Fun, practical advice for families looking to capture beautiful memories 

I truly believe Arizona is one of the absolute best places in the world for photographs! We’re spoiled with incredible natural light and an amazing variety of landscapes. One of my favorite things is sharing this variety with my families, but honestly…it can create a little dilemma. There are just sooooooo many good options, it’s hard to know where to start! So, here are three practical tips to help you pick your perfect location—with some examples from my most-loved spots.  

Each photo session brings its own special atmosphere—thanks to lighting, events, and whatever else is happening at the spot! No matter what, my goal is always to make your experience wonderful. But this should give you a great feel for what makes each location extra special! 

Tip 1: There is always next time! 

Don’t stress about too many good choices. Most families love to come back and try different locations as their crew grows up—it’s such a sweet way to commemorate your family’s journey! If you pick one place today, you can always try another favorite next time. Easy peasy. 

Tip 2: Think about the environment. 

Sometimes, practicality matters more than pure aesthetics—especially if you have littles! If we’re heading into the desert, make sure your kiddos can stick to the path (no cactus cuddling, please 😅). Parks are super fun for kids with energy to burn—expect some running, rolling, and playing in the grass (we love channeling that natural energy!). Bottom line: we can make every environment work beautifully. 

Tip 3: Keep in mind the lighting. 

Don’t worry, we’ve got this one covered for you! We always schedule sessions around the best light of the day (which is usually right before sunset). That’s when the light is most even and glowy—making everyone look their best. Plus, we pick locations with lots of options, so even if there’s a special event, unusual cloud coverage, or other photographers around, you’ll still get gorgeous lighting as we move around. 

My Most Popular Photo Locations 

Apache Wash Desert (North Phoenix): A dreamy desert spot just north of the city—perfect for all your boho, sun-kissed portraits!!

 

 

Anthem Community Park (Anthem): This park is a green, picturesque dream with plenty of beautiful spots. It’s a favorite for all kinds of portraits! 

 

 

Papago Park (Phoenix): The stunning red rocks here make for truly unique portraits. A hidden gem right next to the Phoenix Zoo! If you choose the last session of the day right before sunset, we may even have a few minutes to capture the mountains in the background! 

 

 

Sahuaro Ranch Park (Glendale): Also known as the famous Peacock Park! Gorgeous trees, an orange grove, and historic buildings give us rich textures and colors for any portrait session. 

 

 

Heritage & Science Park (Phoenix): Historic Heritage Square next to the Arizona Science Center is loaded with rich textures and variety—a marvelous spot right in the heart of the city! Parking downtown takes a little time, but the variety is well worth it! 

 

 

Verrado Founders Park (Verrado): So many beautiful parks in Verrado, but this one is my absolute favorite in the West Valley. Elegant charm and beautiful backdrops everywhere. 

Ready to pick your spot and get some glowy Arizona memories? Let’s capture those amazing photo moments!