5 Reasons the Desert is Great for Photos

“Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit, and as vital to our lives as water and good bread.”

Edward Abbey, Desert Solitaire

I moved to the beautiful desert of Arizona in 2012. I wasn’t sure about it at first. But it’s grown on me—even the summers! There's something about the desert that inspires awe. It's a place where life thrives against the odds, and it offers a backdrop like no other. If you're considering where to tie the knot, why not choose the raw, untamed beauty of the Southwest desert?

Picture this: you and your family set against a vast landscape of red rocks, towering saguaros, and an expansive sky that seems to go on forever. It’s not just a setting; it’s an experience, a memory that will last a lifetime. Here are just 5 reasons why the Southwest desert might just be the perfect place for your photos (you might have many more reasons to offer!).

01 The Majestic Backdrop

Imagine being under the desert sky, surrounded by rugged red rock formations or the otherworldly spires of Monument Valley. The desert’s stark beauty creates a dramatic backdrop for your photos—no filters needed. The golden hour light in the desert is unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere, casting warm, soft glows that turn the landscape into a photographer’s dream.

The magic happens as the sun dips behind the mountains. The colors of the sky shift from burnt oranges to purples and pinks, wrapping your special day in nature’s most magnificent show. Picture it: standing under a canopy of stars, as the desert stretches out in all directions. It’s almost surreal. And because the desert is so open and vast, it’s easy to customize your setup without needing to compete with too much greenery or distraction. You get to be the stars of the show!

Pro Tip: Places like Red Rock Canyon near Las Vegas or Sedona’s Cathedral Rock offer unforgettable settings, but if you're feeling adventurous, consider places like Joshua Tree National Park, White Sands National Park, or the Superstition Mountains for a truly one-of-a-kind experience.

02 Epic Weather (Most of the Year)

One of the biggest advantages of the desert is the weather. While it can get scorching in the summer, the shoulder seasons—spring and fall—are ideal for outdoor photos that you will love to hang in your home. In fact, springtime in the Southwest desert can feel like a cool oasis, with mild temperatures and blooming cacti.

Unlike coastal or mountain weddings, where you're often at the mercy of rain, fog, or unexpected snow (which can all offer their kind of dreamland), desert weather is predictably sunny. If you’re aiming for a day that’s nearly guaranteed to be dry and filled with sunlight, the Southwest has your back.

Pro Tip: Aim for early morning or late afternoon photos or wedding ceremonies to avoid the midday heat and make the most of that desert glow.

03 Seclusion and Serenity

The desert is vast, open, and empty—in the best possible way. It offers a level of privacy and seclusion you won’t find in busier locales. If you want your session or wedding to feel like a little getaway, where you can fully immerse yourself in the moment, the desert provides just that. The absence of city noise and busyness allows for a peaceful, intimate moment that feels personal and without distractions.

And for those looking for something less traditional, the desert offers endless possibilities for elopements or smaller wedding ceremonies. You can escape into the wilderness, just the two of you, and get married with nothing but the rocks and the sky as your witnesses.

As Edward Abbey once wrote, “Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit.” In the desert, you get a sense of that necessity—a connection to something larger, something timeless.

Pro Tip: For a serene and secluded vibe, look into private properties near Zion National Park or the tranquil stretches of the Sonoran Desert near Tucson.

04 Endless Creativity for Themes and Décor

The desert gives you the freedom to play with your theme in ways you might not expect. The natural, minimalist environment makes it easy to incorporate unique and creative décor. Whether you want a bohemian, rustic, or modern chic aesthetic, the desert serves as a blank canvas.

Think dried florals, natural woods, and rust colored metallics that complement the desert’s neutral palette. You can even bring in unexpected elements like colorful textiles, lanterns, and handcrafted details that pop against the simplicity of the desert’s browns and golds. Or, just use the desert as it is naturally!

And let’s not forget the fashion. Desert weddings or elopements are the perfect opportunity to ditch the heavy, formal attire and embrace something lighter and more relaxed. Flowy, boho dresses and linen suits feel right at home here.

Pro Wedding Tip: Consider pairing cacti and succulents with desert wildflowers for a fresh, modern twist on traditional wedding florals.

05 Adventure at Every Turn

If you and your family love adventure, a desert portrait session can easily double as an epic vacation. After all, the Southwest is home to some of the most breathtaking national parks and natural wonders in the world. Take your family on a group hike through the Grand Canyon, or plan aJeep tour through the rugged backroads of Moab, Utah.

And don’t forget about the night sky! Deserts are known for their dark skies, far away from city lights, making them ideal for stargazing. At the end of a long day, you can sit by the fire with your family, gazing up at a sky full of stars.

Pro Tip: If your wedding is going to be near Moab, consider booking a guided stargazing tour for your guests after the wedding for an unforgettable night.

At the end of the day, the Southwest desert offers something magical. It’s an experience, an adventure, and a memory etched into the land itself. So, if you’re looking for a portrait or wedding that blends natural beauty with endless possibilities for creativity and fun, the desert might be calling your name.

As famous Southwest writer Willa Cather said, “The desert, when the sun comes up...I couldn’t tell where heaven stopped and the Earth began.” Doesn’t that sound amazing? To feel like you’re standing on the edge of something both earthly and divine.

If you’re interested in learning more about a desert portraits or wedding photos, give me a call or schedule a time that works for you! I look forward to planning that with you.