Top "Green" Locations in Arizona for Stunning Family Photos

Lush and very green locations are a tad hard to come by in the Valley of the Sun (Phoenix metro), but there are a few gems I have scouted out over the years that can make for lovely portrait backdrops. Here are some of my favorite "green" locations in Arizona for family photos:

1. City washes that get access to water sources - these exist all over the city

Just how green it gets is truly dependent on how much rain we have during the monsoon season, but if you like this look, there are a few places around town that offer a similar vibe. My tips: wear mosquito repellent and closed toe shoes! The straw grass can itch and poke.

#2 Flagstaff & Prescott & Pinetop and Greer - A short(ish) drive north of Phoenix are the pretty mountain areas of Prescott and Flagstaff, and there are tons of gorgeous fields to explore in the pines. Some favorites from fall and summer! Prescott is about 1.5 hours from Phoenix, while Flagstaff and Sedona are 2 hours, Payson is 1-1.5 hours depending of which part of the city you live in, and Pinetop/Greer is located in the White Mountains roughly 3-4 hours from Phoenix. There is a travel fee for these locations, unless Jennifer happens to already be there, which she always announces via her newsletter and social media.

#3 Open desert in the Spring - While the open desert is rarely ever "green", in years where we get a lot of winter rain (Jan & Feb), these areas can super-bloom and actually appear quite green. Peak time for desert based shoots with wildflowers is in late March and April, and every year is different based on rainfall.

Please do keep in mind, the rest of the year, and certainly in the fall after our HOT, dry summers - the desert is straight up brown. Still pretty in its rugged, arid state, but certainly not green. Just something to consider for the time of year :-)

#4 - Fields near lakes and bodies of water

Where there is lots of water, there is certainly more green. So if you like the deep green grass that these areas have more of, consider a portrait shoot near a lake or river. Arizona has a handful of very pretty lakes and rivers with interesting landscapes as well.

When you are going for a "scenic backdrop" - keep in mind that time of day is critical for the photos looking beautiful and flattering. Arizona sun can be harsh and bright until the later afternoon when the sun gets lower in the sky and you want to avoid overhead sun that creates deep, shadowy pockets and squinting. You also want to ensure the way the light is hitting the mountains is the same as its hitting the people, otherwise you will lose the background to blown out highlights. The prettiest light of the day in Arizona is golden hour and sunset, or sunrise.

#5 - Parks and City Areas with Greenery

Parks typically have lots of green grass and trees, and there are hundreds around Phoenix metro. Parks can also be busy with kids sporting events and birthday parties, so time of day is something to consider with crowds.

Phoenix is such a large metro hub with two dozen cities in it - and many of those cities have quaint (or hopping!) downtown areas that have various walls or buildings or areas that make for pretty, green backdrop portraits.

#6 - Golf Courses and Exclusive Gated Communities - If you live on a golf course, or belong to one of Scottsdale or Phoenix's Country Club (and you can secure permission from management) these exclusive locations can be beautiful!

They do have strict rules, so permission is always needed by the client. Members of these private communities typically also have gorgeous club houses to work with as well.

Arizona has dozens of stunning 5-star resorts as well. So for those on vacation in Scottsdale, and staying at one of many beautiful resorts, as long as they also secure permission, the resort may allow a photographer who has insurance (as I do) to come onsite to take photos. Jennifer frequently travels to many local resorts for clients seeking beautiful family portraits on their grounds.