A Special Extended Family Session at Scorpion Gulch
One of the greatest joys of being a Phoenix family photographer is getting to work with families year after year—and watching them grow. This beautiful family has been in front of my camera multiple times, and when they mentioned everyone was coming in from all over the world, I knew Scorpion Gulch would be the perfect spot to bring everyone together for updated photos.
This session took place in June, which can sometimes be tricky in Arizona, but lucky for us, it wasn’t too hot yet—and even better, the location was almost completely empty. Having little foot traffic gave us time and space to capture all of the big group shots, as well as smaller, more intimate family pairings.
Why Scorpion Gulch Works for Extended Families
If you haven’t been to Scorpion Gulch at South Mountain, it’s a rustic and historic little spot with old stone buildings, desert landscaping, and mountain views. It’s a fantastic choice for extended family photos because:
- 🪨 Unique stone structures create a beautiful, textured background.
- 🌵 Desert vibes with cactus and natural landscaping for that Arizona feel.
- 🌄 Mountain views right in the background without a long hike.
- 🚶 Easy access from the parking lot to the photo areas—perfect for grandparents or little ones.
- 📸 Variety of looks in one small location (stone walls, arches, desert plants, and open skies).
What Is an Extended Family Session?
An extended family photo session goes beyond your immediate family—it includes grandparents, cousins, aunts, uncles, and sometimes even family visiting from out of state (or in this case, all over the world!).
During these sessions, I like to:
- Start with a large group photo of everyone together.
- Capture smaller family units individually.
- Mix in fun candid shots—kids playing, cousins laughing, grandparents hugging.
- Highlight special pairings, like grandparents with grandkids or siblings together.
It’s a beautiful way to create keepsakes for the entire family and make sure no one is left out of the story.
Helpful Tips for Scorpion Gulch Sessions
Because Scorpion Gulch is such a unique spot, here are a few things to know before booking your session here:
- No bathrooms available – Plan ahead, especially if you’re coming with young kids.
- Best time of year – Fall, winter, and spring are most popular, but early mornings or evenings in June (like this session!) can also work beautifully.
- Golden hour lighting – Just before sunset, the light at Scorpion Gulch creates the most magical glow against the stone walls.
- Bring water – It’s Arizona, after all, and hydration is always key.
- Parking is close – No long hikes, which makes it easy for grandparents or little ones.
Ready to Plan Your Extended Family Session?
Whether your family is flying in from across the country or you just want updated portraits with the people you love most, I’d love to help you plan a meaningful and stress-free photo session.
Check out more of my family photography portfolio here.
📅 Extended family sessions book quickly—especially during cooler months! Now is the perfect time to start planning.
