All the information you need in one please to make an informed decision about the location for your Arizona photo session.
This guide will break down some of my most popular places to take pictures in and around the Phoenix Metropolitan area as well as a few destinations a little further out.
I start with a general overview of each location including any location and travel fees, a link to google maps, and any other relevant notes.
Then I will break down specific areas at each location where I tend to hang out during any given session.
Sometimes we can hit two areas in the same session. It all depends on the location and how far apart those two areas are. Let me know what you’re thinking and I’ll tell you if it’s possible.
Each area will be rated according to the following:
• Best season.
• Best time of day
• Max group size
• Accessibility
• Popularity (how busy it is, a low score is better, popular locations are usually less busy on week-nights or in the off-season)
•Not Recommended for (types of sessions)
WHERE: MAP IT
TRAVEL FEE: $7
LOCATION FEE: $6/VEHICLE
TOTAL ADDED COST: $13
This location holds a special place in my heart as the very first place I ever took pictures in Arizona. Pick a trailhead, any trailhead, and you’ve got beautiful desert views and cactus as far as the eye can see. When clients tell me they want cactus to feature prominently in their images this is one of my go to’s.
BEST SEASON: Winter, Spring, Fall
BEST TIME OF DAY: Sunrise, Sunset
MAX GROUP SIZE: 6
DISTANCE FROM PARKING: 5-minute walk
ACCESSIBILITY: Trails are uneven and bumpy. Not wheelchair accessible.
POPULARITY: 8/10 (Especially for hikers, the parking lot is often at capacity on weekends)
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR: Extended Families
BEST SEASON: Winter, Spring, Fall
BEST TIME OF DAY: Sunset
MAX GROUP SIZE: N/A This location is great for groups of all shapes and sizes.
DISTANCE FROM PARKING: 6-minute walk
ACCESSIBILITY: This area is down a reasonably well-maintained dirt/sandy trail, not wheelchair accessible but probably doable with a cane.
POPULARITY: 2/10 (I almost never run into other photographers and only a few hikers/bikers)
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR: N/A
BEST SEASON: Winter, Spring, Fall
BEST TIME OF DAY: Sunset
MAX GROUP SIZE: 6
DISTANCE FROM PARKING: 3-minute walk
ACCESSIBILITY: This trail is listed as stroller-friendly and should be wheelchair accessible.
POPULARITY: 4/10
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR: Extended Families
BEST SEASON: Winter, Spring, Fall
BEST TIME OF DAY: Sunrise
MAX GROUP SIZE: N/A This location is great for groups of all shapes and sizes.
DISTANCE FROM PARKING: 5-minute walk
ACCESSIBILITY: This area is down a reasonably well-maintained dirt/sandy trail, not wheelchair accessible.
POPULARITY: 2/10 (I almost never run into other photographers and only a few hikers/bikers)
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR: N/A
*Not inside the park so no entrance fee.
WHERE: MAP IT
TRAVEL FEE: $31
LOCATION FEE: NONE
TOTAL ADDED COST: $31
Located in Tempe, this desert oasis in the middle of the city is a not-so-hidden gem. While it’s a little light on cacti, it makes up for it with the fun rock formations in and around the park.
BEST SEASON: Winter, Spring, Fall
BEST TIME OF DAY: Sunrise (too busy at sunset)
MAX GROUP SIZE: 4
DISTANCE FROM PARKING: 7-minute hike
ACCESSIBILITY: Trails are uneven, rocky, and steep in some places. Not wheelchair accessible.
POPULARITY: 5/10 at Sunrise | 9/10 at Sunset (Popular place to watch the sunset)
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR: Families with young kids, Extended Families
BEST SEASON: Winter, Spring, Fall
BEST TIME OF DAY: Sunrise, Sunset (especially when cloudy)
MAX GROUP SIZE: N/A
DISTANCE FROM PARKING: 7-minute walk on dirt path
ACCESSIBILITY: Trails are dirt but fairly smooth and hard-packed.
POPULARITY: 3/10 at Sunrise | 6/10 at Sunset (Popular but plenty of room to spread out.)
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR: N/A
BEST SEASON: Winter, Spring, Fall
BEST TIME OF DAY: Sunset
MAX GROUP SIZE: 6
DISTANCE FROM PARKING: 15-20 minute walk on dirt path
ACCESSIBILITY: Trails are dirt but fairly smooth and hard-packed.
POPULARITY: 6/10
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR: Extended Families
WHERE: MAP IT
TRAVEL FEE: $78
LOCATION FEE: NONE
TOTAL ADDED COST: $78
Located in Scottsdale, Brown’s Ranch Trailhead boasts cacti AND large desert boulders making it one of my favorite desert locations of all time. Unlike many of the other desert options, Brown’s Ranch isn’t totally flat, making it more visually interesting, in my opinion.
BEST SEASON: Winter, Spring, Fall
BEST TIME OF DAY: Sunrise, Sunset
MAX GROUP SIZE: 6
DISTANCE FROM PARKING: 2-minute walk
ACCESSIBILITY: Trails are uneven, rocky, and steep in some places. Not wheelchair accessible.
POPULARITY: 4/10
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR: Extended Families
BEST SEASON: Winter, Spring, Fall
BEST TIME OF DAY: Sunrise, Sunset
MAX GROUP SIZE: 6-8
DISTANCE FROM PARKING: 7-minute walk – 20-minute gentle hike.
ACCESSIBILITY: The first part of this trail has gentle ups and downs, the further you go, the more it feels like hiking. Not wheelchair accessible.
POPULARITY: 2/10
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR: Extended Families
WHERE: MAP IT
TRAVEL FEE: $75
LOCATION FEE: NONE
TOTAL ADDED COST: $75
Located in Scottsdale, Tom’s Thumb Trailhead is home to one of the most stunning views the Sonoran Desert has to offer. Wide-open mountain views speckled with Scottsdale’s iconic desert boulders. When Arizona gets enough rain, these hills come alive with greenery and wildflowers!
BEST SEASON: Spring, Fall (when there’s good rain)
BEST TIME OF DAY: Sunrise, Sunset
MAX GROUP SIZE: 6-8
DISTANCE FROM PARKING: 10-15-minute hike
ACCESSIBILITY: The first part of this trail has gentle ups and downs, the further you go, the more it feels like hiking. Not wheelchair accessible.
POPULARITY: 2/10
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR: Extended Families
BEST SEASON: Spring, Fall (when there’s good rain)
BEST TIME OF DAY: Sunrise, Sunset
MAX GROUP SIZE: N/A
DISTANCE FROM PARKING: 2-minute walk
ACCESSIBILITY: Very hilly, but the dirt trails are well maintained. Not wheelchair accessible.
POPULARITY: 2/10
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR: N/A
WHERE: MAP IT
TRAVEL FEE: NONE
LOCATION FEE: $12 Entrance Fee
TOTAL ADDED COST: $12
Lost Dutchman state park is one of the most iconic Arizona vistas there is, and it’s no wonder! These red cliffs are gorgeous and an epic backdrop for any photo session. There is a $50 photography permit for any photography performed within the park.
BEST SEASON: Winter, Spring, Fall
BEST TIME OF DAY: Sunrise
MAX GROUP SIZE: N/A
DISTANCE FROM PARKING: 5-minute walk
ACCESSIBILITY: Easy walk through the desert on narrow trails. Not wheelchair accessible.
POPULARITY: 5/10
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR: N/A
BEST SEASON: Winter, Spring, Fall
BEST TIME OF DAY: Sunrise, Sunset
MAX GROUP SIZE: N/A
DISTANCE FROM PARKING: 5-minute walk
ACCESSIBILITY: Easy walk through the desert on narrow trails. Not wheelchair accessible.
POPULARITY: 5/10
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR: N/A
BEST SEASON: Winter, Spring, Fall
BEST TIME OF DAY: Sunrise, Sunset
MAX GROUP SIZE: N/A
DISTANCE FROM PARKING: 10-minute walk
ACCESSIBILITY: Easy walk through the desert on narrow trails. Not wheelchair accessible.
POPULARITY: 7/10 – Not recommended on weekends
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR: N/A
*Not inside the park so no entrance fee.
BEST SEASON: Winter, Spring, Fall
BEST TIME OF DAY: Sunset
MAX GROUP SIZE: N/A
DISTANCE FROM PARKING: 10-minute hike
ACCESSIBILITY: Moderate walk through the desert through a wash as well as up red rock.
POPULARITY: 3/10
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR: Large Extended Families
*Not inside the park so no entrance fee.
WHERE: MAP IT
TRAVEL FEE: $23
LOCATION FEE: $12/VEHICLE
TOTAL ADDED COST: $35
I’ll be honest, I love water in pictures! I love the movement, the greenery that’s literally impossible to find anywhere else in our desert home, and its so much fun to play in at the end of your session, especially for kids! Water Users Recreation Site is one of my favorite river access points. It has beautiful beaches where the current is gentle and gorgeous rocky cliffs for a backdrop. The only downside is EVERYONE else loves it too… definitely a weeknight only location.
BEST SEASON: Spring, Summer, Fall (At its best when the dam is open/water level is high)
BEST TIME OF DAY: Sunrise, Sunset
MAX GROUP SIZE: N/A
DISTANCE FROM PARKING: 5-minute walk
ACCESSIBILITY: Easy downhill walk down a partially paved path until you hit the sand. Not wheelchair accessible due to sand.
POPULARITY: 10/10 – Weeknights only. No Weekends!
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR: N/A
BEST SEASON: Spring, Summer, Fall (Water levels vary = what is accessible varies.)
BEST TIME OF DAY: Sunrise, Sunset
MAX GROUP SIZE: 6
DISTANCE FROM PARKING: 5-minute walk
ACCESSIBILITY: Walk down a steep, paved hill, may have to wade through water to access some areas. Not wheelchair accessible.
POPULARITY: 10/10 – Weeknights only. No Weekends!
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR: Extended Families
WHERE: MAP IT
TRAVEL FEE: $20
LOCATION FEE: $12/VEHICLE
TOTAL ADDED COST: $22
Theres a reason this place is popular for play and photos. It’s a personal favorite for an afternoon picnic with my family and even better for pictures! The large boulders at this bend in the river create numerous picturesque nooks and crannies perfect to let you kids explore. Though some areas of the river still move pretty fast, the boulders help create pockets of gentle and even still water, perfect for little ones to get their feet wet.
BEST SEASON: Spring, Summer, Fall (Water levels vary = what is accessible varies.)
BEST TIME OF DAY: Sunrise, Sunset
MAX GROUP SIZE: 6
DISTANCE FROM PARKING: 5-minute walk/hike down a semi-steep rocky hill.
ACCESSIBILITY: Short hike down a semi-steep, rocky hill.
POPULARITY: 10/10 – Weeknights only. No Weekends!
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR: Extended Families
BEST SEASON: Spring, Summer, Fall
BEST TIME OF DAY: Sunrise, Sunset
MAX GROUP SIZE: 4
DISTANCE FROM PARKING: 10-minute easy hike
ACCESSIBILITY: Short hike down a semi-steep, rocky hill and over to the boulders. Not wheelchair accessible.
POPULARITY: 10/10 – Weeknights only. No Weekends!
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR: Extended Families
*Note: The boulder shown here is actually large and about 5 ft off the ground. It’s relatively easy to climb up and down but is best with smaller groups and older children.
BEST SEASON: Spring, Summer, Fall (Water levels vary = what is accessible varies.)
BEST TIME OF DAY: Sunrise, Sunset
MAX GROUP SIZE: 6
DISTANCE FROM PARKING: 10-minute easy hike
ACCESSIBILITY: Short hike down a semi-steep, rocky hill and through narrow trails, over to the beach. Not wheelchair accessible.
POPULARITY: 10/10 – Weeknights only. No Weekends!
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR: Extended Families
BEST SEASON: Spring, Summer, Fall (Water levels vary = what is accessible varies.)
BEST TIME OF DAY: Sunrise, Cloudy Sunsets
MAX GROUP SIZE: 4
DISTANCE FROM PARKING: 10-minute easy hike
ACCESSIBILITY: Short hike down a semi-steep, rocky hill and through narrow trails/boulders. Not wheelchair accessible.
POPULARITY: 10/10 – Weeknights only. No Weekends!
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR: Extended Families
WHERE: MAP IT
TRAVEL FEE: $32
LOCATION FEE: $12/VEHICLE
TOTAL ADDED COST: $44
If you have your heart set on beach photos but live in the heart of the Arizona desert, Butcher Jones is for you. Located on the shore of Saguaro Lake in Tonto National Forest. It boast a grassy meadow area before you hit the beach, gorgeous mountains all around, and yes! A beach that photographs beautifully and is perfect to splash and play in! Because of how the mountains are situated I recommend starting an additional 30 minutes before sunset.
BEST SEASON: Spring, Summer, Fall
BEST TIME OF DAY: Sunrise, Sunset
MAX GROUP SIZE: N/A
DISTANCE FROM PARKING: 5-minute walk
ACCESSIBILITY: Easy walk from the paved parking lot to the meadow, the ground is uneven and sandy in places.
POPULARITY: 10/10 – Weeknights only. No Weekends!
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR: N/A
BEST SEASON:Spring, Summer, Early Fall
BEST TIME OF DAY: Sunrise, Sunset
MAX GROUP SIZE: 6
DISTANCE FROM PARKING: 5-minute easy hike
ACCESSIBILITY: Easy walk from the paved parking lot to the meadow, the ground is uneven and sandy in places.
POPULARITY: 10/10 – Weeknights only. No Weekends!
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR: Extended Families
BEST SEASON:Spring, Summer, Early Fall (grass turns yellow when dry)
BEST TIME OF DAY: Sunrise, Sunset (gets dark in the trees quickly)
MAX GROUP SIZE: 6
DISTANCE FROM PARKING: 5-minute easy walk
ACCESSIBILITY: Easy walk from the paved parking lot to the grove, the ground is uneven, and covered in grass.
POPULARITY: 10/10 – Weeknights only. No Weekends!
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR: Extended Families
WHERE: MAP IT
TRAVEL FEE: $8
LOCATION FEE: $20
TOTAL ADDED COST: $28
If you’re hoping for a little more green in your pictures the Four Silos Farm is perfect for you! Green wild grass growing under beautiful olive trees and dotted with clusters of trees, you wont even know you’re in Arizona. This location is best when we’re blessed with plenty of rain, when it gets dry the grass turns yellow and your socks will be full of uncomfy stickers.
BEST SEASON:Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
BEST TIME OF DAY: Sunrise, Sunset
MAX GROUP SIZE: N/A
DISTANCE FROM PARKING: Adjacent
ACCESSIBILITY: The parking lot is dirt and the meadow is covered with wild grass.
POPULARITY:N/A – by appointment only
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR: N/A
WHERE: MAP IT
TRAVEL FEE: NONE
LOCATION FEE: NONE
TOTAL ADDED COST: NONE
Another great option if you’re looking for green. You might even be able to catch some fall colors in late Fall/Winter. Because of the tree cover, I recommend starting 30-60 minutes before sunset.
BEST SEASON:Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
BEST TIME OF DAY: Sunrise, Sunset
MAX GROUP SIZE: 10
DISTANCE FROM PARKING: I recommend parking behind the Queen Creek Safeway, then a 5-10 minute easy walk to the trail.
ACCESSIBILITY: This area is fairy accessible by foot, but once you get down in the wash, its pretty sandy so I don’t recommend it for wheelchairs.
POPULARITY: 8/10 – This is a popular spot for photographers, but there is a lot of room to spread out if you’re willing to walk.
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR: Large extended families
WHERE: MAP IT
TRAVEL FEE: NONE
LOCATION FEE: NONE
TOTAL ADDED COST: NONE
A wildlife preserve in North East Gilbert this is an extremely popular place for pictures. As I prefer wide-open spaces for my family session, this location is for extended families only.
BEST SEASON:Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
BEST TIME OF DAY: Sunset
MAX GROUP SIZE: N/A
DISTANCE FROM PARKING: 10 minute walk from the parking lot. I recommend parking in the Southeast Regional Library south parking lot.
ACCESSIBILITY: Partially paved and then well-maintained dirt path. Wheelchair accessible.
POPULARITY: 8/10 – This is a popular spot for photographers and recreationers. Don’t usually have any issues using this spot.
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR: ALL but extended families
WHERE: MAP IT
TRAVEL FEE: $16
LOCATION FEE: $90-$140 STUDIO RENTAL
TOTAL ADDED COST: $106-$156*
*STUDIO RENTAL IS ALREADY INCLUDED IN STUDIO NEWBORN SESSION PRICE
Beloved Studio AZ is a whole vibe and my #1 lifestyle studio in the area. They have so many rooms to suit any number of styles and needs. I predominantly recommend studios for newborn sessions.
BEST SEASON: Year-Round
BEST TIME OF DAY: Mornings – 8am-12pm
MAX GROUP SIZE: 4-6
PARKING: Plenty of business parking
ACCESSIBILITY: As accessible as the average home. There is an elevator to reach the studio.
POPULARITY: N/A – by appointment only
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR: Large or extended families
FEATURES:
FEATURES:
FEATURES:
FEATURES:
FEATURES:
This room is much smaller than any other room, so it can accommodate a smaller family + the photographer.
FEATURES:
Beautiful natural light private shooting area – perfect for maternity or couples.
WHERE: MAP IT
TRAVEL FEE: $284
LOCATION FEE: NONE
TOTAL ADDED COST: $284
Sedona is by far my favorite place for pictures in Arizona, you get the best of the desert, green, and water, my 3 favorite things! I’ve only just begun to scratch the surface of what Sedona has to offer and I’ll never hesitate to agree to a Sedona adventure. Check out the places I have shot and my Sedona bucket list below.
BEST SEASON: Spring, Summer, Early Fall
BEST TIME OF DAY: Sunrise
MAX GROUP SIZE: N/A
DISTANCE FROM PARKING: Short 3-5 minute walk from parking area just off the road.
ACCESSIBILITY: Not wheelchair accessible but an easy hike otherwise.
POPULARITY: 4/10 – So far I’ve only been here on weeknights/mornings so I’m not sure about how popular it is on the weekends.
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR: N/A
BEST SEASON: Summer, Early Fall
BEST TIME OF DAY: Sunrise, Sunset
MAX GROUP SIZE: 4-6
DISTANCE FROM PARKING: You park in the Crescent Moon Picnic Site and take a short walk back to the river, path is partially paved.
ACCESSIBILITY: The walk back to the river is easy but once you’re at the river its extremely slippery to cross to the center rocks. I recommend grippy water shoes and even then, plan on getting wet and be prepared to roll with it. Not wheelchair accessible.
POPULARITY: 6/10 – So far I’ve only been here on weeknights so I’m not sure about how popular it is on the weekends.
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR: Large or extended families
BEST SEASON: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
BEST TIME OF DAY: Sunrise, Sunset
MAX GROUP SIZE: N/A
DISTANCE FROM PARKING: 10-15 minute hike with one significant hill
ACCESSIBILITY: The hike is relatively easy but not wheelchair or stroller accessible.
POPULARITY: 2/10
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR: N/A
BEST SEASON: Spring. Summer. Fall Winter,
BEST TIME OF DAY: Sunrise, Sunset
MAX GROUP SIZE: N/A
DISTANCE FROM PARKING: 12-15 minute hike
ACCESSIBILITY: The hike is easy enough for my 4-year-old to do easily but by no means is it wheelchair or stroller accessible. The ground is packed dirt but uneven in places.
POPULARITY: 5/10 – I know it can be a popular spot for photographers but so far I haven’t run into any while there.
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR: N/A
*Pictures coming soon.
