dreamon

If you're into geologic formations, Papago Park (quite near the Desert Botanical Garden) has some unusual sandstone features. I borrowed this photo (can't find any good ones I took... I suspect they're all gone for good) from tripadvisor.

HardwareGuy

Looks like you've gotten plenty of ideas sent your way. We were there last month for SF Giants Spring Training, and have a couple more suggestions.
The Wupatki National Monument (did not see this one posted).
Beautiful native American ruins along a route with a wealth of photo opportunities, including the Sunset Crater Volcano National Park.
This area is north of Flagstaff, off the beaten path towards the Grand Canyon, so hardly in Scottsdale, but worth the trip if you are heading north.

daf40 Loc: Mesa, AZ

The photo opportunities in the Phoenix area rival any city in the USA. Just a word of caution, however. The afternoon temperatures are now in the vicinity of 95 degrees-- not only uncomfortable but also dangerous. Be sure to carry plenty of water if you venture outdoors. Also, photo opportunities are best between 5:30 A.M. and 8:00 A.M., and again in late afternoon/early evening. I recommend that you go out to shoot landscape and other outdoor photos very early and very late in the day, and reserve mid-day for indoor pleasures. The Musical Instrument Museum, just north of Scottsdale, is a unique experience. The Desert Botanical Gardens in Papago Park provide a great opportunity to see the incredible diversity and spectacular beauty of desert plants. The Phoenix Science Center currently has an amazing special display on Pompeii. I suggest that your first stop should be a visitor center where you can see brochures and flyers on the incredible diversity of available activities in the Phoenix area. Getting around by automobile in Phoenix is extremely easy, with minimal traffic, good freeways, and a predominantly north-south grid layout, so don't hesitate to explore the greater Phoenix area, including the Superstition Mountains to the East of Mesa. Enjoy your trip, but most of all, stay out of the mid-day sun.

daf40 Loc: Mesa, AZ

The photo opportunities in the Phoenix area rival any city in the USA. Just a word of caution, however. The afternoon temperatures are now in the vicinity of 95 degrees-- not only uncomfortable but also dangerous. Be sure to carry plenty of water if you venture outdoors. Also, photo opportunities are best between 5:30 A.M. and 8:00 A.M., and again in late afternoon/early evening. I recommend that you go out to shoot landscape and other outdoor photos very early and very late in the day, and reserve mid-day for indoor pleasures. The Musical Instrument Museum, just north of Scottsdale, is a unique experience. The Desert Botanical Gardens in Papago Park provide a great opportunity to see the incredible diversity and spectacular beauty of desert plants. The Phoenix Science Center currently has an amazing special display on Pompeii. I suggest that your first stop should be a visitor center where you can see brochures and flyers on the incredible diversity of available activities in the Phoenix area. Getting around by automobile in Phoenix is extremely easy, with minimal traffic, good freeways, and a predominantly north-south grid layout, so don't hesitate to explore the greater Phoenix area, including the Superstition Mountains to the East of Mesa. Enjoy your trip, but most of all, stay out of the mid-day sun.

missd Loc: Phoenix,AZ

Hi, Sumo. Everyone here is pointing you in all the right directions. I'm returning home to Mesa in a few weeks and will began posting. I LOVE Sedona I have been there twice, and planning a camping trip there. It is a good road trip, but to me it's part of the adventure. So,wherever you choose to go capture lots of pictures and have a lot of fun!

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