Photography

There are many truly incredible photographic opportunities in the Sonoran Desert. With the awe-inspiring sunsets, abundant wildlife, and many very remote natural areas, Arizona is a photographers dream. As the sun crosses the sky, lighting changes dramatically and the same shot only a few hours earlier can look completely different. Early in the morning, the sun rises over majestic mountains. Quail scurry around beneath the brittle bush while hawks soar overhead. In the afternoon classic sunsets create silhouettes of Saguaros.

Spring time explodes with wildflowers painting the pale desert in vibrant color. The state flower, the Saguaro Cactus bloom, creates some of the most memorable photography.

What's more, with the diverse elevations across the state of Arizona, a nature photographers portfolio can showcase a variety of scenic treasures. Pine covered mountains, lush fern covered meadows, and babbling brooks can be found as little as an hours drive from just about any corner of the state.

The drive from Fountain Hills to the top of the Mogollon rim, for instance, offers limitless possibilities. In one day, on the same roll of film, a photographer can shoot low desert and high mountain pine forests. And best of all, the drive time is so minimal, (about an hour) that most of your day is spent shooting and not driving.


Saguaro Cactus forests are a common scene in the Sonoran Desert.

A hiker photographs wildflowers in the Superstition Wilderness Area.

Spring in Fountain Hills brings an explosion of wildflowers.

Wildflowers on the northwestern slope of the McDowells.

A peaceful mountain lake above the Mogollon Rim.

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