If you’ve ever seen photos taken in an almond orchard when the trees are in full bloom, you already know how breathtaking they are. The soft, creamy blossoms, the dreamy petals falling like snow—it’s no wonder these sessions are in high demand every year! But before booking your almond blossom portrait session, there are a few things you should know to make the most of this short-lived season.

1. Almond Orchards Are Private Property

This is one of the most important things to understand—almond orchards are not public spaces. They are privately owned farms, and the orchards are an essential part of the farmer’s livelihood. Before entering an orchard for a session, you or your photographer must have express permission from the owner. Many orchard owners charge a location fee for photography sessions, which helps compensate them for the use of their land.

2. The Bloom Only Lasts About Two Weeks

Almond blossom season is incredibly short—lasting only around two weeks each year. On top of that, the exact timing of the bloom changes from year to year. It depends on rainfall, temperature, and other unpredictable nature and farming factors. Even the orchard owners can’t predict the exact bloom dates far in advance!

For this reason, flexibility is key when scheduling an almond blossom session. If you’re booking a Sacramento almond blossom newborn session or a family session in the almond orchards, be prepared for your date to shift as the bloom approaches. I always work closely with my clients to ensure we capture the blossoms at their peak, but a little flexibility makes all the difference!

3. The Bloom Changes Throughout the Season 

The almond orchard changes a lot during its short bloom period, and each stage has something special to offer. At first, the branches look delicate and airy, with just a few blossoms and a lot of green ground. As the bloom moves along, more petals fall, covering the ground like a soft blanket. No matter when you schedule your session, you’ll get to experience the unique beauty of the blossoms at whatever stage they’re at.

Ready to Book Your Almond Blossom Portrait Session?

The almond blossom season is short but absolutely worth the wait. Whether you’re dreaming of a Sacramento almond blossom newborn session, a maternity session among the blooms, or a family portrait with this once-a-year backdrop, I’d love to capture it for you! Reach out to me HERE to get on my list for February/March 2026 almond blossom portraits—these dates fill quickly every year!