This sweet family has become such a joy for me to photograph. I knew right after our session, this one would make it on my website. I’ve had the honor of capturing them two years in a row now. Watching families come back each year is one of my favorite parts of the fall season in Phoenix. Each year I love seeing how the kids have grown and it’s literally such an amazing part about being a Phoenix family photographer. It makes easy session feel so much more relaxed and fun because we already know each other, and I get to document a new chapter of their story.
For this session, we met at Manistee Ranch Park in Glendale, AZ. This location is such a hidden gem, especially if you’re dreaming of something green in the middle of the desert. I’ve brought natives to this area and they didn’t even realize it existed. During the session, mom made the sweetest comment: “This doesn’t even look like Arizona! It looks like some orchard in Illinois.” That meant even more since Illinois is actually where she’s from, and I loved this green location gave her a little taste of home.
What I love about Manistee Ranch is the variety it offers, but since were working with a shorter session time, we stayed in one particular area of the park showing the green all around and the red barn. Even without moving around a lot, the space gave us everything we needed. The background added the perfect farm-style touch. It honestly felt like we had stepped right out of the desert and into a Midwest orchard.
Their outfits were another favorite detail of mine. Mom styled the family in light, neutral tones, which stood out beautifully against all the green around us. Simple, timeless colors like these make such a difference. They let the location shine while still keeping the family the true focus of the photos.
You really can’t go wrong with Manistee Ranch family photos. If you’re looking for a setting that feels fresh and full of greenery, without traveling out of state, this is one of my top recommendations. Every corner feels like a little escape from the desert, and it photographs beautifully every time.
Ready to plan your own family photos at Manistee Ranch or another one of my favorite Phoenix valley area locations? I’d love to connect with you. Let’s create images your family will treasure for years to come.