Top 5 Places in Banff for a Photoshoot - Banff Photography

Banff National Park is a world-renowned destination with breathtaking scenery and stunning landscapes, making it an ideal destination for a photoshoot. A few things to consider, which I’m sure there will be another few blog post’s about it, what’s the best time of the year for this location? Are there road closures? What’s the best time of day? Will the sun nicely backlight you? Or will it make you squint and look blown out? Accessibility? Hiking required? Here are the top 5 places in Banff for a photoshoot:

1. Lake Louise

Lake Louise is one of the most iconic places in Banff National Park, known for its crystal-clear blue/emerald waters and the surrounding mountains. It is a perfect location for family photography, couple photography, surprise proposals, and every other type of portrait sitting you can think of. The surrounding areas are also great for landscape and wildlife photography. Note: Please respect all wildlife and remember you are not at a zoo. Keep our environment wild and leave no trace. Being the only onsite professional photographer located inside the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, we might be biased… but this location will surely blow your mind and make for some incredible images. Remember that parking at Lake Louise from June to September can be incredibly busy during the day. Either arrive early and enjoy the sunrise, or arrive later and enjoy the sunset. If you want to photograph/be photographed with beautiful emerald water, it is crucial to do so at the correct time. Look up the sunrise/sunset times for the time of year you will be visiting; usually, the hour after/before will be the best time for this.

2. Lake Agnes

Lake Agnes is another stunning location in Banff National Park. With its turquoise waters and the backdrop of surrounding mountains, nestled underneath the Big Beehive, and the iconic Lake Agnes Tea House, this location is an excellent choice for a Banff Photography portrait session. You will need to do a 3.5km hike up 400m elevation, but the payoff is well worth it. Not a great choice if accessibility is an issue. You will need to park at Lake Louise and hike up. Great location for Elopements and Intimate sunrise or sunset sessions.

3. Bow Falls

Bow Falls is a beautiful waterfall in Banff's heart. This location is an excellent choice for portrait photography and capturing the beauty of the waterfall and the surrounding nature. Very accessible. Parking lot next to it. Central to Banff, and right behind the Fairmont Banff Springs. Beautiful year-round location.

4. Two Jack Lake

Another relatively central location just outside of the town of Banff, getting to this location is half the fun! With wildlife very active in this area, this is a great place to bring the family. With Rundle Mountain as the main backdrop, Two Jack Lake shows off Banff and in all its glory. If you catch this location at sunrise or sunset before it gets too crowded, you can catch beautiful mountain reflections on the glass-like lake. Parking nearby.Very accessible. Relatively level terrain. Fun place to go for a paddle board or canoe/kayak. Perfect for family photoshoots.

5. Vermilion Lakes

The Vermilion Lakes are a series of lakes located just outside Banff townsite. They offer a beautiful reflection of the surrounding mountains and trees, making them an excellent location for professional portraits, landscape and nature photography. Parking alongside the road.Very accessible. Very level terrain. Lots of wildlife in the area.