Rexburg has a photography problem. Not a bad one — an under-the-radar one. Most photographers in Southeast Idaho shoot in Idaho Falls or further afield, but the best outdoor portrait spots are actually right here in Rexburg. The Sand Dunes, the BYU-Idaho campus gardens, the creekside trails — they're all accessible, free, and produce images that look like they were shot in a completely different state.
This guide covers my five favorite Rexburg photo locations, when to shoot each one, and what to know before you go.
1. Sand Dunes — Best for Golden Hour & Dramatic Backgrounds
📍 Location
South of Rexburg — approximately 15 minutes drive
The Sand Dunes outside Rexburg are genuinely unlike anything else in Idaho. Wide-open, warm-toned sand with rolling dune formations creates a clean, minimalist backdrop that works for almost any portrait style. It's also one of the most photographed locations in the state — and for good reason.
Best time: Early morning (6:30–8:30 AM) or 90 minutes before sunset. Midday light creates harsh shadows in the sand. Summer heat can be intense after 10 AM — bring water.
2. Ricks Gardens — Best for Lush, Year-Round Green
📍 Location
BYU-Idaho Campus, Rexburg
The BYU-Idaho campus grounds — specifically the maintained gardens and tree-lined areas around the man-made ponds and flower beds — provide lush green backdrops even in early spring and late fall when the surrounding landscape has gone brown. It's one of the most consistent locations in Rexburg for reliable photography conditions.
Best time: Any time of day, though overcast days are ideal. The garden structures provide shade and even, diffused light that flatters every skin tone.
3. Eagle Park — Best for Families & Classic Park Portraits
📍 Location
North end of Rexburg
Eagle Park offers a more classic outdoor portrait feel — tree-lined paths, open grass fields, and a small pond. It's a great option for families with kids who need room to move around, or for couples who want a more traditional park aesthetic without looking staged.
Best time: Late afternoon (4:00–6:30 PM) for best light under the tree canopy. The pond creates beautiful reflected light especially during golden hour.
4. Snake River View Corridor — Best for Engagement Photos
📍 Location
Near Cottom area, south of Rexburg
For Rexburg engagement photos that feel more editorial and less local, the Snake River view corridor south of town delivers. Wide open sky, rolling wheat fields in summer, and distant mountain views create a cinematic scale that's hard to replicate closer to town. It's my go-to recommendation for couples who want something a bit more dramatic than the standard Rexburg spots.
Best time: Golden hour only — the wide-open sky makes midday shooting almost impossible without harsh shadows on faces.
5. Campus Architecture — Best for Modern, Clean Portraits
📍 Location
BYU-Idaho campus buildings
The modern BYU-I campus architecture — especially the lines, angles, and textured concrete facades of newer buildings — creates exceptionally clean portrait backdrops with zero travel time. If you want modern, minimalist photos with strong geometric elements, this is the spot. Great for senior portraits and headshots.
Best time: Cloudy days or shade-heavy hours. The hard architectural lines photograph best with soft, even light that doesn't create strong contrast shadows.
General Tips for Rexburg Outdoor Photography
🎯 What to Wear
- Earth tones and pastels photograph beautifully against Rexburg's sage, sand, and green backdrops. Avoid neon — it looks jarring in outdoor portraits.
- Layer your outfit — bring a jacket, cardigan, or vest to add visual variety across photos without a full outfit change.
- Coordinate, don't match — if shooting with a partner or group, pick colors in the same palette rather than identical outfits.
🌤️ Timing & Weather
- Summer: Shoot early morning or late evening. Rexburg summers have extremely long, bright days — midday produces flat, blown-out images.
- Spring/Fall: Most flexible timing. Overcast days are a gift — the diffused light is the most flattering you can get.
- Wind: Rexburg is breezy. Bring a hairbrush and account for hair movement during active poses. Wind also means leaves rustle — good for natural sound in video.
- Snow: Yes, we shoot in winter too. The Sand Dunes covered in snow are stunning — book a winter session and embrace the Idaho cold.
Every location on this list is within 20 minutes of central Rexburg. No long drives, no permit fees, no access restrictions. Rexburg's outdoor photography potential is genuinely underrated.
Book a Session at Any of These Locations
I shoot at all five of these locations regularly. When you book, just let me know which spot speaks to you — or I can help you choose based on what you're looking for. Here's the quick breakdown:
- Sand Dunes → Warm, dramatic, golden-hour portraits
- Ricks Gardens / BYU-I → Lush green, all-day versatility
- Eagle Park → Family sessions, classic feel
- Snake River corridor → Engagement photos, cinematic scale
- Campus architecture → Senior portraits, headshots, modern minimalist
Let's Shoot at One of These Spots
Mini sessions from $35. Full sessions from $45. All Rexburg locations included — no travel fees.
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