Locations

Agritopia - Gilbert

This is an adorable farm community that has a variety of textures for backgrounds, and a decent amount of ‘green’ that can be hard to find around the Phoenix desert. It even has a community farm the little ones can check out (great for some candid shots!). It also boasts some pretty sweet local restaurants to try after your session, including a farm grill that has tons of outdoor seating that’s great for the kids (plus amazing milkshakes!) and a tasty pizza joint right next to a great local brewery.

Riparian Preserve - Gilbert

Who says desert can’t be pretty? Nestled in the heart of suburbia is this beautiful desert park filled with walking paths, a lake (with ducks the kids can feed!), and a little cactus garden.

Side note about the the cactus garden—it is a bit of a walk from the lake and other spots I like so if you definitely want pretty cacti in your images, let me know and we will plan our time accordingly to hit up that spot. In the fall, a sunrise session is preferred at this particular spot as it can get very crowded in the afternoon.

Lost Dutchman State Park - Apache Junction

This place has a beautiful desert foreground and a unique mountain as a backdrop. The first two images were taken at sunrise, and the latter ones at sunset. You really can’t go wrong with this place!

Papago Park or Desert Botanical Garden - Tempe

These locations are in the heart of Tempe. Papago Park has some distinct red rocks and hills in the background, with pretty desert trails that lead up to them.

The Desert Botanical Garden has a variety of beautiful desert scenery. There is a tall cactus garden right as you enter that’s unique to the Valley. And there are lots of trails and art installations that make for a variety of textures and backdrops. This location does require a fee to enter. I can get one additional guest into the park for free. Check here for details on ticket pricing.

Washes - North Phoenix or Queen Creek

There are a couple of washes in the valley that I love. They can change a bit throughout the year as well. The North Phoenix wash can have tall grasses in the summer time that add a different look than what you’d usually expect to find in Phoenix. The Queen Creek wash has some deciduous trees that can create a lovely autumn look if timing is right.

Along the Salt River - North Mesa

There are a variety of stops along the Salt River that offer beautiful desert scenery, mountainous backgrounds, great views of the river, or water and river rocks where the kids can frolic.

Up North! - Payson, Sedona, Flagstaff

If you’re looking for a different look in foliage than what the Valley has to offer, a day trip up north is well worth the drive!

Note that a travel fee is required for distances farther than 30 miles from Gilbert. I do take weekend trips up to Flagstaff a few times a year so I will occasionally offer sessions up north sans a travel fee. Feel free to ask me about timing and availability for travel sessions.