Classic Family Sunset Photography Session at Desert Botanical Gardens in Phoenix, Arizona

I love photographing at the Desert Botanical Gardens in Tempe/Phoenix because every single corner and nook that you have is like perfectly landscaped and decorated for photos.

Thankfully, they’re not super restrictive about photography as long as you pay your admission fee or have an annual membership they usually allow you to take photos. And I, obviously, am very mindful of the grounds and how I pose my clients so that we’re not in people’s way and that we are respectful of the pathways.

I had a lot of fun with this family on this session. It’s can be a struggle with teenagers and finding the balance of having them pose and smile, but I really really enjoy working with teens and trying to allow them their self expression so I try not to make kids smile if you don’t wanna smile or laugh if you don’t wanna laugh, of course I’m funny, duh! that’s why they hired me but again sometimes there’s not always the desire to be seen on camera.

As a photographer, I totally get this. I used to enjoy being the one having my photo taken, and as I’ve gotten older and out of practice, I don’t always love the way I look on camera so I totally get how it could be a little bit challenging to be in front of the camera if you’re not in the mood if you’re not feeling it for various reasons. I have a lot of empathy for kids and I appreciate them showing up and dads who are willing to take photos. Sometimes it is the mom who booked the photo session and the family just has to show up and that can be hard too.

I’m so so grateful for the families that show up for Mom show for Dad whoever books the session and they come together and they get amazing photos to remember them at each stage of their life so this one was a really special session since they use these photos to mail out Valentine’s Day cards instead of holiday cards. They’re smart. They wait until the chaos of the holiday season is over and once they’re in the new year, they sent out Valentine’s Day cards and I just absolutely love that idea as a tradition so super grateful to take these photos for the family.