Best Summer Outdoor Family Pictures locations in Albuquerque | Alison Hatch Photo

Summer is the best time of year to take outdoor family pictures and there are so many insanely gorgeous locations in and around Albuquerque to choose from. Capture the timeless essence of your family bonds all done on analog film while having fun, and a little romance, going to far from home. Central New Mexico offers a stunning canvas for family portraits that blend natural splendor with cherished memories. Whether you want family, maternity, newborn, or graduating Senior photos together we will create images that not only freeze a moment in time but also reflect the enduring strength and connection of your relationship bonds. Let this iconic landscape be the stage for your photo story, where every smile, embrace, and glance is immortalized against the backdrops of all the New Mexico desert has to offer.

The Rio Grande

This location is perfect from Late June through September (sometimes October). I have found a secret spot on the banks of the Rio Grande that is easily accessible and super private. During the summer months, the Cottonwood trees and vegetation kissing the river are green and lush. All sessions are done in the late evening to catch the dipping sun to get golden glow images with the green banks and then as the sun is set reflection images in the water. This location is perfect for all types of sessions I offer including family, maternity, newborn, and graduating Seniors. Please review my packages and pricing before booking.

White Mesa Desert

This popular spot is located 45 minutes north of Albuquerque. It does require driving on a grated dirt road for a few miles then a 1/4 mile walk into the white rock. This outdoor location for family, maternity, newborn, or graduating Seniors is a bit of an effort to get too, but it is so worth it! The white rock is unique and breathtaking. Also at this outdoor Albuquerque location are views of desert skies and desolate bluffs. Even though this location is good any time of year, I include it in the Summer locations because of the longer nights and stunning sunsets that can only be seen this time of year. Please review my packages and pricing before booking.

Los Poblanos Open Space

If you don’t want to drive very far, this centrally located photo shoot location is perfect for your next family pictures. With big open fields of planted hay or barley framed with a line of tall trees, this spot is amazing. If we time it right, you can catch the Sandias turning pink too. All session types (family, maternity, newborn, or graduating Senior) taking place at this locations will be done 45 minutes before sundown. This allows for the sun to filter through the trees and cast a yummy glow. Please review my packages and pricing before booking.

Sandi Ski Resort

I know this sounds like a weird suggestion for a family photo shoot in the Summer, but trust me it is lovely. In the Summer all of the ski runs turn into massive fields of waving wheat. On the edges of the fields are soaring pine trees. Get in a white dress and a straw hat then frolic in golden fields as I snap away getting the most lovely and romantic images. Driving time from central ABQ is about 30 minutes. The best time for this location for any session I offer is in the afternoon. Please review my packages and pricing before booking.

Elena Gallegos Open Space

If you want that watermelon-pink Sandia mountain for your family photos, this is the place. Located just off central Tramway, Elena Gallegos Open Space is a desert location nestled at the base of the Sandia mountain. Because it is a state run park, it does cost $2 to park and it needs to be cash. The best time for this location is 45-30 minutes before sunset. Please review my packages and pricing before booking.

Ruins at the Foothills

I can not sing the praises of this gem of a location more. It is the coolest old ruin building with matching rock walls and stairs. Sitting right under the north side of the Sandia Mountain and surrounded by Juniper trees and native succulents. If you want a New Mexico vibe for your upcoming photo session, this is the best spot. Right off the top of Tramway before the Sandia reservation. This location is best right as the sun sets. Maternity, newborn, family, or graduating Senior sessions are just so, so good at this outdoor location for pictures. Please review my packages and pricing before booking.

Summer is the best time of year to take photos in Albuquerque. It is when the desert is at its best, the days are longer, and you will be rockin’ that tan! All of these locations are stunning and easy to get to from Albuquerque. I cannot express more how fantastic it is to take your next family session, maternity photos, newborn pictures, or even the next graduating Senior class at one of these gorgeous locations!

Alison is an award-winning Albuquerque, NM analog film photographer, photography educator, influencer, and host of the Photographers Create podcast. Her work has been featured in online publications such as Shoot It With Film, 35mmc, and Heartful Magazine, social media features, and published works like The Front Steps Project Book.