The 2 Best Photography Experiences in Salt Lake City
Salt Lake City isn’t just a hub for Mormon history and stunning mountain scenery—it also offers unique opportunities for photographers eager to capture some truly remarkable scenes. Its diverse landscape includes the shimmering expanse of the Bonneville Salt Flats and the elegant spires of historic Temples, making it a perfect destination for both landscape and architectural photography. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a casual shutterbug, these tours provide memorable settings and expert guidance to elevate your images.
What makes Salt Lake City stand out is the combination of natural wonders and cultural landmarks all within a relatively compact area. This guide features two top-rated private photography experiences: one exploring the otherworldly Bonneville Salt Flats and the iconic Tree of Utah, and another offering a focused visit to the majestic Temples of the Salt Lake Valley. Both tours promise personalized attention and the chance to craft truly unique photos.
Quick Overview
Below you’ll find two standout private photography tours in Salt Lake City. First is the Private Tour Experience to Bonneville Salt Flats, which immerses you in a surreal landscape ideal for creative shoots. This 5-hour experience includes visits to the Tree of Utah, the Salt Flats, and the Bonneville Salt Flats International Raceway.
Second is the Private photo tour of the Temples of the Salt Lake Valley, a 3-hour journey highlighting the architectural beauty and spiritual significance of Salt Lake City’s most famous temples. Both tours are designed to cater to photographers looking for distinctive scenes and meaningful compositions.
1. Private Tour Experience to Bonneville Salt Flats
At number one on our list is the Private Tour Experience to Bonneville Salt Flats. This 5-hour adventure provides an excellent opportunity for imaginative landscape photography amid one of nature’s most surreal settings. The tour begins with a pickup in Salt Lake City and a drive to the Tree of Utah—an 87-foot sculpture created by Karl Momen, standing as a striking metaphor for life and growth. This site alone is a fantastic backdrop for creative portraits or conceptual shots, and the guide can help you frame shots that highlight its symbolism.
The core of the experience is the Salt Flats themselves, where you can walk on the seemingly endless crust of salt and set up for dynamic, wide-angle shots. The flats’ unique reflective surface and vast open space make it a favorite among photographers seeking to capture expansive, minimalist images. The tour also includes a stop at the Bonneville Salt Flats International Raceway, adding an element of kinetic energy to your portfolio with shots of racing action or vintage cars.
Guests consistently praise this tour, with one noting, “The creative photography was a bonus and highlight of the tour!” The total cost is $179 per person, representing good value for the chance to shoot such an extraordinary landscape with personal guidance. This experience is best suited for all skill levels, especially those eager to experiment with props and creative concepts in a truly unique environment.
Bottom Line: If you want an unforgettable, hands-on photography experience with expert support in a landscape that looks like it belongs on another planet, this tour is a top choice.
2. Private photo tour of the Temples of the Salt Lake Valley
For a more cultural and architectural focus, the Private photo tour of the Temples of the Salt Lake Valley offers a three-hour journey that’s perfect for capturing the spiritual heart of Salt Lake City. It begins with a visit to the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple, a modern structure dedicated in 2009. Its towering spire topped with the Angel Moroni provides a striking silhouette against the sky, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Next is the Jordan River Utah Temple, a beautifully renovated building dating back to 1981. Its classical architecture and lush gardens make it an ideal subject for both wide shots and detailed close-ups. The guide will share insights into each temple’s significance, enriching your understanding and helping you find the best angles to highlight their unique features.
While this tour doesn’t have reviews available, the focus on iconic religious architecture and the opportunity to photograph these landmarks in different lighting conditions make it highly appealing for enthusiasts of architectural and cultural photography. The cost is $119 per person, representing a reasonable investment for a personalized exploration of Salt Lake City’s most revered buildings.
Bottom Line: If your photography leans toward architecture, spirituality, or historical structures, this tour offers a focused and meaningful experience with excellent photo opportunities.
How to Choose
When deciding between these two photography experiences, consider your interests and skill level. If you’re excited by natural landscapes and surreal environments, the Bonneville Salt Flats tour provides a one-of-a-kind setting that’s hard to match. It’s great for experimenting with props and capturing wide, minimalist images, especially if you want to push your creative boundaries.
On the other hand, if you prefer capturing iconic architecture and learning about the spiritual significance of Salt Lake City’s temples, the Temple tour is ideal. It’s shorter, more focused, and perfect for those who want beautiful, meaningful images of these sacred structures.
Both tours are suited for different types of photographers—those seeking natural wonder versus those interested in architecture and history. Booking early is recommended, especially for the Salt Flats experience, to secure a spot and allow time for planning your shot list.
Final Thoughts
Salt Lake City offers a surprising variety of photography opportunities, from the alien-like expanses of the Bonneville Salt Flats to the elegant spires of its historic Temples. The Bonneville Salt Flats tour is perfect for creative landscape shooters eager to capture otherworldly scenes, while the Temple tour provides a cultural, architectural angle for those fascinated by religious structures.
Whether you’re looking for a broad landscape shot or an intimate architectural study, both options deliver a chance to create memorable images with expert guidance. Consider your interests, schedule, and budget, then secure your spot early to ensure a successful photography adventure in Salt Lake City.