Alaska Wildflower Sessions
As I sit down to write this, the fireweed is in full bloom across the Kenai Peninsula. Tall stalks of magenta are lighting up the hillsides, the coastal pullouts, and just about every roadside clearing I pass. It’s beautiful — heartbreakingly beautiful, in that way only an Alaskan summer can be.
There’s always something a little bittersweet about fireweed blooming. It's a sign that summer is in its final act. But mostly, it's sweet — because this is the time of year when Alaska takes your breath away at every turn. If you're thinking about planning a photoshoot in the wild, there's no better time.
Here are the two most popular AK wildflowers for photoshoots here on the Kenai Peninsula, plus the best times and places to capture them at their most stunning.
Fireweed (Chamaenerion angustifolium)
Fireweed is that unmistakable bright magenta bloom that seems to catch the evening light just right. It grows tall and wild, often in massive clusters that stretch across meadows and trail edges. It’s bold, dramatic, and iconically Alaskan. The contrast of pink fireweed against green mountain or ocean blues is unbeatable.
Peak Bloom
Mid-July to mid-August
Best Time to Book
July 20th to August 20th is usually the sweet spot. I suggest starting to reserve your fireweed sessions at the beginning of summer as it’s peak wedding/session season and slots are limited.
Where to Go
I find new spots all the time— but some of my favorite places to shoot are Skilak/Cooper Landing, Homer, Anchor Point, and Seward.
Lupine (Lupinus arcticus)
Lupine season is always the first big burst of color we get, usually showing up in June. Their rich purple-blue blooms fill open fields, often with mountains in the background, making them a dream for early summer sessions. They photograph beautifully in both wide scenic shots and soft, dreamy close-ups. Sometimes during a session, I’ll see a child plucking lupine petals and tossing them into the air like confetti — and in that moment, I’m instantly taken back to my own childhood, doing the very same thing. It’s such a small, joyful gesture, but it carries all the nostalgia of long Alaskan summers and reminds me why I love photographing this season so much.
Peak Bloom
Mid-late June - Early July
Best Time to Book
June 15 - July 10 is usually the pine sweet spot here on the Kenai Peninsula. I suggest clients start booking these sessions in the spring to secure their slot.
Where to Go
Seward and Homer are my most favorite places to do lupine sessions, but we can totally find patches closer to the Kenai/Soldotna area if you live there up for hitting the road.
Wildflower season on the Kenai Peninsula is fast, fleeting, and totally unforgettable. Whether you're planning a portrait session, an elopement, or just looking to update your family photos, these blooms offer some of the most incredible backdrops Alaska has to offer.
If you’re reading this in late July — get outside. The fireweed is peaking, and everything feels golden and alive. If you’re planning ahead for next year, mark your calendar and book early. These flowers don’t wait — and neither should you! Can’t wait to make wildflower magic together!
Nickey Andree is a Wedding, Elopement + Portrait Photographer serving South Central Alaska + beyond! She is passionate about capturing your sweetest moments and creating photo sessions that will tell your unique story. When she isn’t capturing WildHoney moments through her lens, you can find her going on nature adventures, painting with a mug of tea in hand, or spending quality time with her friends + family.
