Arizona Engagement Photographer

How to Prepare for Your Engagement Session | Arizona Engagement Photographer

Planning & preparing for your engagement session.

For the most part - majority of people haven’t had professional photos taken. So it’s totally normal if you’re not sure what to expect or even if you’re a little nervous. It’s a big deal! Whether we’re documenting your engagement or just celebrating your love, these photos are important & memories you’ll be able to hold onto forever.


You may be coming from out-of-state for your engagement photos in Arizona. It can be a little overwhelming deciding exactly where you want to have your photos taken, what will fit your comfort level, and narrowing down what aspects of the desert you want showcased in your photos.

Fear not though, I’m here to help you. I talk a lot about elopement planning, but I help plan for engagement photos just as much!


The Process:

•Once you’re booked and we have a date set, I’ll send over my detailed location guide. This features spots I’ve photographed all throughout the Phoenix metro (or all of Arizona, depending on where you want your session). I share insight on specific trails, what time of day is best, what type of crowds to expect, and just how to prepare in general.

•After you narrow down what spots you like the most, I’ll send over some full galleries from those areas to give you a better idea of what each location has to offer. This also shows the different lighting scenarios you can expect depending on the time of day & type of weather.

•Then once you two have chosen a spot, I can help with outfit ideas and color schemes. Arizona is an extremely different climate from most areas and it’s no surprise that certain colors stand out better against the oranges and reds of the desert.

I’ll help prepare you for what to expect the day of your session. We’re celebrating you two being engaged so I want your photos to be as stress-free as possible. I’ll help pose and prompt you both the entire time so no need to worry about knowing what to do with your hands or how to stand - that’s what I’m here for!


Ultimately my goal is for your engagement session to just be a fun day where the two of you get to hang out together, be yourselves, and celebrate your love before you get married.

I’ll also probably be your tour guide the whole time pointing out what different cacti are and the surrounding mountains.


What to prepare for:

We’ll start off simple with some classic poses that get you two comfortable & relaxed in front of the camera. I promise you - everyone thinks they look awkward, but you never actually do. When you’re not used to having a photographer up close when you’re hugging & kissing each-other, it’s normal to overanalyze your every move. Once we get into the flow of things though & you get used to the sound of my camera, things will flow smoothly. We’ll transition into more prompts & poses & I’ll capture you two just interacting with each-other.

My engagement sessions are typically anywhere from 1 to 2 hours. This gives us time to explore a lot of scenery & capture the changing light.


What to bring:

  • Comfortable shoes to walk in

  • Change of clothes (either a backup outfit or just an outfit for after your session depending on the weather)

  • Backpack/bag to carry everything (ie. keys, phone, water, wallets, etc).

  • WATER - this is the desert & even in the winter it is DRY out here

  • Blanket - a great option for sitting/laying down photos!

  • Comb/hair brush, make-up, compact mirror for touch-ups if needed

  • Accessories - add in a hat or jacket to easily change up your outfit


What to wear:

This is truly up to whatever you & your partner feel comfortable in. You by no means have to wear “dressy” or “formal” wear for your engagement photos. These are photos you’ll be able to look back on for your entire lives, so you want to be able to see these photos & really feel like they encompass who you both are.

My biggest suggestion is that you don’t want to have contrasting styles. If one of you is wearing a nice dress, but the other has on a t-shirt & running shoes - that’s when you may want to look at other options for how your outfits can work together. You don’t need to be matchy-matchy, just enough that the style of your clothing works well together. If you’re going to have more than 1 outfit, I typically suggest 1 casual & 1 dressy option to give you the best of both. Wear something that’s comfortable, you can move around in, & won’t wrinkle too easily!


Where to go:

This is one of the toughest decisions because there are SO many options. Some things to consider - do you want desert landscapes? Water? Tall saguaros? City views? Red rocks?

Do you want to go up north towards Sedona or the pine trees of Flagstaff? Or head down south to the thick saguaros in Tucson?

My blog post about Seven of the Best Spots for Engagement Photos in Phoenix may be a good place to start - check it out here.


Embrace the Unexpected:

We may end up with rain, crazy wind, snow (yes, even in AZ), unexpected crowds, an overcast day, or so many other things. And I know how hard it can be to try & accept these things when in your head you’ve probably imagined the “perfect” day. No matter what happens though, it can still be your version of a perfect day (just with some minor tweaks).

We’ll plan ahead as much as we can to prepare for what could happen (I’ve learned to keep spare ponchos & hand warmers in my car on the regular) & we’ll take it for what it is. Because no matter what the weather is or what ends up happening, it’s going to be an amazing, memorable day & let’s face it - sometimes crazy weather can make things even more memorable.

And if you’re worried about anything affecting your photos - trust me, photographers accept all types of weather with open arms. We’re prepared for this & our biggest concern is just that you & your partner have the best time.


FAQ:

Q: How long is an engagement session?

A: 1-2 hours depending on which package you choose!

Q: How many outfits can we bring?

A: 1-3 outfits depending on which package you choose!

Q: Can we bring our pets?

A: Absolutely! Just let me know ahead of time so we can plan accordingly. I always suggest bringing someone else along so that they can watch your animals during the in-between. :)

Q: We’re not really hikers, can we still get great views without going very far?

A: YES! There are so many spots all over the Phoenix Metro & Arizona in general that are incredibility accessible for all levels.

Q: Do we have to know how to pose?

A: Nope! That’s what I’m here for - I’ll help pose & prompt you two the entire time.

Q: What time should our session start?

A: For sunset sessions, I typically have us start about 1-2 hours before “official” sunset time. For sunrise session, we typically start about 15-20 minutes before “official” sunrise time.


Samantha Rose Photography is a Phoenix, Arizona based photographer specializing in elopements & couples photography. When she’s not photographing couples she can be found exploring the desert, planning her next trip to Sedona, or taking photos of the sunset (again).


Lost Dutchman State Park Engagement Session | Updated for 2024

Sunset Engagement Session at Lost Dutchman State Park

Arizona Engagement Photographer


Of all the places in the Phoenix Metro – it’s hard to beat Lost Dutchman State Park. This place encompasses the most beautiful aspects of the Sonoran Desert. With the Superstition Mountains, towering saguaros, & open desert landscape – if you want your photos to be true “Arizona” this is the place.

Whether you’re celebrating your engagement, just want couples photos of you & your love, or you’re deciding to elope out in the desert – I’d love to be a part of your adventure together.

Let's Start Planning.

How to plan your engagement/couples session at Lost Dutchman State Park:

  • Photo Permit: Can you take pictures at Lost Dutchman State Park? YES! Lost Dutchman State Park does NOT currently require a photo permit as of 2024 for couples & engagement sessions. All you need is a parking pass!

    *Photo permit pricing subject to change

  • Parking: You must pay the park entrance fee – entry is $10/car. The park is open from 6 am to 8 pm. You cannot enter the park before this time & you have to be out of the park before it closes.

  • The Visitor Center/Park Store is open Monday-Sunday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. (summer & holiday hours may vary). If the visitor center is closed, you must pay via the self-pay station & bring exact change.

  • Grab a Map: Pretty much any trail in Lost Dutchman State Park is beautiful & will give you gorgeous views. It’s easy to get turned around in the park though or get off trail, so I suggest grabbing a map or downloading what trails you’d like to go on ahead of time (my favorite app is AllTrails). Photos are permitted in any of the day-use areas.

    I’ll be there to help guide you though & show you all the best areas of the park.

  • Follow Leave No Trace Principles: This is an amazing state park that we are all so lucky to get to enjoy hiking at & taking photos at – let’s keep it clean & respect the trails. No confetti, balloons, smoke bombs (or anything that could possibly start a fire) are allowed. Let the beauty of the park speak for itself. Learn more about the Leave No Trace Principles here & why I’m a leave no trace aware photographer.

  • Bring Water & Comfortable Shoes: Even if you’re from Arizona & used to the dry heat – still bring water! You can easily get drained & dehydrated from the sun & you’ll do more walking than you realize. Bringing comfortable shoes to walk/hike in in-between spots is a good idea to save your feet. Although there are plenty of easy trails, some of the terrain can be uneven.


Continue reading below for more details on how to prepare for your Lost Dutchman State Park engagement session.


  • Are dogs allowed at your Lost Dutchman engagement session? Yes! Pets are allowed on leashes. Just let me know ahead of time so we can plan accordingly.

Want to include your pups in your session? Let’s do it!! Let me know ahead of time so we can plan out all the details to make the day go as smooth as possible with your doggos.

Fun Fact: The Superstition Mountains are the second most photographed landmark in Arizona next to the Grand Canyon.


Looking for other areas to explore around Phoenix for your couples or engagement session? Check out my other blog post: Seven of the Best Spots for Engagement Photos in Phoenix, Arizona.

Samantha Rose Photography is an Arizona elopement photographer based in Phoenix, AZ. She specializes in intimate & authentic moments - helping couples curate the perfect day focused around their favorite things. When she’s not capturing couples in love she can be found hiking new trails, rewatching the Office & reorganizing her kitchen.

Seven of the Best Spots for Engagement Photos in Phoenix, Arizona


Where to take engagement photos in Phoenix, Arizona

Phoenix Engagement Photographer


Anywhere you go in Phoenix for your engagement session photos is going to be beautiful & have their own unique look. Whether you’re wanting the side of a mountain with saguaros or palm trees & water, the Phoenix area has so much to offer. If you have a love for the southwest & adventuring around the desert, these locations are for you.

I’ve created this list of some of my favorite areas that I have photographed engagements & couples in & around Phoenix. If you’re recently engaged & looking for a photographer to help you find the perfect spot to celebrate & capture your love, please reach out!

After reading this blog, let me know which location in Phoenix is your favorite in the comments below!

Phoenix Engagement Locations


The Salt River

A little outside of Phoenix located in the Tonto National Forest, the Salt River offers a variety of water views (hopping in the river for photos not required, but definitely extra fun) and mountain backdrops. If you’re looking for something with a more beachy vibe & different from the usual desert backdrop for your engagement photos, this area by Coon Bluff is perfect for engagement or couples photos. If you’re lucky you might even spot some wild horses.

Pro Tip: Bring sandals or water shoes to walk around in because there is actual sand at this area & it can be tough to walk around in any type of heels. Keeping a towel handy is also recommended, just in case you get wet!


Downtown Phoenix

If you & your love are looking to get away from the cacti & mountains & want a city atmosphere, downtown Phoenix is the place to capture your engagement photos. Offering a variety of murals, alleys, & textures – the colors of the city offer cooler tones & make it easy to either dress up or dress down your wardrobe.

Have a restaurant or bar downtown you love? Grabbing a drink after running around the city can add something special to the end of your engagement session.


Scorpion Gulch

Located at South Mountain Park, Scorpion Gulch offers a perfect golden glow at sunset. The ruins at the location were originally built in 1936 & operated as a store for many years through the 60s until becoming a bar in the 70s & eventually shutting down. The area was preserved & now is a great spot for capturing your engagement photos in the Phoenix area. The marked paths & easy access make it easy to fit in a variety of backdrops in a small area.

Pro Tip: Bring a blanket to sit down for some photos to keep your clothes clean (don’t worry – I always have extras in the trunk of my car).


Papago Park

Papago Park is a beautiful, public park located in Phoenix near the Desert Botanical Garden & the perfect spot for engagement photos! This park is great if you want a mix of everything – cacti, mountains, palm trees, water, & you can even see the Phoenix skyline in certain areas.

I recommend starting on the north east side of the park, near Hole in the Rock, while the sun is still high in the sky. Then end your engagement session with a great view of the sunset near Hunts Tomb.

Want to explore more of Papago Park? Check out this Phoenix Engagement Session here.


Lost Dutchman State Park

Although this location is technically located in Apache Junction, AZ – it’s still a part of the Phoenix Metro, making it a great area for engagement photos! The Superstition Mountains offer a unique landscape that you can’t find anywhere else in Arizona. Lost Dutchman State Park has easy, accessible trails, as well as longer hiking opportunities for those that want more adventurous engagement photos.

At sunrise, you’ll have the sun coming up from behind the mountain during your session. And during sunset, the mountains will be lit up with the sun’s glow at the end of the day. Either time of day is sure to give you beautiful, unique photos.”

Take your engagement photos in the spring time for wildflowers!

*Lost Dutchman requires a photography permit to have your session here. Photo permits currently run $50, along with entry into the park which is $7-$10/car.


Saguaro Lake

Saguaro Lake is another area that offers breathtaking views & something a little different than your typical desert backdrops. Here you can get right next to the mountain & tall saguaros for your engagement photos, all while being surrounded by lake views.

This is a great area for sunset sessions that lead into blue hour. There is a small hike involved that takes about 5-10 minutes.

Check out more photos from Saguaro Lake here.


Desert Botanical Garden

One of my favorite places to visit in all of Phoenix, the Desert Botanical Garden has so much to offer for engagement photos. Whether you want wild flowers, tall cacti, short cacti, or a mix of it all – the colors & layout of this place really show off what makes Phoenix, Arizona unique.

*Pro-Tip: Go on a weekday to avoid the crowds!

*Admission into the garden is required. I’m a member of the Desert Botanical Garden & can get one person in for free & 20% off regular admission.


I help plan out your whole engagement session – giving advice on time of day to start & taking you to all the best view points.

Check out this blog post all about how to plan & prepare for your engagement session here.

The Phoenix area has so much to offer when it comes to the perfect location for your engagement photos. Whether you’re looking for the side of a mountain, in the city, or an easy trail surrounded by cacti - you can’t go wrong with any of these spots. These also aren’t the only options, just some of my favorite spots that I’ve captured photographs at. No matter where you choose to have your engagement photos, make it somewhere that feels special to the both of you.

Samantha Rose Photography is a traveling elopement photographer based in Phoenix, Arizona. When she’s not capturing couples in love she can be found re-watching the Office, drinking too much Mountain Dew, or hiking a new trail.