Finding the Best Photography Spots in Phoenix, Arizona
Living in Arizona, we’re blessed with a huge variety of beautiful backdrops for photography. The Phoenix metro area offers an array of different styles and vibes, from retro/urban settings to iconic desert landscapes.
But with so many the coolest photo spots in Phoenix, it can be tough to choose! How do you find the type of setting you’re looking for? Do they allow photography? Is there a fee?
Your photographer should be able to help you with all of this! At KS Headshots, we’ve cultivated a list of popular and “go-to” photo spots in Phoenix. We know the best places to take pictures in Phoenix, from popular destinations to hidden gems.
Need help with photography in Arizona? We’ve got you covered! Book today!
Please Remember
Important Note: When considering Phoenix photo locations, remember that they all have different requirements. Some are free, some require permits or fees, and some may have other specific requirements.
Respect the Location: The most important thing is to leave it at least as good as you found it. Please do not leave trash, destroy property, or do anything that will ruin the experience for others. Confetti shoots, for example, can be popular, but they leave a mess behind and can be harmful to wildlife. If you choose to use confetti or any other messy props, please clean up after yourselves. If possible, use environmentally safe options. Smoke bombs can be fun, but they can stain buildings and cause damage if not used properly.
While there are many great Phoenix Instagram spots that do not require permits or fees, many are now charging or becoming restricted due to the carelessness of others. Let’s all do our part to keep these locations beautiful and accessible!
Here are a few of the best photography locations in Phoenix, Arizona:
My Favorite Photography Locations In & Around Phoenix
Desert Botanical Garden
Why it’s great for headshots: Imagine headshots with vibrant desert blooms and iconic cacti as the backdrop. This location is easily accessible and offers paved paths for easy navigation.
- Address: 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008 (Maps)
- Distance from Downtown Phoenix: 4 miles east
- Travel Time: 15 minutes
- Best Method of Transportation: Car, ride-sharing, bus (Route 56)
- Cost: $25-$30 per person + transport
- Trail Difficulty: Easy, paved paths
- Good for Families: Yes
Papago Park
Why it’s great for headshots: With its red rocks and unique desert landscapes, Papago Park provides a dramatic and memorable setting. Plus, it’s free to enter!
- Address: 625 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008 (Maps)
- Distance from Downtown Phoenix: 5 miles east
- Travel Time: 15-20 minutes
- Best Method of Transportation: Car, ride-sharing
- Cost: Free entry + transport
- Trail Difficulty: Easy to moderate trails
- Good for Families: Yes
Downtown Phoenix & Roosevelt Row
Why it’s great for headshots: Capture the energy of the city with murals and modern architecture as your backdrop.
- Address: Roosevelt Row is generally considered the area between 7th Street and 7th Avenue, from McDowell Road to Fillmore Street.
- Distance from Downtown Phoenix: City center
- Travel Time: Varies
- Best Method of Transportation: Walking, light rail, ride-sharing
- Cost: Free to explore + transport
- Trail Difficulty: Easy, flat sidewalks
- Good for Families: Yes (be mindful of traffic)
Japanese Friendship Garden
Why it’s great for headshots: This serene oasis offers a tranquil setting with beautiful Japanese architecture and landscaping.
- Address: 1125 N. 3rd Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85003
- Distance from Downtown Phoenix: 1 mile east
- Travel Time: 5-10 minutes
- Best Method of Transportation: Car, ride-sharing, light rail
- Cost: $10 per person + transport
- Trail Difficulty: Easy, paved paths
- Good for Families: Yes (may not hold kids’ interest long)
South Mountain Park & Preserve
Why it’s great for headshots: If you’re looking for breathtaking panoramic views, South Mountain Park is the place to be. Just be sure to choose a location that’s easily accessible for your attendees.
- Address: 10919 S. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85042 (main entrance)
- Distance from Downtown Phoenix: 7 miles south
- Travel Time: 20-30 minutes
- Best Method of Transportation: Car, ride-sharing
- Cost: Free entry + transport
- Trail Difficulty: Easy to challenging trails
- Good for Families: Yes (choose trails carefully)
Camelback Mountain
Why it’s great for headshots: For the adventurous! Camelback Mountain offers stunning views and a sense of accomplishment.
- Address: Echo Canyon Recreation Area, 5700 N. Echo Canyon Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85018 (for Echo Canyon Trailhead)
- Distance from Downtown Phoenix: 8 miles northeast
- Travel Time: 20-25 minutes
- Best Method of Transportation: Car, ride-sharing
- Cost: Free entry + transport
- Trail Difficulty: Difficult, steep trails
- Good for Families: No
Tovrea Castle at Carraro Heights
Why it’s great for headshots: This historic landmark offers a unique and elegant backdrop.
- Address: 5025 E. Van Buren Street, Phoenix, AZ 85008
- Distance from Downtown Phoenix: 5 miles east
- Travel Time: 15-20 minutes
- Best Method of Transportation: Car, ride-sharing (tours booked in advance)
- Cost: $15-$20 per person + transport
- Trail Difficulty: Easy, short walk
- Good for Families: Yes (tours may not be ideal for very young children)
- Scottsdale
Old Town Scottsdale
Why it’s great for headshots: Capture the charm of the Old West with rustic buildings and vibrant storefronts as your backdrop.
- Address: No single address, but the area is generally centered around Scottsdale Road and Main Street.
- Distance from Downtown Phoenix: 10 miles east
- Travel Time: 20-30 minutes
- Best Method of Transportation: Car, ride-sharing, trolley
- Cost: Free to explore + transport
- Trail Difficulty: Easy, flat sidewalks
- Good for Families: Yes
McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park
Why it’s great for headshots: A fun and unique location with vintage trains and a charming park setting.
- Address: 7301 E. Indian Bend Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85250
- Distance from Downtown Phoenix: 12 miles east
- Travel Time: 25-35 minutes
- Best Method of Transportation: Car, ride-sharing
- Cost: $10-$15 per person + transport
- Trail Difficulty: Easy, paved paths
- Good for Families: Yes
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Why it’s great for headshots: For stunning desert landscapes and mountain views, the McDowell Sonoran Preserve offers a variety of backdrops.
- Address: Multiple trailheads, but the main gateway is at 18333 N. Thompson Peak Parkway, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
- Distance from Downtown Phoenix: 20 miles northeast
- Travel Time: 30-45 minutes
- Best Method of Transportation: Car, ride-sharing
- Cost: Free entry + transport
- Trail Difficulty: Easy to challenging trails
- Good for Families: Yes (choose trails carefully)
Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art (SMoCA)
Why it’s great for headshots: Modern architecture and artistic installations provide a contemporary backdrop.
- Address: 7374 E. 2nd Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
- Distance from Downtown Phoenix: 10 miles east
- Travel Time: 20-30 minutes
- Best Method of Transportation: Car, ride-sharing, trolley
- Cost: $10-$12 per person + transport
- Trail Difficulty: Easy, accessible entrances
- Good for Families: Maybe (depends on the child)
Best Mesa Photography Locations
Salt River
Why it’s great for headshots: For a truly adventurous setting, consider headshots by the Salt River.
- Address: Multiple access points, but a popular one is the Salt River Tubing location at 9200 N. Bush Highway, Mesa, AZ 85215.
- Distance from Downtown Phoenix: 20 miles east
- Travel Time: 30-45 minutes
- Best Method of Transportation: Car, ride-sharing, tubing, kayaking
- Cost: Varies by activity + transport
- Trail Difficulty: Easy to moderate terrain
- Good for Families: Yes (with supervision)
Usery Mountain Regional Park
Why it’s great for headshots: This park offers a variety of desert landscapes, from cacti gardens to mountain vistas.
- Address: 3939 N. Usery Pass Road, Mesa, AZ 85207
- Distance from Downtown Phoenix: 25 miles east
- Travel Time: 40-50 minutes
- Best Method of Transportation: Car, ride-sharing
- Cost: $7 per vehicle + transport
- Trail Difficulty: Easy to challenging trails
- Good for Families: Yes (choose trails carefully)
Best Gilbert Photography Locations
Downtown Gilbert
Why it’s great for headshots: Capture a small-town vibe with charming shops and historic buildings as your backdrop.
- Address: No single address, but the area is generally centered around Gilbert Road and Page Avenue.
- Distance from Downtown Phoenix: 20 miles southeast
- Travel Time: 30-40 minutes
- Best Method of Transportation: Car, ride-sharing
- Cost: Free to explore + parking
- Trail Difficulty: Easy, flat sidewalks
- Good for Families: Yes
Water Tower Plaza
Why it’s great for headshots: This modern plaza offers a clean and contemporary backdrop with a unique water tower feature.
- Address: 45 W. Page Avenue, Gilbert, AZ 85233
- Distance from Downtown Phoenix: 22 miles southeast
- Travel Time: 35-45 minutes
- Best Method of Transportation: Car, ride-sharing
- Cost: Free to explore + transport
- Trail Difficulty: Easy, paved paths
- Good for Families: Yes
Best Tempe Photography Locations
Tempe Town Lake
Why it’s great for headshots: Capture the vibrant energy of Tempe Town Lake with the water and cityscape as your backdrop.
- Address: Multiple access points, but a central one is Tempe Beach Park at 80 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe, AZ 85281
- Distance from Downtown Phoenix: 8 miles east
- Travel Time: 15-20 minutes
- Best Method of Transportation: Car, ride-sharing, light rail, bike
- Cost: Free to explore + transport/rental
- Trail Difficulty: Easy, paved paths
- Good for Families: Yes
Arizona State University (ASU) Campus
Why it’s great for headshots: The ASU campus offers a variety of architectural styles and green spaces for diverse backdrops.
- Address: The main campus is centered around University Drive and Mill Avenue in Tempe.
- Distance from Downtown Phoenix: 9 miles east
- Travel Time: 20-25 minutes
- Best Method of Transportation: Car, ride-sharing, light rail, bike
- Cost: Free to explore + transport
- Trail Difficulty: Easy, paved walkways
- Good for Families: Yes (may not be engaging for young children)
Best Glendale Photography Locations
Sahuaro Ranch Park
Why it’s great for headshots: This historic park offers a rustic charm with old buildings, lush greenery, and a picturesque pond.
- Address: 9802 N. 59th Avenue, Glendale, AZ 85302
- Distance from Downtown Phoenix: 15 miles northwest
- Travel Time: 25-35 minutes
- Best Method of Transportation: Car, ride-sharing
- Cost: Free entry + transport
- Trail Difficulty: Easy, paved paths
- Good for Families: Yes
Best Chandler Photography Spots
Downtown Chandler
Why it’s great for headshots: Downtown Chandler offers a mix of historic and modern architecture, providing a variety of backdrops.
- Address: No single address, but the area is generally centered around Arizona Avenue and Boston Street.
- Distance from Downtown Phoenix: 20 miles southeast
- Travel Time: 30-40 minutes
- Best Method of Transportation: Car, ride-sharing
- Cost: Free to explore + parking
- Trail Difficulty: Easy, flat sidewalks
- Good for Families: Yes
Veteran’s Oasis Park
Why it’s great for headshots: This park offers a beautiful lake, walking paths, and a variety of desert plants for a natural backdrop.
- Address: 4900 S. Chandler Heights Road, Chandler, AZ 85248
- Distance from Downtown Phoenix: 25 miles southeast
- Travel Time: 40-50 minutes
- Best Method of Transportation: Car, ride-sharing
- Cost: Free entry + transport
- Trail Difficulty: Easy to moderate trails
- Good for Families: Yes
Timing is Everything
The time of day you choose for your headshots can dramatically impact the final result.
- Early Morning or Late Afternoon: These times offer the softest, most flattering light. Avoid the harsh midday sun, which can create unflattering shadows.
- Pro Tip: When choosing a location, consider accessibility, lighting, and the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. KS Headshots can help you scout the perfect spot!
Creating a Smooth Process
To ensure a seamless experience for your attendees, consider these tips:
- Pre-Event Communication: Let attendees know that headshots will be offered at your event. Include information about the location, timing, and any dress code suggestions.
- On-Site Signage: Clear signage will direct attendees to the headshot station and prevent confusion.
- Efficient Flow: Set up a designated waiting area and ensure a smooth flow to minimize wait times.
Choosing the Right Photographer
This is where KS Headshots comes in! We specialize in event headshots and understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with capturing professional portraits in a dynamic event setting.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Experience: We have years of experience photographing individuals, teams, and events of all sizes.
- Expertise: We know how to capture authentic and impactful headshots that your attendees will love.
- Efficiency: We work quickly and efficiently to minimize disruption to your event schedule.
- Professionalism: We’ll arrive on time, dressed professionally, and ready to create a positive experience for your attendees.
Making it Fun and Engaging
Getting your headshot taken shouldn’t feel like a chore. Here are a few ways to make the experience more enjoyable:
- Create a Relaxed Atmosphere: Play some music, offer refreshments, and encourage attendees to relax and have fun.
- Provide Props: Fun props can help people loosen up and add personality to their headshots.
- Offer Options: Consider offering different backdrops or posing options to give attendees more choice.
Don’t Forget the Follow-Up
After your event, make sure attendees receive their headshots promptly. You can also share the photos on social media and tag attendees to create even more buzz.
Ready to Elevate Your Phoenix Event with Professional Headshots?
Contact KS Headshots today for a quote! We’ll work with you to create a custom headshot experience that meets your event’s needs and budget.
Call us at 602-317-2239 or visit our website to learn more.
Let’s make your event unforgettable!
More About KS Headshots
We’re passionate about capturing the unique personality and professionalism of every individual we photograph. Whether you need headshots for your team, your next event, or just for yourself, we’re here to help you make a lasting impression.
Our Services:
- Individual Headshots: Invest in yourself and your career with a professional headshot that showcases your best self.
- Event Headshots: Transform your event with professional photography that captures the energy and excitement.
- Team Headshots: Showcase the strength and spirit of your team with stunning group portraits.
- Portraits: Go beyond the ordinary with creative and impactful portraits that tell your unique story.
View all our headshot photography services in Phoenix.
About the Owner:
Kulraj (Kool Raaj) has over 12 years of experience in photography. He’s passionate about capturing the essence of each individual and creating portraits that are both beautiful and authentic.
Contact us today to book your session!
