Outdoor LocAtions
Chandler AZ
A LUXURY ESTATE OF TIMELESS ELEGANCE AND
UNRIVALED CHARM SINCE 1984.
Nestled amidst lush greenery, the Chateau de Vie is a true gem of a luxury estate. Imagine stepping into a magnificent mansion, surrounded by a shimmering lake and babbling streams. This 15,000 square-foot paradise is the perfect escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Whether you’re planning a senior photo shoot, a family reunion, or an engagement, the Chateau de Vie’s vibrant landscaping, babbling brooks, and elegant home create a breathtaking backdrop for any memorable moment.
Prices starting at $350 an hour for an outdoor session with inside privileges add-ons starting at $300 per 1/2 hour
CHATEAU DE VIE, 1220 N. KYRENE RD. , CHANDLER, AZ 85226, UNITED STATES
I DO NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO THESE PHOTOS ON THIS PAGE
THEY ARE INTENDED TO SHOW EXAMPLES OF LOCATIONS ONLY, ALL CREDIT GOES TO THE ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPHER(S)
( PLEASE CHECK FOR FEES )
Travel fees, entrance fees, rental fees, and permit fees may not be included in my package pricing
When booking for outdoors please consider booking right after or during sunrise, or right before or during sunset for best results
SUPERSTITION MOUNTAINS
The Superstition Mountains are simply a stunning spot for photography. The best way to see this famous Phoenix photo spot is from the Lost Dutchman State Park. The park provides a number of hiking trails, as well as picnic facilities, or even camping if you are planning a longer trip. What makes the Superstition mountains so Instagrammable are the sharp jagged peaks, cactus everywhere, and nearly guaranteed good weather.
HOW TO GET TO THE SUPERSTITION MOUNTAINS
There really is only way to get here, and that is by car. It’s too far to realistically take a taxi or Uber. If you have your own car, or a rental car, it’s an easy drive south of Phoenix and along some secondary roads to the park. When planning your trip here for sunrise, be aware of potential delays driving through Phoenix due to the morning rush hour. You don’t want to plan a sunrise photoshoot at this amazing Phoenix location, only to miss the sunrise due to traffic!
Location: Lost Dutchman State Park
Hours: The park is open from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM every day.
Entrance Fee: $15.00(?) USD per vehicle Monday to Thursday, $10.00 USD every other day, and holidays.
Travel Fee: $50.00
Best Time for Photos: The light is best here around sunrise. At sunrise it might still be a bit too dark due to the shadow of the mountain. As the sun rises, but before it rises over the Superstition Mountains is the best time.
Tips: For the ultimate Photo that will make everyone jealous, position yourself at a location and be prepared for when the sun just crests over the Superstition Mountains and you can get a beautiful sun flair in your photo.
PAPAG0 PARK
Papago Park has a surprising amount of great Phoenix photography spots for sunrise or sunset. The park is most well-known for the many holes or caves in the rock face. The short and easy hike up the Hole-In-The-Rock Trail is well worth it for the view. In addition to the caves there is a small pond near the zoo. This pond has a short but cute dock which makes for a great photo location in Phoenix. As the pond is quite small, the water is generally calm which results in a beautiful reflection for your photo. Papago park is very photogenic from every angle making it one of the best places to take pictures in Phoenix.
Location: Papago Park
Entrance Fee: none
Travel Fee: $50.00
Hours: Daily from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Best Time for Photos: The best time to take photos here is during the late afternoon close to sunset.
WESTERN SPIRIT MUSEUM
The Western Spirit Museum in downtown Scottsdale has a beautiful desert modern design that also works as an amazing backdrop as one of the best photo places in Phoenix. If you’ve ever been wondering where to take a photo with a cactus in Phoenix or Scottsdale, this is your photo location.
To take photos here, walk around the back of museum and you will find a couple of great alternatives for photos. This location is best for shooting fashion and lifestyle, as the backdrops allow for the focus to be on the subject, while still providing an interesting and clean backdrop for your photo. There is one area that has a large number of cactus, another against a modern rusted steel wall, and another with an industrial style backdrop. This is also a favorite Phoenix photography location for locals doing photoshoots, so be sure to be respectful and take your turn.
Location: Western Spirit Museum
Hours: The museum is open every day from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM, however the photo locations are outside the building and can be freely accessed at any time of the day.
Entrance Fee: none
Travel Fee: $50.00
Best Time for Photos: The best time for photos here is early in the morning. By mid-morning the sun comes around the corner of the building and will begin casting shadows on the photo locations.
Tips: If you need to take any professional looking photos such as headshots or beautiful fashion photos, this is a great location to plan a longer shoot.
SCORPION GULTCH
Location: South Mountain - 10409 S Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85042
Entrance Fee: none
Travel Fee: $50.00
Hours: Daily from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Best Time for Photos: The best time to take photos here is during the late afternoon close to sunset.
Riparian Preserve
Location: Gilbert, AZ
Travel Fee: $50.00+
Saguaro lake
Location: Tonto National Forest
Travel Fee: $150
coons Bluff
Location: Tonto National Forest
Travel Fee: $150
SAHUARO RANCH PARK
Location: 9802 59th Ave, Glendale, AZ
Travel Fee: $100
Photo permit: $25 per day. Must be paid ahead of time to the Glendale Historical Society, check blackout dates
This property boasts year-round palm trees on its large front lawn and small citrus groves, a large midwestern style brick historical ranch with a wrap-around porch, and seasonal rose blooms
PARKING GARAGE CITY SKYLINE
Location: Next to Herberger Theater downtown Phoenix
Travel Fee: $50
Photo Pass: No pass required, $5 per car to enter
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.
HISTORIC HERITAGE SQUARE
Location: 115 N 6th St, Phoenix, AZ
Travel Fee: $50
Photo Pass: No pass required, meter and garage parking available
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).
SUPERSTITION MOUNTAINS — SOUTHEAST
Location: Gold Canyon, East Valley
Travel Fee: $50.00
Photo Pass: No pass required
This spot is located on a trail on the south side of the Superstitions, a little bit further drive than the north side. You'll drive off the highway on a dirt road for about 20 minutes, but it's easily passible in a regular car. No hiking or walking required, you can pull right up to the mountainside, with great views almost all the way around. The sun dips quickly here and the horizon is pretty open just like the north side. Best to shoot here at sunset.
THE SALT RIVER
Location: Mesa, AZ
Travel Fee: $50.00
Photo Pass: $8 Tonto National Forest Pass per car, acquired in advance off-site
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. This one is borderline desert scenery.
WHITE TANK MOUNTAIN REGIONAL PARK
Location: 20304 W White Tank Mountain Rd, Waddell, AZ
Travel Fee: $100.00
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
Travel Fee: $50.00
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.
LOST DUTCHMAN STATE PARK
Location: Apache Junction, AZ
Travel Fee: $50.00
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
DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN
Location: 1201 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ
Travel Fee: none
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
Travel Fee: $50.00
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.
SOUTH MOUNTAIN ( SCORPION GULTCH )
Location: 10409 S Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85042
Travel Fee: none
Photo Pass: No photo pass or entry fee required
What to expect: Layered mountain views with the sun setting perfectly behind you. Lots of room to walk around, no hike required.
CATHEDRAL ROCK
Location: 500 Back O Beyond Rd, Sedona, AZ
Travel Fee: $100.00+
Photo Pass: $9 per car to park
What to expect: Small parking lot, 1.2 mile hike to the top that gets pretty steep. Busy on weekends — one of THE most popular spots in Sedona. Shuttle service to the lot is now mandatory Thurs-Sun and allows for more accessibility than in the past.
CRESCENT MOON RANCH
Location: 300 Red Rock Crossing Rd, Sedona, AZ
Travel Fee: $100.00+
Photo Pass: $11 per car paid at booth on site
What to expect: A short walk on the trail for the best views, some of Cathedral Rock. Tall grasses and changing colors in the fall and lots of accessible water.
BELL ROCK
Location: Coconino National Forest, SR 179, Sedona, AZ
Travel Fee: $100.00+
Photo Pass: $10 per car
What to expect: Small parking lot, busy on weekends. One mile hike, but not necessary for views. Steep if going all the way up the rock..
WEST FORK OAK CREEK TRAIL
Location: 1703 Shady Lane, Sedona, AZ
Travel Fee: $100.00+
Photo Pass: $11 per car
What to expect: The hike is 6 miles total, but not necessary for beautiful views. The creek has sparse forest around it, but is beautiful all year round. Can get icy in the winter.
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!
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ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS
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