Photo opportunities in Phoenix, AZ?

Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED

07/17/2007 01:47:29 PM · #1

My wife and I will be traveling to the Pheonix area to visit her brother in a couple of weeks, and I'm wondering what's down there to photograph. Anyone have any special places they'd like to share? Thanks.

thegrandwazoo

Nikon D750

07/17/2007 02:10:39 PM · #2

The Superstition mountains are an awesome photo op. They are about 25 minutes east of Phoenix in Apache Junction.

BAMartin

Apple iPhone 5

07/17/2007 02:43:27 PM · #3

The Vulture city Mine is in Wickenburg, a very easy drive from Phoenix

Vulture City Mine Photos

Goldfield is also close, and closer still to the Superstition mountains.

Goldfield Web Site

All of these were taken between Flagstaff and Phoenix, including some from Sedona (well worth the drive and a very nice day trip.

Assorted Arizona

Is there anything in particular you are looking for?

Message edited by author 2007-07-17 18:46:22.

BAMartin

Apple iPhone 5

07/17/2007 03:29:13 PM · #4

Originally posted by cogerox:

When exactly are you going to be here. There are plenty of DPCers in Phoenix. Maybe a GTG is in order.

LoudDog

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM

07/17/2007 03:46:15 PM · #5

In late July or August I'd say head north! If the grand canyon is too far, Sedona is a little cooler with plenty of photo ops. Or, one of my favorite places is Red Mountain just out of Flagstaff (a one mile flat easy hike in and free).

Or night shooting in the supes (just east of Phoenix). Lost dutchman ($6 or $7 per car fee) or the peralta trailhead (free) are great places for twilight/night shooting and if you are lucky you'll get some monsoon action and catch the Waz's photo with a lightning strike in it!

Epiyon

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 I

07/17/2007 10:14:27 PM · #6

My wife and I live in Tempe and some of our favorite locations within Phoenix include Papago Park, the Desert Botanical Gardens, & South Mountain. If you're willing to take a day drive, then I'd suggest heading up to Sedona, Payson, Flagstaff, or Jerome.

On a more touristy side, you've got Montezuma's Castle National Monument, Kitt Peak national observatory (though not much of a photo op, but still cool to visit), and Pima Air & Space Museum (near the Davis Monthan Air Force base aircraft boneyard) all within a couple hours of the Phoenix area.

Message edited by author 2007-07-18 02:15:01.

07/18/2007 05:48:08 AM · #7

Originally posted by BAMartin:

Originally posted by cogerox:
My wife and I will be traveling to the Pheonix area to visit her brother in a couple of weeks, and I'm wondering what's down there to photograph. Anyone have any special places they'd like to share? Thanks.

When exactly are you going to be here. There are plenty of DPCers in Phoenix. Maybe a GTG is in order.

While I would LOVE!!! a GTG, my wife wouldn't appreciate me disappearing with a bunch of strangers (in a strange land). She's not a photographer, and probably wouldn't enjoy tagging along. Thanks for the invite, though.

07/18/2007 06:11:06 AM · #8

Originally posted by BAMartin:

Are there any caves where penetrating light allows extremely amazing photos to be taken that will win blue ribbons? ;)

OK, I'm serious about the cave part. And, the light.

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4.0-5.6G ED

07/18/2007 06:12:46 AM · #9

All of these suggestions are wonderful, guys, and I'm looking into all of them. Can't tell you how much I appreciate your responses.

Bravo23

Nikon D40X

07/18/2007 12:47:15 PM · #10

Originally posted by cogerox:

Are there any caves where penetrating light allows extremely amazing photos to be taken that will win blue ribbons? ;)

OK, I'm serious about the cave part. And, the light.

You mean like this? ANTELOPE CANYON

ArpeggioAngel

Canon EOS-400D Rebel XTi

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6

07/18/2007 01:38:52 PM · #11

We have visited the Phoenix area twice now and have found that the drive through the Superstition Mountains on the Apache Trail is spectacular for scenery and photo ops. Most of the drive is a dirt road but it can be handled by a standard car.

We have also visited Goldfield - very touristy but cute.
The Desert Botanical Gardens - Fantastic!
Sedona - Gorgeous!
Montezuma's Castle - nice but not much there
Saguaro National Park - lots to explore there
Organ Pipe Cactus National Park - it was rainy and gloomy when we were there but I imagine it would be a great place to explore further

vtruan

Nikon D5100

Tamron AF 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 Aspherical for Nikon

07/18/2007 02:43:51 PM · #12

There is a cool private zoo near Luke Air Force Base near Avondale that is really fun. You can feed the Lori's and other species of birds. They give you apples and the birds land all over you while feeding from you hand.

The Verde River N.E. of Scottsdale is a fun place too. Bald Eagles nest along the river, many desert species wildlife and plants can be found there. You can even swim in the river to cool off. Also, in the general area is Seven Springs, an real nice picnic and hiking area in the foothills. There you can play along the creek where lots of butterflies and nice wildlife cool off. Javalina are common there.

Madera Canyon - so. of Tucson - at Santa Rita Lodge this time of year you will see 12 species of hummingbird at very close range. Also, many species of wild butterflies and in evening, Elf and Whiskered Owls are commonly heard and seen. At the end of the road, Forest Service begine and you can hike up to Mt. Wrightson, and get really out of the heat. Painted Redstart, Olive, and Red-faced Warblers are quite beautful birds that nest there. You might even see a Trogon is you are lucky. I have seen Cotti Mundi along the trail.

The summer monsoons should be arriving anytime, so thunderstorms in the desert are really wonderful to photograph, just watch out for flash flooding, stay on high ground.