How To Choose Your Session Location
Views & Backgrounds
When you close your eyes and imagine your dream photoshoot what kind of views do you see? Urban cityscapes or natural landscapes? Arizona has SO many diverse location options!
Are we hitting the streets and swinging by a pizza joint or coffee shop at the end? If that's your scene, we'll make it happen! Looking for some outdoor inspiration? Are you imagining red rocks or mountain peaks? Desert cacti or creek streams? We've got a bit of it all!
Accessibility
Wowed by all the options? The next important consideration will help narrow it down.
Do you want to go on an adventure? Let's do it! I know of endless miles of hiking trails in the area. As a Sedona local, I'm hiking is second nature! Although, I've realized a "hike" is defined differently by everyone. Not looking to wander too far? Wanting something a short mosey from the parking lot? I have a bountiful list of locations that are easily accessible! The biggest question I get is, "do I have to hike for the best views?" The quick answer; NO! For the most classic Sedona scenic backgrounds, I have two location options; one for the venturesome and one for the heedful at heart.
Time of Day
Golden hour is every photographers time to shine, but we can plan your session for anytime of day (or night)! Golden hour is the period of daytime shortly after sunrise or before sunset.
Why we really love that window after the sun rises or before the sun sets is because it offers that gorgeous glowing light! Closer to midday, the shadows are harsh and sunlight is bright which can cause unflattering side effects. Although, a great photographer is adaptable and can find ideal lighting in less than ideal times of day.
Lastly ‑ you didn't read it wrong! Nighttime sessions can be SO much fun! Blue hour is the hour before the sun comes up or after the sun retires for the night, this time offers its own unique kind of beauty such as cooler tones and minimal shadows. With flash and longer exposures, we can take advantage of the dark for your session if that's what you have in mind!
Seasonal Changes
We are beyond lucky in Northern Arizona for the seasonal changes we get to experience every year!
Imagining cacti and desert scapes behind you? We have an abundance of that here all year long! What about golden leaves and fall colors? I've got you covered! Flagstaff and Sedona experience amazing color change during autumn. In love with winter? Wait a few months & we'll be playing in the snow on the San Francisco peaks!
If you aren't already surprised ‑ let's chat about water in the high desert! While most imagine us to be in a desolate land with no water, we have plenty of gorgeous local destinations with creeks, lakes, and reservoirs to play in!
So How Do You Choose?
Let's start chatting about what you want out of your session! I want to know what you have envisioned ‑ so I can best help your ideas come to life & plan a fun time for your session! Having been in this area for 10+ years, I have fallen in love with the diversity and abundancy of options we are surrounded with! I've spent endless hours wandering around the area to find ideal spots to recommend based on your criteria. So pick my brain ‑ use me as a local resource & we can find the perfect place for your photoshoot!
My first recommendation is choosing a location that has significant meaning to you. Whether it’s a trail you’ve hiked before or a local hangout you love - I’ve had sessions in downtown coffee shops, picture perfect lookouts, and everywhere in between! If you’re still not sure, a great place to start would be to browse my website and social media to check out some of my favorite local spots & begin dreaming up your perfect location.
