My Fave Locations In Albuquerque for Family Photos

I have to admit, it took me awhile to recognize Albuquerque’s beauty. I honestly thought there was really no good place to take photos, but I’m so glad I was wrong! So here are SOME of my favorite locations. I do have some private locations that I give to my clients when they book.

Alameda Open Space
This location has soooo much variety! There’s a bridge, an area with green grass, as well as a forest-looking area with trees. OR we can walk underneath the road and actually go down by the river and in the Cottonwoods. This location is especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves change colors.

Family of four walking along shore of Rio Grande

Family of four walking along dirt trail surrounded by fall leaves

Daughter laying in mother's lap in yellow grasses at Alameda Open Space

Parents looking back at daughter as they sit in yellow grasses

Parents holding hands with young daughter at Alameda Open Space

Parents sitting with daughter in field at Alameda Open Space

2. Rio Grande Area

This area is sooo pretty! There are a lot of spots along the river we can go to, and they all have a slightly different look. Most areas will have cottonwood trees, olive trees (which I love), other green plants, and a sandy/beachy looking area right by the river.

Family of five standing in sunflower field

Family of five standing on banks of Rio Grande in Albuquerque

Family walking along sandy shoreline of Rio Grande

Family walking in sandy area by Rio Grande with treeline behind them

3. Elena Gallegos

Want classic NM scenery? This is one of the places you’ll want to consider. Located in the Sandia Foothills, this location has lots of variety from desert grasses and shrubs, areas high on a hill with sky for miles, and a sandy wash. This location is good all year round.

Teenagers playing in sandy wash at Elena Gallegos

Mom and dad playing with sons at Elena Gallegos

Family of four sitting on blanket in sandy wash

Family of five sitting on blanket with a patch of snow behind them

Parents reaching for and hugging two kids

4. Candelaria Hiking Spot

Another location that’s great year round! Families with boys love this location because it has a ton of big rocks to climb and play on. It also will have lots of hazy light-so if that’s something you love, you’ll want to go here!

Family walking among green bushes with a bright blue sky

Family of four sitting on a rock and laughing at Piedra Lisa Trailhead

Mom helping son slide down big rock at Piedra Lisa Trailhead

Family of four posed in front of a large rock formation

5. Hartnett Park

If you’re like me and love green longer than the couple of months that Albuquerque is green-ish, then this is a great spot. The grasses are green into October and sometimes even November! It’s got a lovely green field with trees, and a fun turquoise door.

Parents holding hands with toddler son at Hartnett Park

Family of five in front of turquoise door

Family with three sons in field with fall leaves behind them

Family with three sons posed in front of turquoise door at Hartnett Park

6. UNM Duck Pond

Can’t decide between gorgeous nature and more urban buildings? This is the spot for you. There is a TON of variety here!

Senior girl sitting on wood bridge at UNM duck pond

Senior girl leaning against adobe wall at UNM

Senior girl walking in architectural walkway

Senior girl walking in green field with trees and a fence

Senior boy leaning against wall with shadows surrounding him

7. White Mesa

Gorgeous white rock formations, cool colored hills, and a field with classic NM shrubbery, this location has a lot of variety!

Bride plays with hair and looks up to sky surrounded by white rock

Bride walks in field with hills behind her

Blurry image of bride holding bouquet and walking away in field by White Mesa

8. Old Town

This is such a fun area! Lots of different traditional New Mexico style buildings, and lots of fun pops of color. Be prepared to walk a bit with this location!

Family of six all holding hands in front of gazebo

Family of six walking in covered walkway in Old Town, Albuquerque

Couple sitting on bench with string lights above in Old Town

Senior girl in purple dress sitting on white bench

Senior girl in purple dress leaning against brick wall in Old Town

Senior girl leaning against wrought iron fence

Senior girl sitting on red bench in Old Town, Albuquerque

9. Los Ranchos Area

This area of Albuquerque is one of my very favorites, and one that I didn’t know about until I had lived here for YEARS. It’s a little section of the city close to the river where there are a lot of farms and villas. It is gorgeous, and a really fun spot to do your family photos.