To get the best couples photos at the Zion Canyon overlook trail, stay in that location for your entire shoot!

A couple stands on large reddish boulders during their couples shoot at the Zion Canyon Overlook Trail

When you hire a photographer, it is really tempting to squeeze in as much as you can. This is especially true when you’re in a place as big and beautiful as Zion. It’s easy to start adding in stops, outfits and locations all over the park.

Here’s the thing though: that ends up making things pretty hectic and chaotic. So, instead of trying to do it all, pick one location and explore. You’ll get more out of less, trust me. Sticking to one location allows you and your photographer to settle in a bit.

Here are more tips so you can get the most out of your couples photos at the Zion Canyon Overlook trail (or any other location in Zion you choose!).

1. Arrive at the Canyon Overlook trail for sunrise or sunset

If you want to make the most of your couples photos at the Zion Canyon Overlook, this rule is a must. First, remember it’s the desert. You don’t want to be standing in midday sun with all the other tourists when the sun is at its hottest, brightest and most unflattering.

The Canyon Overlook Trail is also extremely popular due to how accessible it is. Keep in mind there will be people here no matter what. It’s easy to move around them though, and the area is big enough to spread out.

For the fewest number of people crowding your backdrop, sunrise is your best bet! Few people get out of bed early enough to catch sunrise. Sunset will be busier, but most day tourists are at dinner by sunset. Golden hour is still less busy than midday!

2. Be goofy, have fun, be creative and love on each other

Adventure sessions are about adventure. Keep moving and exploring and being you for the best photos. You’ll be surprised how many awesome shots happen when you’re just going about your normal movements and conversation. Pick up cool rocks, hold hands, crack open a beer or play a little tag.

The Zion Canyon Overlook trail is about a mile long. You have lots of opportunities for more composed shots at scenic points. The rest of the time, focus on having a good time and making each other smile.

3. Again: don’t change locations or outfits

This feels controversial to suggest somehow, but hear me out. My adventure sessions aren’t about showing off your outfits or creating the same 3 poses with different backgrounds. They’re about discovering a cool place and documenting more intimate moments and genuine reactions. That type of thing takes time. To get the most out of your couples photos at the Zion Overlook Trail - or anywhere else - focus on quality over quantity.

I recommend spending more time in one spot so you get a range of images from the landscape to the intimate. More time in one place gives your photographer more time to experiment and immerse in their craft. If you want images that feel raw and unscripted, don’t change locations or outfits. It takes up valuable quality time.

Also remember that during sunrise and sunset, light changes quickly. Trying to move around too much or change locations/outfits means a higher risk of missing that perfect light. Sometimes, that magic moment is only a minute or two long!

A couple in a blue dress and grey shirt embrace each other and look out toward the Canyon Overlook Trail in Zion, surrounded by pines and red rock cliffs.

A woman in a brown wide brim hat and blue dress kisses her partner in a long grey t shirt on the Zion Canyon overlook trail. There are green trees and red rock canyons behind them.

MORE ZION BLOGS AND DESERT SHOOTS:

HOW TO BOOK YOUR OWN ADVENTURE SESSION AT THE CANYON OVERLOOK TRAIL

I travel through Zion often and am able to book smaller sessions around my current travel dates. Reach out to see if I’m in the area and let’s explore Zion together!

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