12 Unique Things to do in Phoenix

The Redfin Blog posted about 12 Unique Things to do in Phoenix. I was featured in their list as a photographer and educator who can capture timeless photos of you and your family in the desert. If you are a local or a family on vacation, it is always a great idea to capture the majesty of the desert as a background to the love and connection within your family.

There are multiple desert scenes that offer the perfect backdrop and location for your family photos. From the soothing flow of the Salt River, to the towering Saguaros among the many preserves, every scene will be breathtaking. Above all, read more to learn about a few of my favorite locations for family photo sessions.

McDowell Mountain Sonoran Preserve

The preserve has an abundance of trails lined with indigenous plant life. Among the palo verde, saguaro, wildflowers, and ironwood trees there is always a beautiful photo to be captured. However, it’s important to note that your photographer needs to have a permit to photograph within the preserve. Moreover, I always renew my permit yearly, and ensure that I adhere to the guidelines to keep our preserves safe and beautiful.

Desert Botanical Gardens

The Desert Botanical Gradens are an immaculate and pristine location to photograph. This is a great location to capture unique desert life in an easily accessible way. Think of clients who may have a hard time on a desert trail, and offer the gardens as an alternative. As a photographer, be sure to call ahead and make sure that photographing your clients on a specific day and time will be allowed within the gardens. Everyone in your party will need to pay the entry fee. The good news is that often the gardens are open and welcome to be used for photo sessions once inside the grounds. Afterwards, your clients can roam the gardens and enjoy some family time.

Salt River

There are beach locations along the Salt River that provide a dreamy backdrop for your family photos. I love capturing maternity photos here too. The reflection off the water, the sun through the trees, and the appearance of the wild horses combine to create a memorable photoshoot experience.

Scorpion Gulch

A hollowed out and roofless brick facade are all that remain at Scorpion Gulch on South Mountain. Somehow it all brings just the right amount of texture and color to this location for a photo session. The numerous walls, rooms, and window cutouts are perfect for staging a variety of poses. Children love this location because it’s like visiting a museum and playground at the same time.

Other exciting things to do in Phoenix

After you’ve booked and completed your photoshoot, remember there are 12 Unique Things to do in Phoenix when visiting. Or for us locals, to try out during the cool weather months each year. Check out the Redfin Blog Post to read more about these activities, and to find my quote about photoshoots in the desert (hint, it’s number 4).