By Kristin Jones, Any Angle Photography
If you want senior pictures that look like they belong in a magazine spread, Albion Basin is hard to beat. Endless fields of wildflowers, jagged mountain peaks in every direction, and that soft, golden alpine light – it’s one of the most stunning backdrops in Utah, and it’s only around for a few short weeks each summer. In the winter it makes for fantastic skiing at Alta Ski Resort.
I’ve had the pleasure of photographing two seniors up at Albion Basin, and both sessions turned out to be some of my favorites.
Why Albion Basin Is Perfect for Senior Pictures
At over 9,500 feet, Albion Basin feels like a completely different world from the valley below. The wildflowers – paintbrush, lupine, penstemon, and more – create this soft, painterly texture behind every shot, and the mountain backdrop adds scale and drama. It’s editorial, but still completely natural. Whether your senior wants dreamy and romantic or bold and adventurous, this location flexes to fit both.
Aspen – Brighton High School
Aspen wanted two looks. Look 1 a beautiful dress in the wildflowers backlit by the sun. Look 2 some picture with her skis with the chair lift in the background. She is an avid skier and Alta is her favorites ski resort in the area.
Riley – American Fork High School
Riley wanted two looks. Look 1 was a red dress in the flowers. Look 2 was jeans and a lavender top also in the flowers. She is an acoomplished musician and brought her piccolo to wear with the red dress and her flute to wear with the lavender top. Here’s some video footage from that morning on Instagram
When to Go
Albion Basin’s wildflower season is short and weather-dependent, so timing your session right matters:
- Peak bloom usually runs from mid-to-late July into early August, depending on that year’s snowpack
- The road into the basin doesn’t fully open until the snow clears, often not until July
- Go early in the morning if you can – parking fills up fast on weekends and during peak bloom, and lines can form to get up the canyon
Getting There
Albion Basin sits at the very top of Little Cottonwood Canyon, past Alta Ski Resort. The last stretch is an unpaved road up to the Albion Basin Campground area.
- There’s a $12 per-vehicle fee to drive the Summer Road up to the top lots near Cecret Lake and Catherine’s Pass
- Free parking is available lower down in the Town of Alta and at the Wildcat/Albion lots, with a short walk in
- Note for future sessions: the Salt Lake Ranger District requires photography permits for larger commercial shoots, so it’s worth a quick check with them ahead of time if you’re planning something bigger than a standard senior session
What to Wear
The wildflowers do a lot of the work here, so keep outfits simple and let the colors pop against them:
- For her: a flowy dress in a soft solid color (sage, cream, dusty blue, blush) photographs beautifully against the greens and purples of the meadow. Avoid busy patterns – they compete with the flowers.
- For him: a henley or flannel with jeans or chinos keeps it relaxed but put-together. Boots or clean sneakers, since you’re on real mountain trails, not pavement.
- Bring a layer – even in July, it’s noticeably cooler at 9,500 feet, especially early morning or evening.
Ready to Book?
Albion Basin sessions book up fast once wildflower season hits – the window is short, and everyone wants that golden-hour, flower-field shot. If you want your senior pictures here this year, reach out soon to lock in a date before peak bloom passes.
Link for all the details and to connect with me.
Follow me on Instagram
Kristin Jones, Any Angle Photography
