Lower Second Dam (Logan Canyon)

Just a few miles up Logan Canyon there is a turnoff for Lower Second Dam. You can't see much from the road, but when you walk down the steps to the dam, it's beautiful. Or at least it was a few weeks ago. I'm pretty sure the trees have lost most of their leaves by now, so you might have to wait until it snows to get good pictures there again.I would recommend this place for any pictures but children's (the dam might be a dangerous place for the little ones).

Merlin Olsen Central Park ( 300 East Center)

Merlin Olsen Central Park is just a few blocks east of the Garff Wayside Gardens park. It's got some tennis courts, a wide open field and a great playground, but it doesn't have much going for it as far as photography goes.


The one thing it does have is a bridge over the canal under a gorgeous canopy of trees. It might be worth going there just for that, but then again, it might not. It faces the street on one side and the tennis courts on the other. A good photographer will probably be able to find a shot without those distractions in the background, though. This isn't a great picture of the bridge, but it gives you an idea of what I'm talking about.

Garff Wayside Gardens (100 S Main Street)

I didn't know this place had a name til I looked it up on the city listing, but Garff Wayside Gardens is a pretty little park right next to the canal on 100 South. It's actually hard to tell there is a park there from Main Street; I would go to 100 East and take a right--the park entrance is the first driveway on your right. This park has a couple of benches, a gazebo, a small rose garden, a great old tree, and a scenic spot next to the canal. I think this park would be great for a variety of family photos or engagements, but I wouldn't recommend it for children (too many things to get into that they probably shouldn't).

Willow West Park (500 West 700 South)

Willow West Park is a great little park for photography. Not part of the photography goodness is the batting cages. It's an odd little place for them. But...I thought I would mention that they were there. The park there is worth mentioning, too. It's a really cool little park for older children. I would say 5-9 year olds would have a blast there. It's got bridges and tunnels, and a "white water raft" and a huge xylophone that shows you how to play "The Farmer in the Dell."

As far as photography goes, though, it's beautiful. There is a decent-sized fishing pond for children that makes a great backdrop for photos. I've included pictures of all the little vignettes I saw that would be great for Engagements, Individual, Family, and Bridal portraits.

Willow Park Zoo (500 W 700 S)

Willow Park Zoo is a great place to take young children, but is only so-so for pictures. It features a small zoo that is free to the public and is open every day of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas. They just ask that you donate a small amount of money ($0.50 for kids and $1.00 for adults) if you're able.

Animal discovery center just outside the zoo

There is a duck pond where the kids can feed the ducks with pellets you buy for 5 cents/handful, but it's enclosed with a chainlink fence, so it's not much of a photo opportunity.

There is a great grassy area in the middle of the zoo, but all of the animal enclosures surround it, so unless the photographer blurrs the background, you're going to have chainlink fence as a backdrop if you take photos there.

Next to the zoo is a playground, a park, and a pavillion. It's a nice playground and has lots of tables for large gatherings, but the only photographic features are some nice trees and the side of the discovery center which is made of natural stone.

If you wanted to do photography here, I would recommend doing children's portraits or possibly a family photo.