Location Options for Outdoor Sessions
The biggest question we get is “which location should we pick?” Picking the right location is one of the most important task in booking a session and we love assisting our clients picking the perfect location! Phoenix and the surrounding cities- Scottsdale, Gilbert, Chandler, Tempe, Mesa, Glendale & Queen Creek have a lot of gorgeous locations and here are some of our favorites!!
Papago park - Phoenix
Next to the Phoneix Zoo, Papago Park is a dream for family photos. Papago is characterized by the red rock mountain located right in the middle of the park. This spot captures a lot of the beauty of Arizona. Check out more from this location: Family session1, Family session2, Family session 3, Styled session
Salt River - mesa
This beautiful Phoenix area photo location gets you right into the wilderness. Full of trees, water, mountain, dirt path, and cacti, this is a beautiful spot for photos. Salt river runs right through this campground, so if you are adventurous enough to get down by the water, you can add some cool variety to your shoot. And if we are lucky, we can catch sight of wild horses along the water. There is a $11 parking permit with this location. Within Salt River, there are multiple gorgeous location and my favorite locations are Coons Bluff Campground (Maternity Session), Butcher Jones, Water Users Camp (Family Session), and Phon D Sutton. Check out more from those links!
Scorpion Gulch & South mountain - Mesa
If you haven’t visited this rustic and western area of Phoenix, you need to go check it out. Located at the base of South Mountain, the cool stone buildings are full of texture and a uniqueness only found in the desert. This area gives lots of variety by offering neat architecture, but also mountains, cactus and Arizona sunsets. Check out more from this location: Family session, Elopement Session, Children session
Desert botanical garden - Phoenix
This place is a lovely place right next to the Phoenix Zoo and papago park, a large desert southwest plants and lots of areas to photograph. Check out more from this location: Styled session, Family session
Lost dutchman - apache junction
This place is a breath taking location for weddings and portrait. The location is filled with dramatic desert scenery with mountain and cactus. This location is especially gorgeous during sunrise since the sun rises behind the mountain! There is $50 photo permit fee for this location along with $10 parking fee but it is for sure worth it if you are looking for dramatic desert photoshoot. Check out more from this location here: Engagement session. Also there is a location called “first water trailhead” which is a block away from Lost Dutchamn and this location is free. There is just a longer walk but it’s still gorgeous!
Usery Mountain Regional Park - Mesa
This place is a true definition of desert scenery. The location is filled with endless cacti and mountain. There is $7 entrance/parking fee! This location is gorgeous during the sunrise and less crowded. Check out more from this location: Elopement session, Couple session.
Spur Cross Stable / jewel of the Creek - Cave creek
If you are looking for jaw dropping desert scene, this might be it! It’s located in Cave Creek and has mountains and rows of Saguaro! Check out more from this location here: Portrait Session & Elopement
Brown ranch - Scottsdale
This place has gorgeous mix of boulders, tall saguaro and mountain. It has an absolute gorgeous view with a super short hike. Check out more from this location: Family session Couple Session
Boyce Thompson Arboretum
This place is absolutely gorgeous and it’s a dream to photograph! It’s a little bit far and located in Superior AZ (1.5 hour away from my location) and they close little early at 5pm so if you are up having your session earlier in the day on the overcast day, this will be a perfect location to consider. The admission is $15 per person if you don’t have the membership. And there will be extra travel charge of $50 with this location. Check out more from this location here: Children session
Lost dog trailhead - Scottsdale
This trailhead is intimate and less crowded spot in Scottsdale. Also it’s absolutely gorgeous during the sunrise with sun rising behind the mountain. Check out more from this location here: Couple session