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Top Photo Spots in Valdez, Alaska
Photographer's Choice
If you don't want the hassle of picking a location, I will choose one for you!
Just let me know what you are wanting out of your location, and I'll tell you where to meet me.
If you want the mountains, evergreen trees, ocean views, or beautiful sunsets, I can make sure you have what you need. I can even coordinate the photo to match the color scheme of your decor, so the photos will look perfect hung on your wall!
For questions email me at erinnautaphotography@gmail.com
Thompson Pass
This location is one of the most stunning places in Valdez, and all of Alaska. Finding the perfect day to make this location possible is worth the effort. There is a $50 travel fee for this location, as well.
Thompson Pass is also temperamental with weather due to thick fog rolling in often. I use Alaska 511 to check the cameras throughout the week of your session.
Dock Point Trail
This location is my fail safe for any weather condition, all year round! If you choose this location, you can have sea views, mountain backgrounds, and a high view of Valdez City. In the winter, the trail is not available, but it is still a great location.
*This location is a hidden gem in Valdez!
Old Town Valdez
If you are coming to Valdez in the summer or fall, this location is amazing. The fireweed is the perfect backdrop to the mountains in July.
In winter this location is plowed, so even with large piles of snow, mountains are still viewable from some angles.
For questions email me at erinnautaphotography@gmail.com
Walter Day Memorial Drive
This location is a bit of a secret piece of heaven. When the clouds are puffy and white, this place is my favorite. To get here, you have to drive down a bumpy dirt road behind the baseball fields. In September there are also a lot of dead stinky fish left over from the salmon run. Even with that, I love this location in the late spring, summer, or fall.
Kelsey Dock
If you are needing photos in winter, this might be your best bet. Even when the snow piles high, the ocean is still viewable from this location. There are also often patches of blue icicles that freeze making beautiful rock covered frozen waterfalls appear in surprising places!
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On a sunny day, this location is also amazing. I do require an assistant for this location on a sunny day, since there is no shade to work with harsh lighting.
Valdez Boat Harbor
If you come to Valdez and don't get to see all of the boats, you are missing out! This location is great for fun angles and marine themed shoots. Seniors getting their first senior portraits seem to love this location, too!
Mineral Creek Trail
If you want a location that makes you look like a hiker, but you can just stroll out of your car, this is the place for you. It's especially great at fall near sunset times. There are many places to meet on this trail, so make sure to check the location pin to see exactly where I'll meet you on this trail.
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For questions email me at erinnautaphotography@gmail.com
My Back Yard
If you really want me to make my life easy, I will totally let you use my back yard. I have a netted trampoline that kids can jump on between shots and little climbing areas to use. I only use my backyard near sunset to get the perfect lighting. I live a few minutes out of town.
Your Own Home
In Valdez, it's almost harder to pick a bad location than a good one. In some sessions, I have been able to walk into the street on a snow day, and use the right settings to blur out the cars in the background to make the photos as easy as possible for clients. Any location, including your own home works for me. I am very flexible and love the challenge of thinking on my feet.
However, if you do pick a new location, just know it will take me longer to scope the area out than a location I have previously photographed. This may result in a longer time, or less photos.
Goldfield Baseball Fields
In fall, this is one of the best locations in Valdez to get the reds and oranges we all want in fall photos. There are paths along the fields, and easy access to parking.
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This is one of my favorite locations for seniors and family portraits.
Valdez Glacier
This location is perfect for when the sun is overcast or in the morning. It can be a challenge with the sun being in certain directions and getting perfect lighting. It may require flash to get the best results.
If you are willing to get up early or schedule a sunset session.... or wait for an overcast day, this is your best location!!