The Best Almond Blossom Photoshoot Tips

Flowers
Written By Megan Moore
 
This Post May Contain Affiliate Links

California’s almond blossoms are one of the most breathtaking (and short-lived!) floral seasons of the year. Just two weeks!

They make the dreamiest backdrop for maternity, engagement, and couples photos. Imagine miles of pale white blossoms, and soft, pastel, late winter light.

If you’ve ever thought about planning an Almond Blossom Photoshoot, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know! From the best time of year, to locations, outfit ideas, and how to make the most of this iconic California bloom.

 

Table of Contents

 

When Do Almond Blossoms Bloom?

Almond blossoms are one of California’s earliest signs that spring is on the way, and their timing is part of what makes them so special!

These gorgeous blooms typically appear from mid-February through early March, giving you a short-but-sweet window to catch the orchards at their prettiest.

The exact timing changes every year depending on winter temperatures and rainfall. A warmer winter can bring blossoms a little earlier, while cooler weather can delay peak bloom by a week or two. Once the trees start flowering, you usually have about 10–14 days of full, fluffy blossoms before the petals begin to drift to the ground.

And honestly? Both phases are stunning.

  • Peak bloom gives you rows of bright, full blossoms that feel clean and vibrant.

  • Petal fall looks like soft white “snow” floating around you, perfect for movement and dreamy walking shots.

If you’re planning a session, the best approach is to book early and stay flexible, since the bloom schedule can shift slightly year to year. Photographers (myself included!) track blossoms as soon as February hits, so you’ll always have the most up-to-date info on when the orchards are ready.

Almond blossom season goes by fast, but that’s exactly why people love photographing it, it’s a limited-time, early-spring moment that is fresh, cheerful, and full of energy.

A mother in a long, flowing white gown holds her young son while standing among blooming almond trees, the soft spring light creating a bright, airy scene.
A mother in a light, airy gown and sun hat holds her young son close, sharing a tender moment in a bright, blooming almond orchard.

Where to Take Almond Blossom Photos in California

Here are some of the best regions and routes where almond orchards consistently bloom in February-March. I’ve broken them down roughly north to south, so you can decide how far you want to drive to visit these beautiful blooms.

Northern California / Sacramento Region

Central Valley

This region is the heartland of almond farms. If you want variety, orchards, trails, and blossom-themed drives, the Central Valley delivers.

  • Fresno County Blossom Trail: Spanning dozens of miles, this trail winds through orchard after orchard, almond trees, fruit trees, blossoming nut trees, giving you a huge selection for photos.

  • Modesto, CA: Modesto has its own “blossom cruise”, designated driving routes/orchard loops where almond trees bloom in abundance. Perfect if you want easy access, variety, and classic orchard rows.

  • Bakersfield, CA: The closest big almond-orchard region to Southern California. Many Southern-California photographers head here for almond-blossom sessions because the drive is manageable, and the orchards near Bakersfield bloom early.

A woman in a flowing white tulle gown stands with her arms gently crossed, surrounded by blooming almond trees in soft, dreamy spring light.
A mother in a flowing white gown sits beneath blooming almond trees, reading with her young son while her daughter in a blue dress listens beside them during a spring family photoshoot.

Some Extra Notes Before You Go

  • Most almond orchards are private property, that means doing a quick check: either shoot from the roadside or reach out for permission if you want to get deeper in. Better to stay respectful of farms.

  • Orchards attract bees and pollinators during bloom season, an important part of the ecosystem. Be mindful of that, especially if you have kids or anyone sensitive to pollen/bugs.

  • The bloom window is short, and it can shift year to year depending on weather. If you’re scheduling clients, it’s worth checking social media tags, local blossom-trail sites, or calling nearby farms to double-check bloom status before you commit.

 

Want to Find More Flower Fields in California?

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Almond Blossom Photoshoot Ideas

One of the best things about almond orchards is how versatile they are. Whether you’re planning a maternity session, an engagement shoot, or a family portrait, the blossoms give you dozens of creative ways to play with movement, symmetry, and soft early-spring light. Here are some fun, eye-catching ideas to inspire your Almond Blossom Photoshoot:

1. Walking Through the Orchard Rows

A mother and her young daughter in white dresses play and run through blooming almond orchards, surrounded by soft white blossoms during a spring photoshoot.
A mother in a flowing white gown smiles while walking beside her young daughter, who holds a small white parasol, surrounded by blooming almond trees in a bright spring orchard.

The long, symmetrical rows of almond trees make the perfect natural runway. Have your couple or family walk hand-in-hand down the path while the petals softly fall around them. This creates relaxed, candid movement and naturally flattering angles.

2. Twirling or Flowing Dress Shots

A woman in a flowing white tulle gown stands among blooming almond trees, gently holding her dress as she looks upward in soft, dreamy spring light.
A mother in a flowing white gown stands beside her young daughter, who holds a small parasol and wears a light blue dress, surrounded by blooming almond trees in a bright spring orchard.

If someone is wearing a long, flowy dress, take advantage of it! A gentle twirl or slow sway catches the sun and looks gorgeous against the pastel blooms. It adds softness and motion without feeling posed.

3. Sitting on a Blanket Between the Trees

A mother sits on a blanket with her two young children, reading a book together beneath blooming almond trees during a soft, light-filled spring family photoshoot.
A mother in a soft tulle gown holds her young son and gently touches his cheek while sitting beneath blooming almond trees during a spring family photoshoot.

A simple neutral blanket instantly creates a cozy, intimate scene. This works beautifully for maternity clients, couples reading a book together, or families cuddling up for a few relaxed photos.

4. Close-Up Blossom Details

A woman in an off-the-shoulder tulle dress stands among blooming almond trees, smiling softly as she looks toward the blossoms during a spring photoshoot in Bakersfield.
A mother in a white dress and wide-brimmed hat holds her young son during an almond blossom photoshoot in Bakersfield, surrounded by soft white blooms and bright early-spring light.

Have your clients interact naturally with the blossoms around them, softly brushing their hands through the branches, looking up toward the trees, or gently leaning in beside a low-hanging bloom. These close-ups make beautiful storytelling fillers and detail shots.

  • Note: Do NOT touch the delicate blooms or branches. Each flower produces almonds, which is essential for the almond farms where these almond trees grow.

5. Sitting or Standing in the Center of the Orchard “Tunnel”

A mother in a white dress and sun hat holds her young son as they touch noses and smile together in a blooming almond orchard during a spring photoshoot.
A family of four stands back-to-back in a blooming almond orchard, with the parents each holding a child as they smile during a bright spring photoshoot.

When photographed head-on, the orchard rows create a gorgeous leading-line effect. Position your couple or family at the center of the path to showcase that long, dreamy perspective.

6. Playful “Run Toward the Camera” Shots

A young girl in a white dress holds hands with her toddler brother as they run and smile together down a blooming almond orchard row during a spring photoshoot.
A young girl in a white lace dress runs joyfully through a blooming almond orchard, surrounded by soft petals and golden spring light.

These are perfect for couples and families who want something energetic and joyful. The pastel blossoms blur softly behind them, adding fun movement to the final gallery.

7. Solo Portraits for Branding or Creative Projects

A photographer wearing a gingham dress and straw hat smiles while holding her camera in a blooming almond orchard during sunset.
A photographer wearing a gingham dress and straw hat walks through a blooming almond orchard at sunset, holding her camera and smiling.

The blossoms make a clean, airy, editorial-style backdrop. For branding clients, almond orchards give you a timeless, soft color palette that pairs beautifully with neutrals, linen outfits, and minimal styling.

 

View This Almond Blossom Session

A mother in a flowing white gown sits on a blanket beneath blooming almond trees, reading a book with her young son and daughter during a soft spring family photoshoot.

A Serene Almond Blossom Family Session in Bakersfield

View this beautiful Almond Blossom Family Session in Bakersfield, California. We spent the afternoon wandering through rows of pastel blossoms, capturing sweet candid moments and the soft, airy glow that makes this season so special.

VIEW GALLERY

What to Wear for Almond Blossom Photos

Almond orchards are bright, soft, and pastel, so outfits in light, neutral colors photograph best. Think creams, ivories, beiges, dusty pinks, and soft blues. These tones blend beautifully with the blossoms and keep your photos looking clean and airy. Patterns can work, but it’s best to keep them minimal and delicate so they don’t compete with the scenery.

For fabrics, choose pieces that have flow and movement, such as chiffon, linen, or cotton gauze. Long dresses, skirts, or lightweight layers help create soft, natural motion in the orchard breeze. Partners should dress in complementary neutrals to keep the overall palette consistent. And since bloom season falls in February and early March, make sure to bring a simple, neutral layer (like a cardigan or wrap) to stay warm without disrupting the look of your photos.

 

View My Spring Family Photoshoot Outfit Guide!

Graphic for a blog post titled ‘Spring Family Photo Outfit Ideas,’ featuring a family standing under bright pink spring blossoms; the mother wears a flowing floral dress while the father holds their child.
 

Spring Family Photo Outfit Ideas

Get inspired with the best spring family photo outfit ideas for 2025! Find perfectly coordinated looks with soft pastels, florals, and timeless styles for stunning photos.

View The Guide
 

I photograph almond blossom sessions every year and would love to help you plan your dream shoot. From wardrobe styling to timing, posing, and location scouting, I make the entire experience warm, relaxed, and easy.

Interested in an Almond Blossom Session?

Book Now

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A picture of the photographer, Megan W Photography, holding a Nikon mirrorless camera while standing in front of the ocean on a foggy day.
 

About Megan W Photography

Megan is a Fine Art Maternity, Couples, and Family photographer who was born, raised, and is still living in Malibu, CA. She is here to capture you and your loved ones in images that you will want to cherish, and pass down to future generations.

Not only is she a photographer, but she is a mother, wife, daughter, and sister.

Maternity, family, and couples hold a special place in her heart because she knows how quickly time flies by. Megan W Photography wants to help you preserve those sweet little smiles, those tender, affectionate moments, and the love you share with each other.

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