Top 5 Outdoor Locations in Phoenix for Senior Photos
Phoenix is an INCREDIBLE place for senior photo sessions. Whether it's the 300 days of sunny weather a year or the mix of landscapes available, there is something to capture every graduating seniors' incredible moment. But how do you pick the right place for you / your senior? As you look through this list here's some things for your senior to think about:
What type of landscape best fit your interests?
- Desert, Greenery, Water, City / Urban, Western... to pick a location you first have to figure out what speaks most to YOU! There are also some great locations that address more than one of these!
What time of day will your session be?
- Especially in the valley, where shade is limited, different times of day will make a huge difference both in number of people present and angle/quality of the light. Be sure to talk to your photographer about this!
How Popular is the Spot?
- This is a celebration of YOU! The last thing you want to do is stand in line waiting for that perfect photo. Want a spot that's very busy? You may just need to shift your session to a less-busy time
#1- Scorpion Gulch / South Mountain (Phoenix)
Mountains, cactus, stone walls and windows, city vistas, and wood fences, South Mountain / Scorpion Gulch is by far one of my favorite places for Senior Sessions. There are so many great areas here to get that picture perfect graduation photo. Here's some key details:
- Landscape Type: Desert, Mountain, Stone / Southern Buildings, Cityscape
- Best Time of Day: Evening Golden Hour
- Popularity: High - This is a very popular weekend area, so highly recommend booking weekday photo sessions
- Parking: Can be limited, so be sure to arrive a few minutes early and carpool!
Location Link: South Mountain Reserve - Scorpion Gulch
#2- Heritage Square (Phoenix)
Senior photos in the heart of the city. Whether it's the Chase Stadium, the beautiful cityscape, or the historic Heritage Square, this is the best of Phoenix's urban jungle. Great for the Graduating Senior who just wants to highlight their love for Phoenix.
- Landscape Type: Cityscape, Historic Buildings, Urban locations, Seasonal Flowers
- Best Time of Day: Evening Golden Hour
- Popularity: Depends on Time of Year - Be sure to check for sporting events and conferences going on, as this can drive very high traffic
- Parking: Lots of parking, but may have fees
#3- Roosevelt Row (Phoenix)
Perfect for unique Senior portraits, Roosevelt Row offers incredible street art through murals, with an urban feel, this is a great spot for Senior photos that will stand out from the rest.
- Landscape Type: Urban landscape, Graffiti / Murals
- Best Time of Day: Golden Hour (AM or PM) - while there is lots of shade for Urban photos midday, the murals have very little shade and photographs would look best with golden light
- Popularity: Depends on Time of Year - Be aware of any festivals or concerts happening in the area
- Parking: Parking can be limited, so expect walking and some minor fees for parking.
Link: Roosevelt Row
#4- Sahuaro Ranch (Glendale)
Historic Sahuaro Park offers beautiful historic ranch / farm buildings for your country-loving Senior. From red barn doors and tractors to a well-manicured rose garden and elegant peacocks. This location never disappoints.
- Landscape Type: Historic Buildings, Ranch / Farm, Seasonal Flowers
- Best Time of Day: Any time, but my personal favorite is evening Golden hour
- Popularity: Medium - Photographers require permits to shoot here, so it is less overrun than most spots, but there are of course festivals, weddings, and other tourists, so just keep that in mind!
- Parking: Lots of parking
Link: Sahuaro Ranch Park
#5- Founders Day Park (Verrado)
A unique and beautiful city, Verrado meets a few different styles, and Founder's Park is one of the crowning jewels. While offering different options, each are a little bit of a drive from each other, so if you're looking to capture it all would definitely recommend a longer session to give yourself time for extra travel.
- Landscape Type: Greenery, Seasonal Flowers, Stonework, Fountain, Mountains, Desert
- Best Time of Day: Golden Hour (AM or PM), unless adding the mountains/desert, and then would do Evening Golden Hour
- Popularity: Medium - There's lots of options and depending on where you go it could be busier or slower
- Parking: Reasonable parking available in every location
Link: Founders Park
