Best Locations for Family Photos in Sacramento, CA

Best locations for family photos in Sacramento — this might be the question I get asked more than any other! As a Sacramento family photographer, I spend a lot of time chasing light and scouting spots, and the honest answer is: it depends on the season. Sacramento’s beauty changes so much throughout the year, from blooming almond orchards in February to golden pampas grass in October, and knowing when to visit each spot makes all the difference between a good session and one that feels truly magical.

Below, I’m sharing six of my favorite locations, the ones I keep coming back to year after year, organized by the time of year they’re at their best. These aren’t just “here’s a pretty place” recommendations — they come from real experience shooting in each one, so I’m including the little things I’ve learned along the way: when to go and what to expect once you’re there.

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The Best Locations for Family Photos in Sacramento by Season

Sacramento’s rhythm of blooms, colors, and light shifts every few months, and honestly, part of what I love about my job is following that rhythm with my camera. I’ve organized these locations the way I’d actually plan out a year of family sessions — starting in late winter and moving all the way through fall.

Almond Blossom Orchards in Dixon — Late February to Early March

If you want something truly one-of-a-kind, the almond orchards just outside Dixon are hard to beat, and they might be my favorite hidden gem on this whole list. Very few regions in the country have working almond orchards, and photographers all over the nation dream of shooting in one — we happen to have them right in our backyard, and I never take that for granted. When the trees bloom, the rows fill with soft white and blush-pink blossoms, and the whole scene feels like something out of a dream.

The catch is that this bloom is fleeting, and it keeps me on my toes every year. It typically arrives sometime between mid-February and early March, but the exact timing depends entirely on the weather that year — even the farmers themselves don’t know the precise window until the season gets close. According to the Almond Board of California, the bloom usually lasts only two to three weeks before petals begin to fall. Because of that, sessions here take a little flexibility on everyone’s part, and I always build in room to shift the date if the bloom is running early or late.

This particular orchard is on private property, reserved just for my clients, so if the bloom has already passed or the timing doesn’t quite line up with your session, don’t worry — I have beautiful backup locations ready to go. This same soft, romantic light also makes almond orchards one of my favorite spots for Sacramento maternity photographer sessions, so if you’re expecting, keep this one tucked away for later too.

Strawberry Farm — May Through July

For a session that feels playful, colorful, and full of life, Granny Mays Strawberry Farm in Granite Bay is one of my absolute go-to spots. May is peak strawberry season and the fields are at their fullest and most photogenic, though early June still works beautifully if your schedule doesn’t line up with the earliest weeks. As a bonus, once strawberry season winds down, blackberries take over in July, giving you another full month to shoot in those same lush, green rows if you miss the spring window.

I love this location for families with little ones who love to get hands-on — there’s something about kids picking berries that brings out the most genuine, unposed smiles I get to capture all year. It’s consistently one of the best locations for family photos in Sacramento if your family loves a farm-fresh, candid feel.

Lavender Field — Late May Through June

There’s nothing quite like a field of lavender in full bloom, and Araceli Lavender Farm in Dixon delivers exactly that every single time. The bloom window runs from late May through June, and because this is such a wide-open, sun-soaked space, golden hour isn’t just a nice-to-have here — it’s a must, in my opinion. Shooting late in the day gives us that warm, glowing light that makes lavender sessions feel so dreamy, without the harshness of midday sun.

A quick tip if you’re booking this one: light, breathable fabrics go a long way here since you’ll be out in full sun for the whole session. If you need a hand pulling outfits together, I’ve put together a full guide on what to wear for outdoor family photos that works especially well for a location like this.

Pampas Grass — September Through November (Best in October)

This one surprises a lot of people — pampas grass isn’t around in Sacramento year-round, it’s actually seasonal, and I love getting to introduce clients to that little fact. I shoot this one at a park in the Sacramento area that I keep intentionally a bit under wraps, since it’s not a huge, well-known destination and I’d love to keep it feeling special for my clients. The plumes start showing up in September and stick around through November, but October is when they’re at their fullest, most beautiful stage. By the time we hit November, the grass is still there, but it’s already starting to look a bit past its prime.

The tall, wispy plumes create such a soft, textured backdrop, and they pair so beautifully with warmer fall tones in your family’s wardrobe. If you’re hoping to book this spot, October is the sweet spot to aim for — it’s one of the best locations for family photos in Sacramento if you’re after that dreamy, textured fall look without leaving the city.

Golden Fields — Late Summer Into Fall

Some of my favorite sessions don’t happen at a single, named location at all, and this one’s a bit different from the rest. Throughout late summer and into fall, Sacramento’s rolling hillsides turn that classic warm, golden color, and I keep an eye out each year for wherever those dried grasses are looking their fullest and most beautiful. Because this spot depends on where the light and the grass are cooperating in a given year, it doesn’t have one fixed address — it varies, and honestly, that’s part of what makes it so special to me.

It’s especially stunning in the fall, when the golden tones of the grass pair with that warm, low light of late-afternoon sun for the glowy, editorial look so many families ask for. Since the exact field changes year to year, this is somewhere I scout personally ahead of each season, so if a golden-field session is on your wish list, just mention it during your planning call and I’ll factor it into where we shoot.

Folsom Lake — Beautiful Year-Round

If you want a location that photographs beautifully no matter the season, Folsom Lake is it, and it’s one I always feel confident recommending. The Folsom Lake State Recreation Area actually changes look throughout the year depending on the water level, so no two seasons here ever feel quite the same — which is part of what makes it such a versatile, reliable choice for families.

One tip if you’re planning a summer session: we avoid Folsom Lake on weekends during the hottest months, since Saturdays especially bring out a crowd of lake-goers and the beach areas get a little too busy for a relaxed family session. Outside of those peak summer weekends, though, honestly, this spot just works — spring, fall, even winter, when the lake gets quiet and kind of magical in its own way. If you’re already thinking about ways to get your family outside once it cools down, I put together a list of my favorite family friendly things to do in Sacramento, and a few of them pair really nicely with a lake-side session.

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How to Choose the Right Season for Your Sacramento Family Session

If you’re trying to decide when to book, here’s the quick-glance version I’d send a friend:

• Late February–early March: Almond blossoms in Dixon (romantic, soft, fleeting)
• May–July: Strawberry farm in Granite Bay (playful, colorful, hands-on)
• Late May–June: Lavender field (dreamy, golden-hour glow)
• Late summer–fall: Golden fields (warm, glowy, editorial — location varies by year)
• September–November, peak in October: Pampas grass at a Sacramento-area park (textured, moody fall tones)
• Year-round: Folsom Lake (versatile, changes with the seasons)

No matter which of these best locations for family photos in Sacramento you choose, the most important thing is picking the one that feels like your family — your personality, your season, your story. I always love helping families figure that out during our planning call, so don’t stress over picking the “perfect” one alone.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I book my Sacramento family session? For seasonal locations like the almond orchard, lavender farm, or strawberry farm, I recommend booking 2-3 months ahead so we can plan around bloom timing and get you on the calendar before that spot fills up. Folsom Lake and golden field sessions tend to be a bit more flexible since they’re less weather-dependent — a nice option if you’re planning last-minute!

What happens if a bloom (like the almond blossoms or lavender) runs early or late? Honestly, this happens more than you’d think, since blooms are dictated by nature, not a calendar! If timing shifts, I’ll work with you to adjust your session date within that location’s window, or move to a backup spot so you’re never left without a beautiful option.

Can we request a specific location, or do you choose for us? I love this question, and honestly, it’s one of my favorite parts of the planning appointment! Every session is tailored to your family, so this is very much a conversation, not something I decide on my own. I’d love to hear if you have a location, a vibe, or even just a feeling in mind for your photos — and if there’s somewhere specific you’re dreaming of, I’m always happy to go scout it out and see how we can make it work. If you’d rather leave it in my hands, that’s wonderful too! I’ve spent years exploring Sacramento and have a soft spot for the locations that photograph the most beautifully each season, so I’m always thrilled to share those with you. Either way, we’ll land on something that feels just right for your family.

Do any of these locations require an additional fee? Some, like the strawberry farm and lavender field, may have their own entry or reservation fees separate from your session fee with me, since they’re private working farms. I’ll walk you through exactly what to expect for whichever location you choose, so there are no surprises.

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Ready to Book Your Sacramento Family Session?

Every one of these locations offers something a little different, and honestly, part of what I love most about planning family sessions is matching the right season and setting to your family’s story. If you’re ready to get on the calendar, I’d love to help you pick the perfect spot for the time of year you’re booking.

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