Looking for a family photoshoot at a fun and relaxing location – Folsom Lake State Recreation Area in Granite Bay is your top choice for fantastic family portraits. There are lots of trees, greenery, and open fields, as well as beautiful trails for hiking or horseback riding.
They offer many possibilities to photograph in the shallow waters of the lake. This location is one of our clients’ favorites when it comes to family or children portraits, as well as couples shoots.
Considering all of the creative opportunities that the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area offers, this is one of the best outdoor locations for gorgeous family and children portraits. The scenic views and relaxing atmosphere sets their mood for personalized photo taking. After months of photography location scouting, our Sacramento photography team has concluded that the Folsom Lake area is one of our clients’ favorite places for family portraits.
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WHERE IS FOLSOM LAKE SRA LOCATED?
Folsom Lake State Recreation Area is located in the Sierra-Nevada foothills, which is about 25 miles east of Sacramento. This location can be reached either by Highway 50 or I-80, depending on where you are coming from.
The lake and recreation area offers many opportunities for hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, boating, and more. Folsom Lake SRA is most popular during the summertime and weekends, so when choosing the best photoshoot time, we need to consider that.
ABOUT THE SESSION
Having photographed this sweet couple’s wedding years ago, we were super excited to document their beautiful family now with three handsome sons! This was such an amazing opportunity to spend some time with them and create memorable family portraits.
After finalizing the photoshoot location, we set out on preparing them for this family photography experience. Family Photo Session Ideas are helpful tips for families to prepare for an excellent time.
PREPARING FOR THE SESSION
Having three energetic boys at a family photo session is not an easy task. For us, having these little challenges is what makes photography experience more fun and memorable. We appreciate it when our clients prepare for their family photo session and take into consideration our tips on wardrobe styling, color coordinating, and everything else.
We recommend reading our post on Outfit Ideas for Family Pictures to better prepare for your future family portraits.
It’s always a great idea for outdoor photo sessions, to dress up boys in light-color tops and dark/jeans bottoms. These tones are not distracting and complement beautifully with the outdoor family photography locations. Mom wore a peach maxi dress, and it was just the perfect outfit to get enough pop of color into their portrait session.
WARMING UP BEFORE PHOTO-TAKING
When the family just arrived at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area in Granite Bay, we didn’t jump into photo-taking mode right away. It’s beneficial to let the client or family relax and first get used to the surroundings and the camera. The Sacramento family photographer, Sergey Bidun, was very excited to catch up with this family since they were his wedding clients a few years back.
It’s remarkable to know that so many families trust us in creating their family legacy and value the work we put into it. This Sacramento family was so sweet and enjoyable to photograph, that our time just flew by!
TAKING GROUP AND INDIVIDUAL SHOTS
Considering that this family photography session was during summertime, we had plans to jump into the water at some point in the shoot. Our goal at this Folsom family photo session was to capture some portraits with the family all together, then in smaller groups, and individual portraits.
At the end of the photoshoot, everyone wanted to cool off by getting in the warm lake water. Kids were especially eager to get to this part of the photoshoot for some fun moments. Read our 5 Tips for Photographing Kids for ideas on how to get authentic children portraits every time.
USING SURROUNDINGS & NATURE’S PROPS
Our primary photography location spot was a beach between Granite Beach and Dotons Point. The beach was surprisingly all clear that evening, which was perfect for the family photo session.
We used the natural props that we could find at the beach for more creative portraits. Different size rocks and large logs served as our natural props at the beautiful Folsom Lake. All three young boys were such troopers; they seemed to enjoy the family photo session fully and were so energetic until the end! This family is truly blessed with such well-behaved children.
WHY WE LOVE FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY
The reason why Bidun Studio Photography enjoys photographing families so much is that we enjoy seeing the authentic relationships between family members. We enjoy capturing their love for each other and real emotions.
The greatest reward for our Sacramento family photography team is having an opportunity to capture special moments in people’s lives. We strive to preserve these memories in images that they can enjoy for a lifetime.
PRESERVING FAMILY HISTORY WITH WALL ART
Family photo albums and family portraits on the wall are some of the most valuable memories that you can get out of your photo session. There is the immense importance of family portraits and family history, and it’s up to you how you will share these memories from one generation to the next.
At our Sacramento photography studio, we offer a wide range of products that many families love to invest in. From beautiful leather family albums, metal portraits and canvas gallery wraps for the walls, and others. It’s really up to each family how they want to display their family artwork.
CAPTURING MOST AUTHENTIC PORTRAITS OF YOU
As the Folsom family session was coming to an end, and the sun was getting down, we decided to go loose and not be afraid to get wet. The golden hour light was just perfect, giving very soft light for our family and children portraits.
Everything worked out just the way that we all hoped for. We took some pretty amazing romantic portraits of the parents themselves, in the Folsom Lake water. Pictures with the splashes of water were some of their favorites from this shoot.
Boys loved splashing in the water with each other, as we were quickly capturing candids. Sergey Bidun witnessed again and again, how remarkably close the children are with their parents, and how they love spending time in each other’s company. There was a feeling of love, respect, and trust between family members, and the Folsom family photographer was enjoying capturing every moment.
TIMELESS MEMORIES FOR EVERY FAMILY
Bidun Studio Photography is an award-winning boutique photography studio that specializes in providing family and children photography services in Folsom, Sacramento, California, and surrounding areas. At Bidun Studio, we specialize in timeless custom family and children portraits.
Our team makes every family photography session a fun and creative experience, as we capture authentic portraits that reflect the unique personality of each client. As one of Sacramento’s best family portrait photographers, we aim to take photos that will take your breath away and an experience that you will remember for years to come.
Our boutique photography studio is located in Sacramento, California, and conveniently provides services as Sacramento family photographer, Roseville family photographer, Granite Bay family photographer, Folsom family photographer, El Dorado family photographer, Elk Grove family photographer, Napa family photographer, and the surrounding areas.
If you are looking to have Bidun Studio Photography capture an important milestone for your family, we are always ready to create timeless artwork for your home.