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Fall Minis may not feel like Fall in Phoenix but we make it work!

Fall minis in Phoenix can be a little tricky weather and wardrobe-wise! If you're like me, you want to get your fall photos scheduled and completed before all the holiday activities start to ramp up. This may mean scheduling your session for September or October. Planning ahead is great but here's the catch: the stores are still selling summery clothes. And anyway, who's in the mood for cozy fall outfits when it's over 100 degrees outside?

As with many things here in the Wild West, I would say anything goes when it comes to outfits for fall photos. There is no need to stress if you're having trouble finding the perfect fall fit in September or your family is not sold on jeans and sweaters when Phoenix is not even close to cooling down. The photos will still be gorgeous. No one is going to judge your holiday card by the outfits. Your photo session is a time to get your family together for smiles, laughter, and creating keepsake photos.

Best locations for family photography in Phoenix, AZ

Updated: Jul 3, 2025

Choosing a location is an important part of planning your photo session. Some people like desert landscapes for a classic "Arizona" look. Other clients prefer green grass and trees, an urban setting, the "blank canvas" of a photography studio, or cozy at home vibes.

When choosing your location, you will want to consider the time of day that we will be shooting, the time of year/temperature, and of course the type of background that you will enjoy looking at in your final images. To help you decide on a location for your photography session, here are some photos from many of my favorite locations in the Phoenix area.

In the Desert

Apache Wash Trailhead

40th Street Trailhead

36th Street Trailhead

At the Park

Granada Park

Roadrunner Park

On the Town

Heritage Square in Downtown Phoenix

DC Ranch in North Scottsdale

In the Studio

Refine Studio in Phoenix

The Light Loft Studio in Scottsdale

Why do an at-home graduation session?

Here in Phoenix, Arizona, where the weather is typically quite comfortable in May, at-home photography sessions are great for several reasons. First, you simply cannot beat the convenience: no driving, google mapping, or accidentally leaving something at home. Want to do an outfit change or two? Plenty of space and privacy for that at your home. No need to scrunch into a public bathroom stall trying to hold your phone between your teeth and hoping your outfit won't graze the toilet.

At-home photo shoots are also a great way to bring the comfortable feeling of your images to connect this exciting time in your life to the place where you did so much growing and work to get to this moment. Chances are, your home or your parents' home was a comfort zone at times leading up to earning your diploma. Having your graduation session at home also makes it super easy to include family members or pets in some of the shots!

This graduation shoot in North Scottsdale took place during golden hour with plenty of warm, even light. The backyard area of the home had several spots that made great backdrops for the photos. We were happy to include the parents in some of the images.