10 Amazing Places In Arizona That Are A Photo-Taking Paradise

Have a camera at home that hasn’t seen daylight in some time? If your only excuse is a lack of subjects, traveling is a great excuse to find new places to photograph, including plenty of willing subjects in our state. Actually, if we’re being honest here, any place you visit in Arizona has the perfect setting for a beautiful photograph. But since we have to list them, here are ten must-see places in Arizona that are a photographer’s paradise, whether professional or amateur. So, take your cameras out of storage, move the settings off "auto," and get ready to show off some gorgeous photos of these scenic places in Arizona.

1. Antelope Canyon for peaceful, low light photos.

Using a tripod can be a pain, so visit in mid-day when the light is more likely to point straight down the canyon and use a smaller, more portable tripod.

There's a lot to love about this iconic canyon, so be sure to take the time to explore it!

Editor's Note: Unfortunately, tripods are no longer allowed in Antelope Canyon since photography tours are not offered. But this is still one of the most scenic places in Arizona that's worth a visit!

2. Havasu Falls for some epic slow shutter speeds with vibrant colors.

Voted the most beautiful place in Arizona, you can bet you'll get some amazing shots here. Slow shutter speeds are great but play with the timing and location! This one had a shutter speed of 1/250 and captures the textures of falling water.

Compare that to this, which looks like one smooth waterfall.

3. Mill Avenue in Tempe for candid city shots or nightlife.

You can find so many photo opportunities here almost every night!

4. Lake Mead for boating photos.

Other ideas include kayaking, water skiing, beach photos, and even just the reservoir itself. The lake has quite a few surprises resting on the bottom of the lake, too.

5. Grand Canyon for startrail photography.

The Grand Canyon and the Navajo Nation have some of the darkest skies in the state, so they're perfect for astrophotography.

6. Cathedral Rock for an epic red-toned photo.

The best time to get the photo is at the end of the day when the sun is lower in the sky. Be prepared to arrive at least a couple of hours before sunset to scout out a perfect location. You can rent a yurt for a unique experience while testing out your night photography skills.

7. Hopi Point for an incredible sunset photo at the Grand Canyon.

Or any time of the day, really.

8. Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument for a different cactus landscape.

9. Lost Dutchman State Park for an iconic Sonoran desert photo.

Go in early spring or a couple days after a rainstorm for a greener, more lively photo. Just be aware, many believe Lost Dutchman State Park to be themost haunted state park in Arizona.

10. Tombstone to capture a glimpse of the Old West.

It can be touristy but there're some great preserved and reconstructed buildings as well as live re-enactments. Tombstone is also home to the world's largest rosebush, which I'm sure you'll want to photograph!

What other scenic places in Arizona make great settings for photography? Let us know in the comments below, or nominate it for a chance to be featured!