with your wallets! Most of my clients fall in love with at least a few products during our sessions and rarely leave empty-handed.
Overall Feel
Colorful, whimsical, and cozy. Edwards Greenhouse is perfect for anyone who loves flowers and wants their photos to feel warm, lively, and a little unexpected. It’s especially fun for clients who want lots of color and personality.
Military Reserve (Boise)
Scenery
The Military Reserve offers a beautiful mix of open foothills, dirt roads, rolling hills, and wide Boise views. The landscape has a distinctly Idaho feel, with natural textures and earthy tones that photograph especially well at golden hour. Depending on the season, you can get everything from soft green or fall color trees to warm golden grasses.
Accessibility
There are several trails and open areas throughout the reserve, so the exact spot can be tailored to the type of session you’re looking for. Some areas require a bit of walking on uneven or dusty terrain, but you don’t have to commit to a strenuous hike for beautiful scenery. Comfortable shoes are definitely recommended.
Overall Feel
Earthy, adventurous, and natural. Military Reserve is a great choice if you want your photos to feel more wild and outdoorsy without traveling far from Boise. It works especially well for sessions where you want open space, mountain views, and a little bit of that rugged Idaho charm.
Reid Merrill Park (Eagle)
Scenery
Reid Merrill Park offers a simple, natural backdrop with a red bridge over the river, mature trees, and a tunnel of trees over the path. It has a more relaxed greenbelt feeling, with enough variety to create a few different looks without feeling overwhelming. The trees provide lovely texture and pockets of shade, while the river provides a refreshing spot to stop and play.
Accessibility
One of the biggest advantages is its ease of access. The park is relatively flat and easy to navigate, with nearby parking. There is a hill to navigate down off the path to access the river’s shore.
Overall Feel
Casual, warm, and laid-back. Reid Merrill Park is a great choice for sessions that feel natural and comfortable rather than overly styled.
Table Rock Base (Boise)
Scenery
The base of Table Rock offers a beautiful mix of open foothills, sagebrush, rocky terrain, and expansive Idaho skies. You get the recognizable Table Rock landscape without needing to hike all the way to the top. Depending on the season, the foothills can range from desert sage green and wildflowers to warm golden tones, creating a naturally earthy backdrop.
Accessibility
This location is relatively easy to access by car and doesn’t require a strenuous hike to reach the main photo areas. There is some uneven ground and natural terrain, so comfortable shoes are recommended. The open landscape also means there is limited shade, making golden hour ideal.
Overall Feel
Earthy, adventurous, and distinctly Idaho. The base of Table Rock is a great choice for clients who want mountain-and-foothill scenery without committing to a full hiking session. It has a relaxed, outdoorsy feel that works beautifully for most session types.
Scentsy (Meridian)
Scenery
Scentsy offers a more polished and distinctive setting than a traditional outdoor location. The campus has beautiful landscaping, manicured greenery, mature trees, walkways, and architectural elements that create a clean, elevated backdrop. There are plenty of little pockets to move between, giving some variety while still feeling cohesive.
Accessibility
The campus is easy to navigate, with paved walkways and relatively flat terrain. There’s no hiking involved, making it a comfortable option for families, little ones, and clients who want a more effortless session. Because it is a private business campus, availability and access may depend on the time and location.
Overall Feel
Polished, colorful, and whimsical. Scentsy is a fun option when you want something a little different from the typical park.
Indian Creek Greenbelt (Kuna)
Scenery
Indian Creek Greenbelt has a small town charming mix of greenbelt paths, mature trees, and a winding creek that runs through the heart of Kuna. The combination of water, trees, and open space gives you several natural backdrops without feeling like a large, busy park. It has a particularly pretty, cozy feel when the greenery is full.
Accessibility
The greenbelt is relatively easy to navigate, with paved paths and mostly flat terrain. There is a slight hill leading down to the water’s shore. This location is small and perfect for clients who want minimal walking and a few select backdrops.
Overall Feel
Sweet, peaceful, and naturally charming. Indian Creek Greenbelt is perfect for sessions that feel relaxed and genuine.
Boise State Campus (Boise)
Scenery
Boise State offers a fun mix of urban, collegiate, and natural scenery. You can find brick and concrete architecture, tree-lined walkways, grassy areas, and the iconic Bronco details throughout campus. The variety makes it easy to create a gallery that feels a little more modern while still incorporating plenty of Boise nature.
Accessibility
The campus is generally easy to walk around with paved paths and mostly flat terrain. There is quite a bit of walking involved if you want to take advantage of multiple areas, and parking can be more challenging depending on the time and day. Weekends or quieter campus hours can make for a more relaxed session.
Overall Feel
Modern, playful, and full of personality. Boise State is a great option for anyone with a connection to the university. It’s especially fun for clients who want their photos to feel less traditional and a little more urban and fun.
A Few Other Locations to Consider…
Idaho State Capitol (Boise)
Scenery: Elegant architecture, grand steps, columns, and beautiful surrounding landscaping.
Accessibility: Easy to reach with paved walkways and plenty of nearby areas to explore. Some areas may have limited access depending on events or building hours.
Overall Feel: Classic, elegant, and sophisticated.
Idaho Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park (Boise)
Scenery: Open lawns, mature trees, a bridge over the river, and peaceful landscaping.
Accessibility: Easy to access with paved walkways and minimal walking or uneven terrain.
Overall Feel: Simple and peaceful.
Local Farms
Scenery: Seasonal fields filled with pumpkins, lavender, wildflowers, or other colorful blooms.
Accessibility: Varies by farm and season, with some requiring more walking or uneven terrain.
Overall Feel: Colorful, seasonal, and whimsical.
Freak Alley (Boise)
Scenery: Colorful, ever-changing murals, bold artwork, brick walls, and urban textures.
Accessibility: Centrally located and easy to explore on foot, though the alley itself is compact.
Overall Feel: Edgy, colorful, and artistic.
Meridian City Hall (Meridian)
Scenery: Modern architecture, clean lines, landscaped walkways, and open green spaces.
Accessibility: Easy to access with paved areas and plenty of room to move around.
Overall Feel: Modern, polished, and clean.
In Studio
Scenery: Varies by studio, from cozy and intimate, to bright and modern, or editorial.
Accessibility: Typically easy and weather-proof.
Overall Feel: Controlled and versatile.
Rose Garden (Boise)
Scenery: Lush rose beds and seasonal colorful blooms.
Accessibility: Easy to walk through with paved paths and plenty of nearby parking.
Overall Feel: Romantic, colorful, and timeless.
Wilson Creek Pond (Nampa)
Scenery: Peaceful pond views, open grasses, mature trees, and natural greenery.
Accessibility: Easy to reach with relatively flat terrain and minimal walking required.
Overall Feel: Natural and relaxed.
In Home
Scenery: Your home becomes the backdrop, capturing familiar spaces, personal details, and everyday moments.
Accessibility: Convenient, comfortable, and completely weather-proof—especially great for little ones.
Overall Feel: Personal, cozy, and authentic.