Phoenix Area Family Photographer
Why Ahwatukee is the Perfect Location for Your Extended Family Photoshoot
Ahwatukee is not only known for its natural desert beauty but also for its versatility when it comes to family photography. The stunning desert landscapes, expansive mountain views, and iconic Saguaro cacti provide the ideal setting for an extended family session. The spacious outdoors give families room to move, relax, and capture the connections that matter most.



The Location: Pyramid Trail
Stunning Desert Landscapes for Every Generation
Ahwatukee’s expansive desert landscapes offer a wide variety of backdrops for your extended family photos. From the lush greenery of South Mountain to the dramatic Saguaro cactus-studded terrain, this area offers something for every family member, no matter their age. The different textures and colors in the desert provide opportunities to highlight the bond between your family members in a breathtaking way.
Close Proximity and Accessibility for Family Gatherings
Ahwatukee’s location in the southern part of Phoenix makes it easy for extended families to gather. The central location means less travel time and more time spent together enjoying your family session. Whether you’re local to the Phoenix area or gathering relatives from out of town, Ahwatukee offers convenient access without compromising the stunning scenery.
The Weather: Rainy
I often get asked the question, “What happens if it rains?, ” when families are scheduling their session. Being in Phoenix, we are lucky that that doesn’t happen often. When it does though, there is still a strong possibility that your shoot can still happen. A few sprinkles won’t harm your session at all and can actually bring a pretty cool look to the images. On this date, it was raining off and on all day. It was even sprinkling as we drove out to our location. Miraculously it stopped just as our session began and started to downpour again an hour later. The result of this weather were some awesome sunsets and some pretty colorful stormy skies. You can read more about how weather can affect your photo shoot in an article I write for CGPro prints here.





Preparing for Your Extended Family Photoshoot in Ahwatukee
Preparing for an extended family session requires some extra planning, but it’s well worth the effort. With multiple family members, it’s essential to coordinate both outfits and expectations. Here are a few tips to make your photoshoot stress-free and enjoyable for everyone involved.
Coordinating Outfits for a Cohesive Look
For extended family photos, aim for a cohesive color palette that complements the desert scenery but doesn’t match too perfectly. Soft, neutral tones like beige, sage, or light blues look fantastic against the warm desert hues. Avoid overly busy patterns or matching every outfit exactly, which can make the photo feel too staged. Instead, choose colors that complement each other while allowing everyone’s individuality to shine through.
Making Sure Everyone Feels Comfortable and Relaxed
Large family photos can sometimes feel overwhelming for younger children or elderly relatives. Make sure to keep the session relaxed and fun. Let the kids run around, enjoy some candid moments, and take breaks as needed. If some family members are hesitant or shy, make the session fun by including some interactive moments, like telling stories or playing games together. A relaxed family creates more genuine, heartfelt moments captured on camera.
Contact Me to Schedule Your Extended Family Session in Ahwatukee
Now that you know why Ahwatukee is the perfect location for your extended family photoshoot, it’s time to plan your session! Let’s work together to create beautiful, timeless memories that your family can cherish for years to come.
📸 Contact me today to schedule your extended family photo session in Ahwatukee! Let’s capture the special connections that make your family unique. emily@cozyclicks.com
For more photography tips, inspiration, and location suggestions, visit CozyClicks.com!
