HISTORIC HERITAGE SQUARE

Location: 115 N 6th St, Phoenix, AZ

Photo Pass: No pass required, meter parking available

What to expect: The Rossen House Museum is a victorian-style home on grounds with blossoming trees and some green grass. The Science Center provides concrete backdrops and minimalistic stairs for a modern look (and some shade).

Parking garage city skyline

Location: Next to Herberger Theater downtown Phoenix

Photo Pass: No pass required, $5 per car to enter

What to expect: The parking garage allows for next-level views of some of downtown Phoenix's finest architecture, the best spot to get a modern, big city feel.

WHITE TANK MOUNTAIN REGIONAL PARK

Location: 20304 W White Tank Mountain Rd, Waddell, AZ

Photo Pass: $7 per car to enter the park, or park at the library and pay $3 per person inside for foot traffic only

What to expect: Perfect mountain backdrop for a sunset session — this is one of the closest views in the whole Valley. Lots of saguaros, short walks to locations.

USERY MOUNTAIN REGIONAL PARK

Location: 3939 N Usery Pass Rd, Mesa, AZ 

Photo Pass: No pass required, $7 per car paid at the main entrance guard house

What to expect: Flat desert scenery with mountains in the background at select spots. Large saguaros easily accessible from trails. Easy to drive from spot to spot, park, and walk a short distance. These photos were taken around 10 a.m.

PAPAGO PARK

Location: 625 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ

Photo Pass: No pass required

What to expect: Desert rock scenery! Can get crowded on weekends in the small parking lots, especially when the weather is nice. Requires moderate walks on flat trails. These photos were taken about an hour before sunset.

Lost Dutchman State Park

Location: Apache Junction, AZ

Photo Pass: No pass required, just $8 per car for entry

What to expect: Iconic towering view of the Superstition mountains, moderate walks, lots of saguaros

MANISTEE RANCH PARK

Location: 5127 W Northern Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301

Photo Permit: $25 paid in cash, in person to the Glendale Historical Society office

What to expect: Large, midwestern style house with large lot, citrus trees, farm equipment, walkway with vines

Sahuaro Ranch Park

Location: 9802 59th Ave, Glendale, AZ

Photo permit: $25 per day paid ahead of time to the Glendale Historical Society via their online portal, make sure to check blackout dates

What to expect: year-round palm trees on large front lawn and small citrus groves, large midwestern style brick historical ranch with porch

DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN

Location: 1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ

Photo Pass: No pass required, just the current cost of admission.

What to expect: Varietal plants, desert greenery, cool architecture and the occasional traveling art collection. Can get crowded on weekends, and it's important to check ahead for path closures due to events.

PHON D. SUTTON - MID MOUNTAIN PARKING LOT

Location: Mesa, AZ

Photo Pass: $8 Tonto National Forest Pass, acquired in advance (not sold nearby) 

What to expect: Dirt parking lot that gives access to a small, easy to access desert area with amazing “down the road” mountain views. These photos were taken on a completely overcast day.

The Salt River

Location: Mesa, AZ

Photo Pass: $8 Tonto National Forest Pass, acquired in advance (not sold nearby) 

What to expect: Colorful mountain views behind the river, green trees surrounding. We'll need to be mindful of river levels, as it's drier during winter, and can be crowded on weekends during the summer.

Venue at the Grove

Location: South Phoenix

Photo Pass: I have free exclusive access!

Hands-down the greenest area in all of Phoenix, this wedding venue is the perfect secluded spot for photos! The first and last photos were taken in February, and the middle was taken in May. The pecan trees are bare from mid-December through the beginning of April, but the green grass and the additional trees and shrubs around the property make it gorgeous year-round. The grounds are closed for seeding in September, and session availability is subjective to their wedding schedule.

Studio House AZ

Location: Downtown Phoenix

Photo Pass: Studio space rentals are $110 for two hours per room. Click here for options.

What to expect: These natural-light filled spaces are ever-changing. There's a room that's different every season, as well as several staples that never change. Talk to me about which spaces work best for engagements! The room shown here is the Atrium.

Blok Studios

Location: Downtown Phoenix

Photo Pass: Studio space rentals are $130 for two hours

What to expect: This minimalistic, urban space is absolutely perfect for all types of sessions. There are several pull down neutral backdrops available as well as natural light through the windows.

Your home!

The perfect way to add a personal touch to your session. If your home together is close to your heart (and it has great natural light), talk to me about creating some magic in your own space!