Hi everyone! One of my favorite questions from clients is "Where should we shoot?" We're lucky in the Black Hills. Within an hour or so of Spearfish you can find waterfalls, granite spires, old Western streets and wide-open prairie. Here are the spots I keep coming back to, and what each one does best.
1. Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway (US-14A)
The canyon runs about 20 miles from Spearfish toward Cheyenne Crossing, between tall limestone walls with Spearfish Creek running alongside. It's beautiful year-round. Fall is my favorite, when the aspens and birch turn gold against the dark pines. The walls also give you soft, even light for much of the day, which is great for portraits.
- Bridal Veil Falls: A short stop right off the byway, so it's easy for families, grandparents and little ones. The falls make a lovely background without any hiking.
- Roughlock Falls: Up Little Spearfish Canyon near Savoy. The falls tumble over layered rock, and there are boardwalks and overlooks. This is a great pick for couples and seniors who want something that feels a little more "wild."
- Spearfish Falls: Also near Savoy, at the bottom of a short but steep trail. It's worth the walk if you're up for it, so wear good shoes and bring your outfit in a bag!
2. Spearfish itself
You don't have to leave town for great photos. Spearfish City Park and the creek path have big trees, moving water and green grass in summer. Downtown Spearfish has brick storefronts that work well for a more urban, casual look. Lookout Mountain gives you a view over the whole valley if you're up for a hike.
3. Historic Deadwood
Most days, you can find me in Deadwood. Main Street is a National Historic Landmark district, full of brick buildings and old-West character. It's perfect for moody, editorial portraits and fun couples sessions. Mount Moriah Cemetery, where Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane are buried, sits on the hill above town and has sweeping views of the gulch.
4. Sylvan Lake and the Needles Highway (Custer State Park)
Sylvan Lake is one of the most photographed places in the Black Hills, with granite boulders rising out of calm water. The nearby Needles Highway adds tall granite spires and the famous narrow tunnels. Heads up: Custer State Park requires a park entrance license, and summer gets busy, so early mornings are best.
5. Rapid City
For a city look, downtown Rapid City has Main Street Square and the colorful murals of Art Alley, which are great for bold, playful portraits (the art changes all the time!). Dinosaur Park on Skyline Drive has big views over the city and, yes, giant concrete dinosaurs. It's a hit with kids.
6. Out toward Sturgis and Bear Butte
If you love open prairie and big skies, the country around Sturgis is beautiful at golden hour, and Bear Butte rises right out of the plains. Please remember that Bear Butte is a sacred site for many Native American nations, so we'd photograph it respectfully from a distance and not as a backdrop prop on the mountain itself.
A few tips for location shoots
- Timing: The hour or so after sunrise and before sunset gives the softest, warmest light. In the canyon, the walls cast shade early, so we plan around that.
- Seasons: Spring brings green and full waterfalls, summer has long evenings, fall has the canyon colors, and winter turns the falls icy and the pines snowy.
- Permits and crowds: Some parks and public lands have fees or permit rules for photography. I'll help us figure out what's needed. Weekdays are always quieter.
- Comfort: Bring water, layers and comfortable shoes for walking between spots. You can change into nicer shoes for the photos themselves.
Not sure which spot fits you? Tell me about your style, who's coming, and how much walking you're up for, and I'll suggest a location or two. Then we'll make something Tailored and Memorable together.
Ready to book? Local portrait sessions start at $200. Contact me here or email The50mm@hotmail.com.