Perfect Setting for Maternity Photos
As a Reno maternity photographer passionate about exploring beautiful locations and sharing them with others, I have discovered that Galena Creek Park is a perfect location for a maternity photoshoot.
Keep reading to see why this location is a favorite!


Galena Creek Park is Perfect for Families
This stunning natural gem features a mix of winding trails, sun dappled forests, and a hearty mountain stream. With a large wooden bridge, impressive boulders, and sunlight filtering through the trees, it offers the perfect backdrop for capturing your pregnancy.
From the parking lot, you don’t have to stroll far to get to the stream and forest trails. Your children will love exploring a playground of rocks, pine cones, and big trees. Watch as they balance on logs, skip stones in the creek, and run back to give you a big hug. Galena Creek Park is just 20 minutes from Reno. Commercial photography is only available with a permit, so this park offers the perfect blend of nearby adventure and is not swamped with photographers.
Your maternity photo session will feel like a nice outing with your family. As your photographer, I will gently guide your family through some lite posing and interactions, capturing candid and timeless portraits.
As your child grows, they will cherish these photos as a reminder of the love and anticipation that surrounded their arrival.
A maternity photoshoot is an experience to treasure, and the location you choose plays a central role in telling your story. The natural beauty, peaceful ambiance, and timeless charm of Galena Creek Park make it an unforgettable choice for capturing this time.


Accessible and Located Near Reno
Nestled along the scenic Mt. Rose Highway and just a short drive south of Reno, Galena Creek Park is a location that never fails to leave families feeling good about their photo session. This literally is an enchanted forest! It features forest trails, a meandering creek, wooden bridge, and the hills are strewn with granite boulders! Unlike many other outdoor spots, Galena Creek Park is one of the few places where I schedule mid-day sessions. The reason? The sunlight streaming through the forest canopy creates a dreamy, golden glow that feels almost magical. Picture an open, needle-covered forest floor with ‘spotlights’ of sun shining through.
Wander along the wooded trails, settle down among the mighty trees, or capture playful moments by the clear creek. The park offers diverse backdrops that feel both intimate and grand. It is an idyllic setting for maternity photo sessions.
The canopy of trees creates a dappled light effect, casting soft, natural patterns of light and shadow that give photos a storybook feel. This natural "filter" provides a warmth and texture to images that no studio could ever replicate.
While sunset sessions are known for their golden glow, Galena Creek Park’s mid-day light is truly special. The way the sunlight pierces through the forest canopy creates a radiant atmosphere that feels serene and timeless. It’s a photographer’s dream — and a perfect spot to capture the love, excitement, and anticipation of welcoming a new child.
Whether you're backlit, cradling your belly next to the stream or embracing your children as they run to you in the forest, Galena Creek Park is a great choice for making beautiful photos and memories.

A Perfect Location Any Time of the Year
Galena Creek Park is a photographer’s dream year-round, offering a dynamic, ever-changing backdrop that reflects the beauty of each season. In winter, before the big snows arrive, the ground is carpeted with vibrant red pine needles that create a stunning contrast against the rich, textured bark of towering pines and the glossy green leaves of manzanita. This natural color palette provides a warm, earthy tone that complements just about any outfit choice, making it an ideal setting for family and maternity portraits. Once the snow blankets the park, it transforms into a serene winter wonderland. The crisp white snow creates a clean canvas, while the dark pine trunks and bordering trees add dramatic depth and contrast. Sunlight reflecting off the snow illuminates faces with a soft, natural glow, perfect for capturing radiant pictures. Kids delight in tossing snowballs, making snow angels, and playing in the wintry landscape, giving photographers plenty of opportunities for joyful, candid shots.
As the snow melts and spring emerges, Galena Creek Park comes alive with new growth and fresh colors. The creek swells with crystal-clear water flowing over boulders, creating a perfect backdrop. The budding greenery of the willows and red-twigged dogwoods provides fresh color that’s especially pretty for maternity shoots. By summer, every trail becomes fully accessible, revealing hidden nooks, scenic wide-angle shots, and a small lake where families can enjoy the water's edge. Summer light filters softly through the forest canopy, creating delicate, dappled light patterns on the ground — the perfect natural filter for golden, sun-kissed portraits. No matter the season, Galena Creek Park offers a diverse array of textures, colors, and lighting conditions that elevate every photo session into a unique, one-of-a-kind experience.





Galena Creek Park + Tommie Guy Photography
In conclusion, Galena Creek Park is a location that offers something special in every season. From the vibrant reds and greens of fall and early winter to the serene, snow-blanketed wonderland of deep winter, and from the lush, fresh growth of spring to the sunlit trails and Marylin’s pond in summer, every visit reveals a new side of its natural beauty. This year-round charm makes it the perfect setting for capturing family portraits, playful candid moments, and cherished maternity memories. If you’re ready to create stunning, heartfelt photos in one of Reno’s most enchanting locations, let’s make it happen! Contact me today to schedule your session at Galena Creek Park. I can not wait to help you!