The question I get asked most often is:
“Where should we take our pictures?”
And I’m always tempted to answer: “Somewhere pretty.”
Helpful, right?
But then we get into the real questions.
Do you want mountains?
Trees?
Tumbleweeds?
Fields?
Water?
Color?
Do you want to look like you wandered into a gorgeous New Mexico sunset by accident?
And perhaps the most important question of all:
How far are you willing to walk while wearing the shoes you just told me were “totally comfortable”?
Because I have questions.
And if we're photographing your family, we may need to discuss an entirely different set of logistics:
How fast can your toddler run?
Does anyone need a snack?
How many snacks?
Is there a dog involved? Please say yes.
How cooperative is your teenager? Or husband?
I promise, I've seen it all.
The good news is you don't have to figure out the perfect location before you book your session.
That's actually part of what you hired me for.
Albuquerque, New Mexico has some really beautiful places for photos.
We have the mountains. The bosque. Historic adobe buildings. Open fields. Farms. Colorful city spots. And, for about one magical week every year, hundreds of hot air balloons float across the sky.
Honestly, we're pretty spoiled here.
These are some of my favorite photo locations around Albuquerque, along with a few ideas to help you decide which one might be right for you.
1. Alameda Open Space: For the Family Who Wants a Little Bit of Everything
Perfect for: Families, kids, seniors, and couples! ANYONE. You. Your dog. Everyone! Bring 'em all!
The feel: Natural, relaxed, and timeless.
Photographer's note: This is a great choice if you want beautiful scenery without your background completely stealing the show. The people still get to be the focus. If you love trees, open space, creamy, dreamy sunsets, and that beautiful Bosque feeling, the Alameda Open Space is a wonderful option.
One of the things I love most about photographing here is the light! It's magical. All year!
2. Tin Can Alley: For Something a Little More Fun
Perfect for: Seniors, couples, small families
The feel: Colorful, fun, modern
Photographer's note: Maybe fields aren't your thing.
Maybe you don't want to stand in front of a mountain.
Maybe you want color. Graffiti. Funky. Personality. Texture. Something different. Hello, Tin Can Alley.
I love locations that give us interesting backgrounds without requiring us to drive all over Albuquerque during your session. This area has a more modern, playful feel and is a great choice when you want your photos to feel a little less traditional.
3. Old Town: Because You Can't Get Much More Albuquerque Than This
Adobe walls. Wooden doors. Beautiful textures. Little tucked-away corners.
Perfect for: Seniors, couples, families
The feel: Southwestern, town feel, and full of character
Photographer's note: Old Town is one of those places where we can literally walk around and keep finding something new. One minute we're photographing against a beautiful textured adobe wall, and the next we've found a colorful doorway or a quiet little corner or a gazebo that looks completely different.
4. Balloon Fiesta: For a Session That Is So Very Albuquerque
There is something absolutely magical about waking up while it's still dark, looking up, and watching hundreds of colorful balloons begin to fill the sky.
And every single year, I think:
How do we actually get to live here?! I wrote about it more if you want to read that, click here.
Balloon Fiesta photos are only available in early October and require flexibility because Mother Nature and balloon pilots don't exactly work for me...but when everything comes together, there is nothing quite like it. Inside or outside of the park, at the crack of dawn or a night-time glow, this is magic.
You aren't just getting family pictures. You are getting an experience!
Perfect for: Families, couples, visiting family, and anyone wanting a uniquely Albuquerque backdrop
The feel: Joyful, colorful, energetic, and magical
Photographer's note: The balloons are the boss. 😂 Wind and weather can change everything, so flexibility is essential. But when it works--SO worth it. It costs money to get into the park if you want the session in the park and logistics are a task in and of themselves, but please can we go?
5. Big Jim's: For the Family Who Wants to Play
I love photographing families in places where they can actually do something.
Because while I absolutely want the beautiful photo where everyone is looking at the camera...
I also want the photo of your child laughing. Smelling the sunflowers. Picking pumpkins in the fall.
I want Dad carrying someone on his shoulders. I want someone running.
I want the in-between moments.
Perfect for: Families, kids, and playful sessions
The feel: Seasonal, relaxed, playful, and nostalgic
Photographer's note: Big Jim's can be such a fun option because of its seasonal personality and relaxed setting.
And kids generally don't need much convincing to enjoy being somewhere they can explore.
**Please note, there is a fee to have photographs taken here.
6. Elena Gallegos: When You Want Those Mountains
If you're imagining New Mexico scenery...
There's a pretty good chance you're imagining something like this.
The foothills. The Sandias. Open space. Desert textures. Big skies.
Elena Gallegos is one of those locations that gives us a beautiful, classic New Mexico backdrop. The scenery is gorgeous, especially when the light starts getting softer in the evening.
Perfect for: Families, seniors, couples, engagements, and maternity sessions
The feel: Adventurous, romantic, and classic New Mexico
Photographer's note: This is one of my favorites when someone says, "I want mountains in my photos."
7. Harnett Park: For a Little Southwestern Charm
One of my favorite features here is the tan barn with its turquoise doors and shutters. And if you've lived in New Mexico for any amount of time, you know that combination just works.
Perfect for: seniors, couples, and anyone wanting a little Southwestern personality
The feel: Charming, colorful, and relaxed
Photographer's note: That turquoise is one of the reasons I love this location. It's a little unexpected, a little playful, and gives your images something that feels a little western.
8. Your Home: Yes, Really.
I know.
You probably just looked around your house and thought:
"Absolutely not."
But hear me out.
Your home doesn't have to be spotless. You don't need a magazine-worthy living room.
You don't need matching furniture or perfectly styled shelves.
A lifestyle session at home is about documenting your actual life.
The couch everyone piles onto.
The room where your baby learned to crawl.
These things may feel ordinary now.
But ordinary has a funny way of becoming precious.
Perfect for: Families with newborns, and anyone wanting something personal and meaningful
The feel: Real, everyday life.
Photographer's note: Please don't spend three days stress-cleaning your house before I come. Seriously. Pick up the things you don't want photographed, let in some light, and then go hug your kids. I'll help you when I get there.
9. UNM Duck Pond: For a Little Bit of Everything
If you want a location that feels peaceful, and a little more urban, the UNM Duck Pond is one of my favorites.
There are trees, water, walkways, grassy areas, a little waterfall area, and beautiful little pockets of light that give us plenty of variety without having to hike halfway up a mountain to get there.
Perfect for: Seniors and couples
The feel: Urban, varied, and beautiful
Photographer's note: I love the way this location can feel different depending on the season, place we are shooting, and the time of day.
It's especially pretty when the light is soft and we're able to use the trees and water to create those bright, airy photographs I love.
10. The Rio Grande: Bonus Points If You're a Morning Person
Okay, this one is for my morning people.
You know who you are.
You're the people who say things like, “I actually love getting up early!”
Meanwhile, the rest of us are wondering why anyone would voluntarily leave their warm bed before the sun comes up.
But I'll admit it...
The Rio Grande in the morning is pretty magical.
The soft morning light, the cottonwoods, the quiet trails, and the peacefulness of the bosque create a completely different feel than an evening session.
Everything is softer.
Quieter.
And the light?
So good.
If your toddler is bright-eyed and ready to conquer the world at 6:30 a.m., let's use that to our advantage.
If your teenager requires three alarms, a motivational speech, and possibly a small financial incentive to get out of bed...
Maybe we'll stick with sunset. 😂
Perfect for: Families, couples, seniors, and anyone who considers 7 a.m. a perfectly reasonable time to be awake
The feel: Peaceful, soft light, and natural
Photographer's note: Morning light is beautiful, but the biggest bonus might be the quiet. There's something really special about starting your session while the rest of Albuquerque is still waking up. If you're one of those rare people who genuinely loves mornings? You might have just found your dream session.
What About the Other Beautiful Places Around Albuquerque?
Oh, I have more. 😂
There are some locations around Albuquerque that I don't necessarily list with exact directions, parking instructions, and a map to my favorite little spot.
And that isn't because I'm trying to be mysterious.
Okay.
Maybe a little.
But after nearly 14 years as a photographer, I've spent a lot of time finding places, watching how the light moves through them, learning which seasons they look their best, and figuring out which locations work for different families and personalities.
Tell me what you like. Tell me if you want mountains, trees, color, open space, or something that feels completely different.
And then I'll help you find a location that fits you. The one that helps tell your story.
