I love when I get to work with couples who share my passion for the beauty of the outdoors—it’s such a huge part of why I do what I do as an LGBTQ-friendly photographer in Phoenix. Caroline and Sarah, an amazing LGBTQ couple from North Carolina, reached out while visiting Phoenix for a wedding. They wanted to capture beautiful destination photos of their time here, and as soon as they mentioned they were “landscape people,” I knew we were a perfect match. I was thrilled to bring their vision to life. They were after photos with those wide, sweeping desert views, and Papago Park provided the perfect backdrop.
Papago Park is one of my favorite places to shoot for couples who love the dramatic Arizona landscape. It offers such a unique setting with the red rock formations, desert flora, and the kind of wide-open spaces that just feel endless. Caroline and Sarah wanted their photos to reflect not just their relationship but the beauty of Phoenix itself. It’s not everyone’s style, but I love creating images that could hang on the wall as pieces of art, where the environment plays just as big a role as the couple in the frame.
While we shot, we talked a lot about the differences between big city life and country living. Having lived in Tennessee myself, we found common ground in sharing stories of slower-paced, rural living compared to the busier city vibe. And while Arizona and North Carolina couldn’t be more different in terms of landscapes, we bonded over how much we appreciate having access to both worlds—city convenience and country calm.
I had such a good time with these two. They were open, genuine, and just so in love. Our conversations flowed easily, even touching on how Hurricane Helene was affecting their home state while they were here in Phoenix. What I loved most about this session, though, was their trust in me to bring their vision to life.
As an LGBTQ-friendly photographer in Phoenix, it’s important to me that everyone I photograph feels seen, respected, and celebrated for who they are. No matter who you love or where you’re from, you deserve to have your story told in a way that reflects your unique journey. I’ll never understand businesses that refuse to work with couples based on who they love—it’s just wrong. Love is love, and as an LGBTQ-friendly photographer, it’s my job to capture it in all its beautiful forms.
For anyone planning a trip to Phoenix, whether you’re here for a wedding like Caroline and Sarah or just visiting for a desert escape, capturing those destination memories at a place like Papago Park can be a perfect way to take a little piece of Arizona back with you. Whether you’re drawn to the landscape or simply want to document a special moment in time, I’m all about creating something meaningful that you’ll treasure forever.