Davis Photographer
Angie Shvaya is a Sacramento-based natural-light photographer booking graduation, family, engagement, small wedding, portrait, event and sports sessions in Davis. Sessions start at $250 for a 45–60 minute portrait session. Car photography is shot by our automotive photographer.
UC Davis campus, the Arboretum, downtown murals, and surrounding farmland provide diverse backdrops for every session type.
Davis photography at a glance
- Photographers
- Angie Shvaya, a natural-light photographer based in Sacramento, CA. Car photography is shot by our automotive photographer.
- Area
- Davis, Yolo County. Angie confirms the meeting point with you during planning.
- Sessions and prices
- Graduation Photos from $500, Family Sessions from $425, Engagement Photos from $375, Small Weddings from $1,800, Portrait Sessions from $250, Gatherings & Events from $650, Sports Photography by custom quote, Car Photography by custom quote.
- Session length
- From 30–45 minutes for engagement photos to 3–4 hours of coverage for small weddings.
- Delivery
- Edited images in a private online gallery, within 1–2 weeks for portraits and 4–6 weeks for small weddings.
- How to book
- Send your date, location ideas and what you have in mind through the inquiry form, or call (916) 735-6145. Angie confirms availability and the plan with you before anything is booked.
Updated October 16, 2026
Why book a photo session in Davis?
Davis has a creative, laid-back energy that shows up in every session shot here. The UC Davis Arboretum is one of the most underrated photo locations in the region: winding paths through curated gardens, mature trees arching over waterways, and a canopy that softens even harsh midday light into something workable.
Downtown Davis adds variety with its murals, independent bookshops, and café-lined streets. The campus quad provides open, manicured lawns for group shots and family sessions. And Putah Creek, just south of campus, offers a wild, riparian setting that feels completely removed from the college-town bustle above.
For graduation sessions, Davis is an obvious choice: but it is also one of the region's best locations for family and couples photography. The tree density creates layers of depth in backgrounds, and the mix of architecture and nature means you never run out of fresh compositions.
Where and when should you take photos in Davis?
UC Davis Arboretum
Curated gardens, arching trees, and soft waterside light: the crown jewel
Downtown murals (G Street)
Colorful, artistic backdrops for modern portraits and senior sessions
Campus Quad
Wide lawns and collegiate architecture for graduation and family photos
Putah Creek Riparian Reserve
Wild, natural creekside setting with dappled light and tall grasses
Best times to shoot
Davis's dense tree canopy makes it more forgiving than open-field locations: you can shoot earlier in the afternoon here. Spring is spectacular (blossoms throughout the Arboretum). Fall brings rich color to campus October through November. Summer works but schedule late: the valley heat moderates once golden hour begins.
Book your Davis session
Natural-light family, graduation, and engagement sessions in Davis and the surrounding area. Reach out to check availability and reserve your date.
Which photography sessions are available in Davis?
Senior Portraits & Graduation Photos
From $500 · 45–60 minutes · 40–60 edited photos
Senior portraits and college grad sessions at iconic Sacramento landmarks.
Family Sessions
From $425 · 60–75 minutes · 40–60 edited photos
Playful, candid documentation of your family's unique and messy love.
Engagement Photos
From $375 · 30–45 minutes · 20–30 edited photos
Intimate storytelling for couples, anniversaries, and local proposals.
Small Wedding & Elopement Photography
From $1,800 · 3–4 hours · 200+ edited images
Romantic documentary for elopements and intimate backyard celebrations.
Headshots & Portrait Sessions
From $250 · 45–60 minutes · 20–40 edited photos
Relaxed, natural portraits for individuals, duos, and small groups.
Gatherings & Events
From $650 · 2 hours · 80–120 edited images
Candid coverage of birthdays, showers, and meaningful life celebrations.
Sports Photography
Custom quote · 45–60 minutes · 30–50 edited photos
Senior athlete portraits and game-day action for Sacramento players and teams.
Car Photography
Custom quote · 60–90 minutes · 25–40 edited photos
Exterior, detail and listing photos of your car or truck around Sacramento.
Questions about photography in Davis
Where are the best photo spots in Davis?
The UC Davis Arboretum is the standout location: tree-canopied pathways along Putah Creek create soft, dappled light that works beautifully for portraits at almost any time of day. The campus quad and library lawn are popular for graduation sessions with UC Davis students. Downtown Davis murals add color and character for more urban editorial looks. The surrounding farmland offers wide-open sunset skies.
What is the best season for Davis photos?
Spring is peak season in Davis: the Arboretum is in full bloom from late February through April with flowering trees and green pathways. Fall is excellent too, when the tree canopy turns amber along Putah Creek. Summer evenings work well for sunset sessions in the open farmland east of campus. Graduation season in May and June draws many UC Davis portrait bookings.
How far is Davis from Sacramento?
Davis is about 15 miles west of Sacramento, typically 20–25 minutes via Interstate 80. Angie regularly shoots at UC Davis for graduation portraits and does not charge a travel fee for this area.
Planning a Davis photo session
A few local guides to help you budget, pick a spot, and get the most out of your time in front of the camera.
“Angie made us feel so comfortable from the very first minute. We were nervous about being in front of the camera, but she guided us through every moment. The photos turned out better than we ever imagined — they actually look like us.”
Let's create something timeless.
Currently booking for 2026 & 2027
in Sacramento and Northern California.
I can't wait to hear from you.
Let's work together
Currently booking for 2026 & 2027
in Sacramento & Northern California.
Planning a destination session? Include your location so travel and pricing can be confirmed before booking.