Utah Summer Morning Photo Location Guide

Here’s a list of locations that photograph best in the morning. Click each to view more photos in a new tab.

I’m open to starting as early as sunrise, but I understand that may be too early for some. The best lighting typically occurs between 6am and 8:30am — during these hours, the light is soft and flattering. Morning sessions also come with added benefits: fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.

I suggest picking 2–5 favorite locations. Once you send me your top choices, I’ll help you narrow it down to the ideal spot. I’ll consider where you’re staying/reside, the day of the week, and recommend the best start time based on each location’s lighting. For spots with minimal shade, we’ll want to begin earlier, while locations with ample shade allow for a later start.

All of the locations listed below work well right at the early sunrise time. I’ve categorized each one based on the ideal start time to catch the best light. This way, you can decide which location suits you best if you’d prefer not to start right at sunrise. That said, the light will be especially beautiful right at sunrise. Locations with tall buildings and trees provide shadows and open shade, which allows me to continue taking photos well after sunrise. I provide suggested start times because I understand that preparing and traveling to your chosen photo location often means getting up quite early in the morning.

Approximate Utah Sunrise Time Guide (All times stated are Mountain Standard Time)

June - 6am | July (1-15) - 6am • July (15-31) 6:20am | August (1-15) - 6:30am • August (15-31) - 6:45am

All of these locations can also work well in the evening, typically 1 to 3 hours before sunset.

Please Note: As stated in my pricing information “travel fees may apply.”  If a photo location has a travel fee it will be noted in the notes at the top of the photo gallery. Most of the images in each location gallery are images taken from afar so that you can see the location. I always photo closeups and 3/4 length images as well, I don’t post those to the location guide because it does not show the surroundings of the actual location.

I discovered many of these locations through countless hours spent exploring the Utah region. Please understand that I’m unable to provide details about specific photo locations or hiking routes beyond what’s already shared on this website. I only share the exact locations of my spots with clients who have booked a portrait session with me.