There are so many great locations for pictures in spring and summer in Boise, Idaho! Spring and early summer (April through July) are my favorite seasons in Idaho. Especially after a long, cold winter – spring time is truly enjoyed by everyone here in the Boise, Idaho area. Check out some of my favorite photo locations around the Boise, Idaho area, including the Military Reserve, Reid Merrill Park, Lucky Peak, and Bogus Basin.

Why spring and early summer are my favorite seasons for pictures:

Spring is my favorite season to take pictures of couples, families, and weddings for three reasons:

• After the slow season in the winter I feel refreshed and excited to start a new busy season of photography as the weather warms up! I always take the winter season to get other things done on the back-end of my business. My website gets refreshed, equipment is cleaned or sent in, I get to focus on continuing my education, and I get time to fully serve who’s most important – my family. So by the time the weather warms up and things get busy, I feel 100% ready, refreshed, and excited to capture every couple, family, and serve my wedding couples!
• Spring is beautiful in Boise! You can’t beat those gorgeous wildflowers in the foothills, new leaves or blossoms on the trees, and the weather is generally warmer so it’s a more comfortable experience to take pictures outside. Blossoms can vary significantly depending on the year and the temperature and precipitation we received during the winter.
• Spring sessions are easier to schedule because it’s not during the busy fall season. This also means that sometimes you can get a discount or lower session cost compared to sessions held in the fall when there is high demand.

FAQ: When would my spring or summer session start?

One of the ways we use the best locations for pictures in spring or summer in Boise, Idaho is by starting sessions a little bit later. Sessions would start around 7:30 or 8 PM for locations with trees. Locations in the foothills (no shade) will need to start an hour before sunset, or around 8 to 8:30 PM.

The starting time ALWAYS depends on that thing we all can’t control….THE WEATHER. If it’s a cloudy day, then we can move the time up earlier.

One downside to doing a spring session is the weather can be a wild card! It can be warm one day and snowing the next! So be prepared with your outfits by having layers available if needed.

FAQ: The starting time is after my child’s bedtime. I’m worried things won’t go well. What should I do?

I totally understand! Having four kids myself, I know how important it is to stick to a routine and get your kids to bed on-time.

However, you can prepare your kids ahead of time, and can totally make a spring/summer photo session work! Check out my post here about how to prepare for your session.

• For babies/children who still take naps, have them start that last nap a little bit later than usual. That way they have the best chance for success!
• If you think they might fall asleep in the car ride over, plan on arriving at least 20-30 minutes early. That way they have time to wake up/snap-out-of-it before the session starts.
• For children who are out of the nap stage: prep them ahead of time by making taking pictures a fun, positive experience. It’s all in your attitude! Plan to do something fun afterwards like get ice cream or slushies from Maverick. You may bring non-messy snacks as bribes, but please wait towards the end of the session to bust them out.
• I always get those “must-have” shots within the first 15 minutes so even if your child has a complete melt-down the rest of your session time, you will still walk away from the session with great photos!

I’ve captured many, many families over the years and have seen young children do very well in the later hours of the evening, after their bedtime. In my experience kids generally do well because they have lots of distractions and a new place to explore.

Military Reserve, Boise Idaho

This location is only 7 minutes away from downtown Boise, Idaho. The best part about this place is that I can shoot sessions here year-around because there are so many great spots. Spring is my favorite time for the wildflowers that come out in May or early June. In spring or early summer you will see green grass and wildflowers. Later on in the summer and towards fall, the green grass will turn light brown and will be tall.

Family-friendly: This spot is great for family sessions since there is a short walk to the picture spot.

Bathrooms: There are vault toilets available in a few spots.

Bugs: There are mosquitos, so wear repellant!

Great spot of later in the summer too! See examples below.

Reid Merrill Park, Eagle, Idaho

Reid Merrill Park is another favorite of mine because of the many great spots within the park. The Boise River makes a beautiful backdrop for this scenic spot. I also love the exposed sand and river rocks; it makes the perfect natural reflector.

Family-friendly: This spot is great for family sessions since there is a short walk (7 min down a path) to a picture spot. You’ll want to bring a stroller if you have a baby and you don’t want to carry all of your stuff by hand.

Bathrooms: There are fully flushing toilets available at the front of the park by the parking lot.

Bugs: There are lots of mosquitos, so wear repellant!

Water: Since this spot is right by the side of the river, it may not be available in early spring if the water flow is high (like it is this year in 2023!) Also keep in mind that most children love the water and as soon as they see it- they want to get in it! I’m totally fine with that, as long as it’s towards the end of the session. Something to keep in mind for this location.

Locations near Lucky Peak, Boise, Idaho

This first location near Lucky Peak is perfect during those long summer days around June because the sun will set right over Highway 21 and the Boise Dam. This spot is definitely unique as there are very few people that go to this spot!

Family-friendly: This spot is best for older children or couples, since there is a cliff or drop off.

Bathrooms: There are no bathrooms available.

Bugs: There aren’t many mosquitos, but bring repellant just in case.

Location near Lucky Peak Reservoir, Boise, Idaho

Bogus Basin, Boise, Idaho

Bogus Basin (check Bogus right here!) is perfect to escape the heat in the valley in the warm summer months as it is about 10-15 degrees cooler. However, the drive up to Bogus Basin isn’t for the faint of heart. This road is very windy and has lots of switch-backs. So if you or your children get carsick very easily, I wouldn’t recommend going to this location.

I love the trees and texture of the rocks at this location. The sunsets are ahhhhmazing too! This spot truly is one of the best locations for pictures in spring or summer in Boise, Idaho.

Family-friendly: If your kids can handle windy roads with switch-backs, then you’ll be fine. The road is fully paved. It is quite a long drive up the hill, so keep that in mind when selecting this location. There are lots of places to pullover for breaks. Once you get to the top, there is a short walk to the photo spot from the parking lot.

Bathrooms: There are bathrooms available at the main lodge (JR Simplot lodge) and Pioneer Lodge.

Bugs: There aren’t many mosquitos, but it depends on the time of year, so bring repellant just in case.

Now comes the hard part…choosing the best location for pictures in spring or summer in Boise, Idaho! You really can’t go wrong in any of these places. Of course I will consult with you before your session to give you feedback on which location would suit your situation the best.