Wondering how to pick the best location for your upcoming photo session?
Picking a location can be stressful and overwhelming! I want to help you at least narrow down some of the options and pick a location that reflects who your are.
Tucson is such a beautiful place and has many wonderful locations that will be perfect for your next portrait session. If you are willing to drive a short distance, we can visit some unique locations just outside of the city as well.
Some things to consider when picking a location for your session.
1. Pick a location that reflects who you! Does your family love to spend time fishing? Maybe choose a park with a lake and a great view.
2. Consider the age of your children. Do you have a squirmy toddler that can’t sit still? An urban location may not be the best choice because of cars and lots of distractions.
3. Think about the season. Take advantage of all the cactus blooms in the Spring or head to the forest in the fall!
4. Choose a location that will be easy to get to. Some locations are farther than others and after commuting across town it may be hard to get in the picture taking mood. If you are willing to take the drive make sure you arrive early so you get a chance to stretch your legs or even give the kids a small snack before we start.
Here are a few of my favorite locations
1. Urban. Downtown Tucson has some gorgeous neighborhoods that offer really great textures and colorful backgrounds.
Barrio Viejo (Urban and Adobe )
Mercado District (Old Word architecture and buildings)
Mercado District (Old Word architecture and buildings)
2. Lake. Some of my favorite shoots are near the water. There are few parks that have beautiful lakes and lots of room for the kiddos to play and explore.
Agua Caliente (Lake)
3. Resorts. Let’s take a break and head to a resort. We’ll take advantage of the beautiful architecture, grounds, and foliage.
Tanque Verde Ranch (Buildings, rustic, and lake) *Available some weekdays only.
4. Desert. A desert location is a staple of outdoor photography in Arizona. No need to look far, we’re surrounded!
Gates Pass (Desert and Mountains)
Broadway Trailhead (Desert and Mountains)
5. Forest- One of my favorite things about this area is how versatile the landscape is. If you’re up for the drive lets head to the forest and enjoy the scenery!
Madera Canyon (Forest)
6. Plazas- There are a couple of plazas in town that feature beautiful gardens, architecture, and fountains. We’ll definitely have lots of different options for beautiful photographs during our session.
St. Philips Plaza (Buildings, Fountain, and lush foliage)
7. University of Arizona (Buildings and lush foliage) - This location deserves a category of it’s own. The campus is full of amazing areas for your portrait session. It’s perfect for senior portraits and even maternity or family sessions.
8. Life Under The Oaks (Lavender Field) Blooms May-July *Additional Location Fee - This location is breathtaking and an absolute dream! Enjoy your portrait session walking along rows and rows of fragrant lavender while soaking in a golden sunset in the country.
9. Honeybee Canyon - What a striking location! Surrounded by tall, neutral colored, stone walls you are sure to pop and be the center of attention!
10. Windy Point - Mt. Lemmon
Location Suggestions
Casas Adobes Plaza (Spanish Colonial Architecture)
I hope this guide has given you some ideas and clarification on what Tucson and the surrounding areas have to offer. Please check this list again before your session as I love scouting new locations and will update this list.