Getting photos taken can be a bit stressful. Finding a photographer, scheduling a date, finding a location, choosing outfits…it can be a bit overwhelming.
Although I can’t help with picking outfits or scheduling a date, I CAN help you narrow down a location!
We’ve been scouting out different photoshoot locations for years now and we’re here to share our favorite Phoenix East Valley photoshoot locations. They are perfect for family photos, prom pictures, senior portraits, or any type of photoshoot!
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12 Best Phoenix East Valley Photoshoot Locations
Table of Contents
- Salt River
- Queen Creek Wash
- The Groves Church
- San Tan Regional Park
- Riparian Preserve
- Water Treatment Plant Service Road
- Gold Canyon
- Downtown Gilbert
- The Farm at Agritopia
- Founders’ Park Community Center
- Ocotillo Wash
- Usery Pass
Salt River
Address: N Water Users Camp Cir, Mesa, AZ 85207. Located at the second Salt River Access point along Bush Hwy. The parking lot is located just before the turnoff for the Saguaro Lake Guest Ranch.
Why we love it: The towering cliffs make for a dramatic backdrop. There are several different locations along the river that allow for a variety of photos.
Notes: A Tonto Pass is required for parking. We found that the best lighting was about a half-hour before sunset. From the parking lot, follow the trail behind the bathrooms down to the water. Walk along the shore until you find the best spot.
The dock at the Saguaro Lake Marina just down the road is also a great place to take photos.
If you stand at the end of one of the two boat docks you’ll have a beautiful backdrop of Saguaro Lake and the Goldfield Mountain range.
Queen Creek Wash
Address: 18495 E Queen Creek Rd, Queen Creek, AZ 85142
Why we love it: You would never guess that this beautiful location is actually found behind a grocery store parking lot! The wash is home to a variety of trees and plants and is much greener than your typical Arizona desert photo.
Notes: The address is for the parking lot of the Safeway grocery store. Park in the southwest parking lot behind the store that backs up to the wash.
This has become an increasingly popular spot for photos, but just follow the trail down the wash until you find an empty spot.
The wash runs for miles and can be accessed from many of the neighborhoods backing up to the wash. For another great location that is less crowded, park in the cul-de-sac at the end of East Strawberry Dr.
To get to this location, drive east on Queen Creek Road past Sossaman. Take your first right onto 194th St. It will come to an end at Strawberry Dr, take a right then park in the cul-de-sac.
The Groves Church
Address: 2777 S Gilbert Road, Chandler, AZ 85286
Why we love it: The pecan grove next to the church offers beautiful tree tunnels perfect for photoshoots. They also have a cool wall made of different colored wood slats that is great for large group photos.
Notes: The grove with the boardwalk and wall is located on the east side of the church. There is a smaller grove on the west side of the church as well.
The church is gracious to allow the public to take photos on their property. Please be respectful.
San Tan Regional Park
Address: Park at the Goldmine Gulch Trail parking lot located off Hunt Highway on Wagon Wheel Road. Follow Wagon Wheel until it turns into Skyline Drive and it will dead-end at the parking lot.
Why we love it: This location offers a beautiful desert landscape and is easy to access if you’re in the East Valley.
Notes: Parking is $7, cash only at the self-pay station. The further you go on the trail, the more cactus and desert plants you’ll find.
Riparian Preserve
Address: 2757 E Guadalupe Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85234
Why we love it: We love the patch of beautiful towering Saguaros.
It looks like you’re out in the desert wilderness, not on the corner of a busy street. There is also a lake at the preserve that makes for a great backdrop as well.
Notes: The Riparian Preserve is located next to the Southeast Regional Library. To find the patch of saguaros, park in the smaller lot off of Guadalupe Road just east of the main library parking lot.
Parking is limited and this is a popular photo spot so arrive early. Additional parking is located at the library.
Water Treatment Plant Service Road
Address: Located on Higley Road between Queen Creek Rd and Ocotillo Rd
Why we love it: This location is easily accessible but has the feel of a rural country road. It is a hidden gem and it is usually not as crowded as the other locations.
Notes: There is a small parking lot on Higley Road just south of The Bridges neighborhood. Park there and walk to the service road lined with mature trees.
Gold Canyon
Address: Gold Canyon, AZ 85118
Why we love it: This location is a bit of a drive, but we love the concentration of saguaro cacti against the magnificent Superstition Mountains. It truly is a stunning location if you’re looking for an iconic Arizona desert landscape.
Notes: There are plenty of beautiful spots within the area, this photo was taken at the base of the Wave Cave trail on Peralta Rd.
Downtown Gilbert
Address: Various locations along Gilbert Rd in the historic district
Why we love it: For a more urban feel, there are so many backdrops to choose from in Downtown Gilbert. Here are a few of our favorites!
The parking garage northeast of Joe’s BBQ is usually empty on the top floor. They have a cool parking sign and concrete stairs.
The bench outside of Joe’s BBQ offers a red brick backdrop with window awnings.
The sidewalk outside of Whiskey Row is great for capturing street scenes with the neon signs.
The parking garage by the Gilbert Water Tower and the Hale Theater is shorter so you can get a few buildings in the backdrop for a cityscape. This is the best spot to go at sunset!
The Farm at Agritopia
Address: 3000 E Ray Rd, Gilbert, AZ 85296
Why we love it: We love all the lush green plants and trees! If there’s one thing we don’t see much of here in the desert, it’s the color green. This working farm and community garden is full of life and color.
Notes: Spring is the best time to come when it is the most green and lush. Non-commercial photography is allowed throughout the gardens, just be respectful and take care not to damage any plants. It is located right behind Joe’s Farm Grill.
Founders’ Park Community Center
Address: 22407 S Ellsworth Rd Queen Creek, AZ 85142
Why we love it: The simple off-white brick backdrop really makes the colors pop. Your eye will be drawn to the people in the photo without the distraction of a busy backdrop. This is especially great for group photos.
Notes: You’ll want to take photos when the wall is in the shade, so check the angle of the sun beforehand to plan the best time to take photos.
Ocotillo Wash
Address: Located on Ocotillo Road just west of Recker Road.
Why we love it: This spot is easy to access just off the road, but it has the feel of a country setting. The trees are great for posing and add interest to the photos.
Notes: The best time to do a photo shoot is in the spring when everything is green. I wouldn’t recommend it during the rest of the year when it’s more brown. Golden hour is the best time to take photos when the sun is filtering through the trees.
Do not park on Ocotillo Road, you’ll need to park along Recker Road or in The Bridges neighborhood. Just be aware of ‘No Parking’ signs and be considerate of the residents.
Usery Pass
Address: 3939 N Usery Pass Rd Mesa, Arizona
Why we love it: This location offers that iconic and picturesque desert landscape. There is a high concentration of towering saguaro cactus and a variety of desert plants.
Notes: Park at the Nature Center on the right before you come to the pay booth. It is free to park here and there is a great trail you can follow to find the perfect location.
And if you’re looking for fun things to do in the area, be sure to check out our guide for 101 Family Activities in the Phoenix East Valley!
What is the Best Camera and Lens for Portraits?
I always get asked for camera and lens recommendations. I shoot with a Canon 6D Mark ii and love the difference a full-frame camera makes.
My go-to lens is the 35 mm Sigma Art lens. It produces high-quality photos with rich colors and is great for low-light photos too.
If you’re looking for more affordable options, the Canon T7i is at a great price point while still producing great portraits.
I would highly recommend the Canon 50 mm f/1.8 for portraits if you have a crop-frame camera.
The quality is amazing, especially for the price. It has an impressive depth of field and you will be amazed at how much brighter and more focused your portraits are.
Pin it for later:
Do you need to obtain permission to photograph at the cotton fields? How do you go about doing that?
Hi Jennifer! I tried finding that information and spoke with my sister-in-law that lives on that street. From what I can gather, it’s ok as long as you are not trudging through the fields. When I took these photos I was standing near the road and she only took one step in, it appears that she is in the middle but really she is just on the outskirts. Hope that helps, let me know if you find anything out otherwise!
Hi! I’m looking for some nice photography spots for family portraits and some fashion photos which is just a project for fun. I have been doing a ton of research but so many places require a permit. Does Usery Pass, Golden Canyon, San Tan Regional Park and Riparian Preserve require a permit?
Thanks!
Hi Sarah! Yes there is an entrance fee for San Tan Regional Park. Usery Pass also requires a fee, but there are plenty of cactus and photo spots outside of the fee area. Gold Canyon and the Riparian Preserve are free to enter. No additional photo permit is required. Hope that helps!
Pгetty! This was a really wonderful post. Thank you for supplying
this information.
Hi!
Can you give me a specific address for the salt river location you used?
Thank You!
Danielle
Hi Danielle, if you put this address in your maps it should take you to the parking lot:
N Water Users Camp Cir
Mesa, AZ 85207
Thank You!
Is anyone’s to take pictures at The Groves Church? No permit needed?
Yes they are kind to let you take photos there without a permit, just be respectful.