Tips for Comfortable, Beautiful Summer Photo Sessions in Phoenix

If you’ve ever thought Phoenix summer photos are just too hot to handle…think again! With the right timing and the perfect shaded location, outdoor sessions in Arizona can actually be comfortable and stunning. Let’s break down how to plan photos that feel more like a breeze than a bake.

Let’s talk about the biggest hesitation I hear when it comes to booking photos during the warmer months in Arizona: “Won’t we be sweating the whole time?”
Spoiler alert: Not if we plan it right.

As a photographer, one of my favorite things to do is find ways to make Phoenix summer photo sessions feel like anything but a struggle. With the right location and timing, we can capture beautiful moments without melting into the sidewalk. Yes, even in July.

Here’s how we do it:

The number one tip? We don’t shoot in the middle of the day. Ever. We time your session during the very last hour before sunset, the golden hour, when the lighting is soft and dreamy, the temps are starting to drop, and honestly, that’s when Arizona really starts to glow.

And if you’re a morning person? Early morning sessions work beautifully too. First light is cool, calm, and gives us that same gentle light that flatters everyone.

We’re not limited to wide-open desert landscapes! There are so many beautiful, shaded, and water-adjacent spots that help us beat the heat while still getting that dreamy outdoor vibe.

Some of my favorite summer-friendly locations for photos in and around Phoenix include:

Lush green location of Manistee Ranch located near Phoenix area of Glendale, Arizona.

Manistee Ranch Park in Glendale – This spot is full of mature trees and shaded areas that keep things cool.

Green community parks – I know a handful of hidden gem parks with grass, trees, and shade for days. (P.S. I’m always happy to help scout the right one for your vibe!)

Granada Park – A lush green oasis in the middle of Phoenix, perfect for family sessions with that soft, shaded light.

Photo captured at outdoor shaded location of Heritage Square Park in Downtown Phoenix.

Heritage Square in Downtown Phoenix – The surrounding downtown buildings create natural shade, making it a beautiful spot for urban photos without the heat.

Salt River – Want water? This is such a fun and refreshing backdrop, especially in the evening light.

Arizona Falls (SRP hydroplant) – Such an unexpected find! Water movement, cool breeze, and modern structure all in one.

Family in front of waterfall at Arizona Falls (SRP hydroplant). Children’s faces blurred out on purpose.

Lake Pleasant – A more adventurous option, but worth it if you’re dreaming of a lakeside sunset session.

Wickenburg Hassayampa River Preserve – Full of green shade everywhere. You won’t even feel like you’re in the desert! This is a perfect getaway from the heat.

Family photography at Buffalo Park in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Going Up North – If you’re up for a scenic drive, I sometimes waive my travel fees for northern Arizona sessions during June through August. Places like Prescott, Flagstaff, and Sedona offer cool temperatures and stunning landscapes.

All of these spots offer something unique and more importantly, they let us work around the heat.

It’s not just about beating the heat…though that’s a big part of it. It’s about giving your family the space to feel relaxed, comfortable, and themselves. When no one’s overheating, the smiles are real, the energy is light, and the photos reflect that.

Plus, you get to enjoy some of the most beautiful lighting Arizona has to offer. I always say: once the sun starts to drop, everyone comes out to play.

If you’ve been putting off photos because it’s “too hot,” I promise…we’ve got ways around it. From shaded parks to splashy riverside locations to perfectly timed golden hour sessions, I’ve got you covered.

I’ve been photographing Phoenix summer photos for years, and trust me…once you know when and where to shoot, it’s a total game-changer.

Let’s chat about the vibe you’re dreaming of, and I’ll help you choose the perfect spot and timing to match.