Top 5 Locations for Engagement Photo Sessions in Northern California
Starting off strong and with what secretly might be my favorite engagement session location, South Lake Tahoe. South Lake Tahoe sits on the California side of the lake and is nothing short of gorgeous. Wether you want to do snowy engagement photos, warm golden lake beach photos, or just want to explore the forest of this National Park South, South Lake Tahoe is the place for you.
Below you will see some examples of snowy, joy filled engagement photos on a private beach in South Lake. One thing I suggest the MOST when shooting in Tahoe for your engagements is to be ready for any weather conditions! Sometimes we get surprise snow, wind or chill that your outfits aren’t ready for! Always have some snow gear, hot-hands and layers ready to keep you warm and get your photos done comfortably!
Second up and a location that is near and dear to my heart, Farrell Ranch. Located in the heart of the rolling hills of Millville, California just east of Redding, this gorgeous working cattle ranch is a special place to shoot. With over 10 locations to choose from to create the perfect back drop, cows at almost every turn and a strong handshake and howdy by the owner greeting you, this place will leave your soul filled and your photos golden. Farrell Ranch was founded in the early 1900’s and began bringing photography clients out in the spring of 2021. Since then it has hosted lots of engagement, senior and couples sessions as well as a few weddings.
If you are looking to get a taste of true ranch life, incorporate your ranch lifestyle into your photos and enjoy yourselves on a beautiful property- this is the place to be. Below you will see some photos out at the ranch of one of my personal wedding clients enjoying the glory of the ranch at spring time! While we can shoot almost all year on the ranch, photos are extra beautiful in the springtime!
* To book here please DM me on IG at @BriBischof *
Coming in third and an absolute classic location for Northern California, Whiskeytown Lake! Whiskeytown lake is a local favorite for so many reasons. From the gorgeous surrounding mountains, beautiful forest and easily accessible this is easily one of the best photo locations in the North State! Similar to Lake Tahoe we can be along the shore line or go up into the forest to make sure that your engagement photos are exactly what you want! If you and your partner are big into hiking and the outdoors we can hike up the local trails to get to some beautiful look outs and include a part of your relationship in your photos! Or if you’re like me and you are a beach person we can just hang out on the shoreline.
When choosing an outdoor location you may be inclined to keep your outfits simple, but like my bride Beth did here, don’t be afraid to wear exactly what you want! If you want bows on your dress, do it. If you want leggings and a sweater, DO IT! Your engagement photos are supposed to reflect exactly who you and your partner are, OWN IT!
Next up is just a freaking classic and such a versatile location for any type of photoshoot especially engagements, the Millville Plains! When I first moved to the Northern California area I took every client I had here, the light is ALWAYS bomb and the wide open fields are so fun to shoot with. I recommend this location when I hear my clients want a more simple classic look for their engagement photos. The simple backdrop helps both your outfits and details pop in the photos. With lots of space out there we do a lot of moving, running and running shots.
Not only is this spot excellent for engagement photos but it is PERFECT for surprise proposals. I have been a part of many a surprise proposal out there and with a little help from your people and lots of sneaky texts your partner and I will pull of the best, most dreamy surprise proposal for you! Take a peak at the photos below to see some gorgeous proposal photos from the Millville Plains.
Last but certainly not least AND my best kept secret, Butte Meadow. Located just 45minutes East of Chico, this little slice of heaven is every mountain loving humans JAM!! Let’s say that you really want to go to Yosemite for photos. And, lets also say you are realizing that it is expensive to stay there, expensive to bring a photographer in and it might not be worth it but you LOVE the views? This photography location in Northern is the second best thing to Yosemite. Minus the crowds, park rangers, and expensive Airbnb’s.
With rolling hills, hillside views of the valley and tons of small creeks and nooks Butte Meadow is the perfect location for your engagement photos. I only recently discovered it this early spring and was pleasantly surprised to see left over winter snow that turned these photos into winter wonderland engagement photos! Next time you want the look of Yosemite for photos and not the price tag, try here. You and your photographer will not be dissapointed.
