Lush and very green locations are a tad hard to come by in the Valley of the Sun (Phoenix metro), but there are a few gems I have scouted out over the years that can make for lovely portrait backdrops. Here are some of my favorite "green" locations in Arizona for family photos:
City washes that get access to water sources - these exist all over the city
Just how green it gets is truly dependent on how much rain we have during the monsoon season, but if you like this look, there are a few places around town that offer a similar vibe. My tips: wear mosquito repellent and closed toe shoes! The straw grass can itch and poke.
#2 This nearby Scottsdale/Phoenix wash location is very similar and also is heavily dependent on the rain amount and how much they cut it back each year::
#3 Flagstaff - A short two hour drive from Phoenix is the mountains of Flagstaff and there are tons of gorgeous fields to explore in the pines. Some favorites from fall and summer!
#4 Open desert - While the open desert is rarely ever "green", in years where we get a lot of winter rain (Jan & Feb), these areas can super-bloom and actually appear quite green. Peak time for desert based shoots with wildflowers is in late March and April.
The rest of the year, and certainly in the fall after our HOT, dry summers - the desert is straight up brown. Still pretty in its rugid, arid state, but certainly not green.
#5 - Fields near lakes and bodies of water
Where there is lots of water, there is certainly more green. So if you like the deep green grass that these areas have more of, consider a portrait shoot near a lake or river. Arizona has a handful of very pretty lakes, and certainly rivers with interesting landscapes as well.
#6 - Parks
Parks typically have lots of green grass and trees! Time of day is important as parks are also very busy with patrons and birthday parties and sports events and you don't want to have to photoshop out a ton of people in the background or get shadowy pockets under the eyes with that mid-day sun.
