Palm Springs is an amazing city with gorgeous landscapes, iconic architecture, and the sunniest days around. When you are planning your family photos, why wouldn’t you want to use this area for your backdrop? If you could still use some convincing on why you should get your family photos done in Palm Springs, I’m here to help you out! As a Palm Springs family photographer, I love working with my clients to create authentic memories in this breathtaking town. Here’s what sets this spot apart from the rest. 

5 Reasons You Will Absolutely Love A Session With A Palm Springs Family Photographer

Unique Landscapes & Backdrops

Maybe I’m a bit biased, but I truly believe the Palm Springs landscape is some of the best out there. Not only do you get jaw-dropping views of the mountains, but you can also get up close and personal to them in a way few other towns offer. You get perfectly flat, green grass with the San Jacinto mountains just a stone’s throw away. From arid deserts to lush fields, we have it all here. And while you can go to a designated wilderness area for your session, even just walking down the road will give you some pretty unforgettable views. Need some specific examples? Here are my favorite natural photo shoot spots. 

Windmills: This area combines the artificial with the natural in a unique, minimalistic way. The windmills are scattered across the sandy dunes with the mountains just behind them. You don’t really need any props or accents to really make this spot work for your sesh. 

Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park: This Palm Springs spot feels so authentically SoCal with palm trees, green grass, crystal clear water, and the rugged mountains visible everywhere you turn with your family photographer. It’s hard to find a bad view! 

Indian Canyons: This is the perfect spot for the adventurous family, thanks to their rocky paths guaranteed to give you a calf workout. If you stick with it, you’ll be rewarded with mountainous backdrops, rushing creeks, and towering trees. 

Mission Creek Preserve: This place has well-worn dirt trails surrounded by wildflowers, plus there are rocky buildings you can climb into throughout your session for a one-of-a-kind backdrop. 

The Resorts: Okay, stick with me here. Many of the local resorts and golf courses are built on acres of wilderness with meticulous landscaping shining through. I especially love La Quinta! 

Iconic Architecture

Okay, now we have to talk about one of the biggest draws of this area: the architecture! We really went off in the mid-century era, and we still have the buildings to prove it. The city has worked hard to preserve all the original charm, and there are areas where you’ll feel as though you’ve just stepped through the pages of history (minus all the problematic aspects). The Palm Springs tourist website has a long list of all the best architecture, but I can give you my quick photographer’s run-through.

Palm Springs Visitor Center: This spot is kind of a must! It’s so legendary that most people can instantly identify it by sight. The building offers you bright yellow and hot pink walls that just scream Palm Springs! 

Palm Springs Sign: Not only do you get that legendary sign, but you also get clear blue skies accented by the tell-tale palms.

Palm Canyon Drive: The main street running through town is full of MCM gems that will shine throughout your session. You can even catch classic cars to complete the vintage feeling! 

The Hotels: We have had a lot of colorful people pass through town and leave their unique traces. From the Trixie Motel by Trixie Mattel to the Saguaro Palm Springs, we have tons of spots where you can stay, unwind, and get some really great backdrops. If that’s not your thing, you can also find some pretty photo-worthy AirBnBs that you can rent for your session! 

Open Space for Kids

Palm Springs is the ideal spot to let your child go a little wild! Many of the best photo spots are parks, allowing your child to run free and stretch their legs. Bonus: we’re going to get some really, really adorable candid portraits throughout! Before your session, we can chat over potential locations that will give you the perfect backdrop while also being completely accessible for your little one. That way, we can make sure you have a spot where you know your child will be free to explore for themselves! 

Colorful Atmosphere

If there’s one thing Palm Springs is really known for, it’s the color. We have so many vibrant shades throughout pretty much every corner. Heck, even the most vanilla hotels lean into the kitschy charm of the town. As a photographer who always embraces bold and bright hues, it is an absolute dream! I especially love incorporating these vibrant colors throughout family portraits. It gives you an easy way to take things a little less seriously. Go grab some heart sunnies and your brightest outfits. You are going to fit in perfectly! 

Stunning Lighting

Here in Palm Springs, the sun seems to shine just a little brighter. Rainy, cloudy days? Never heard of her! Our clear blue skies are postcard-worthy, while the desert golden hour brings a warm hue unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Because the mountains are going to filter some of the sun, the lighting can be a little more fickle than what you might experience in other places, but with the right Palm Springs photographer (hint, hint!), you can work together to decide on the right time that lets you get your ideal backdrop while still getting natural lighting unlike any other! 

All Of These Make Me Love Working As A Palm Springs Family Photographer

If you have been looking for the ideal spot for your family’s photo session, I really hope this list helps you see why Palm Springs might just be your dream destination! With iconic backdrops and unique photo opportunities, there’s just so much to love about this town for a Palm Springs family photographer. 

Are you still looking for the right photographer to capture your session? Then I would love to connect! I am a Palm Springs family photographer, and I love working with parents to plan sessions that let them celebrate their unique and colorful family! If you want to see if my style is a match for yours, I would love to chat all about it! Send me a message today to get the conversation started!