ronichas Loc: Long Island

I will be traveling to Sedona with a photography friends. Does someone know of a guide for some night photography?
Any suggestions as to where to photograph would also be awesome. We are also going to Scottsdale.
Thanks in advance.

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

You might try asking some of the Jeep Tour people. They don't run tours at night, but they might know someone who would do this for you, maybe one of their drivers doing some extra work on the side, or some such. A suggestion as well: since you're going to be in Sedona, go ahead and make a side trip to Slide Rock State Park. It's nearby. And you might take a ride on the Verde Valley Railroad. It's close, too. You can look either of these other places up in the AAA tour book.

PGHphoto Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

Susie Reed does guided photo tours to some places that are a little off the beaten path and very picturesque. I did a tour with her and ended up photographing moonrise over the Cathedral Rock - just happened to be a full moon. I would contact her and let her know what you are interested in. You can find less expensive guides and jeep tours but I was looking for something other than the locations that have been shot hundreds of time before. http://www.susiereedphotos.com/

There is also a running store near coffee pot drive who's name escapes me that supplies maps to a lot of the local trails in the area. The salesman was very helpful in identifying good running trails for my ironman wife that had great scenic vistas for photography. The trailheads near Bell Rock and in the general area were fantastic for milkyway shots. Sedona is a dark area with restrictions on outdoor lighting and light pollution so it is great for nighttime work. There is also red rocks state park that does after dark photo tours periodically. https://azstateparks.com/red-rock/

Finally, consider a trip to Jerome - about an hour south of Sedona. Great little 'almost' ghost town in the mountains. I love Sedona for photographic opportunities everywhere you turn.

MtnMan Loc: ID

Thanks for ideas. Heading through there next week.

The is another thread on this from a couple of weeks ago. Try a search.

MtnMan Loc: ID

Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

Butterfly Wonderland in Scottsdale. There are other stuff next door.
Goldfield Ghost Town, northwest of Apache Junction, only about 3-4 miles out of town.
Have fun!!
Pat

MtnMan Loc: ID

Note that Red Rock State Park does not allow pets. Evidently has a Nazi in charge.

1,000 pound horses are OK on some trails, though. Just so long as they are not your pets!

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

They probably don't want a passel of yappy little dogs snapping at folks' heels--this from a dog lover.

MtnMan Loc: ID

They use an environmental excuse. One horse poop outweighs many people's pets. And most people are good on picking up pet waste.

I've never seen anyone pick up their horse's poop.

I no longer try logic on such things.

Just noted so no one plans on several hour hikes with their pets.

PGHphoto Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

The issue I was told is due to the lack of attention that many give their pets and the damage they can do to the wildlife (chasing/killing fox, rabbits and small game) and i agree. Its worse than when people bring their little kids someplace and let them terrorize the people and things around them without doing anything to stop them. Horses are usually kept in check by virtue of the rider being in direct contact 99% of the time.

I have also heard of lawsuits because their precious little muffin got bit by a snake !

MtnMan Loc: ID

You haven't dealt with many horses on trails. Pack trains not so much direct control. Novice riders even less.

Most such places require dogs to be on a six foot leash.

NorthPacific

Go to Crescent Moon Ranch Park at sunset for full moon rises (or up to 3 days before a full moon rise).....great spot.

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Where does one start?
I never took pink jeep tours but hear good thing about them. I have my own Jeep and go where they go and thousands of additional places.
Schnebly Hill Road, Tlaquepaque Shopping Center (This takes a day to explore and photograph), The green Arches of MacDonalds (The only ones in the USA), Chapel of the Holy Cross, Old Town Sedona, Bell Rock, Red Rock Crossing. Expanding the circle. Drive up Oak Creek Canyon (Are you able to walk on uneven ground?) there is a steel arch bridge with wonderful trails from it one up a side canyon, Continuing up there is Indian Gardens then Slide Rock. Continue up to West Fork and the ruins of the Mayhew Lodge and the old cave they kept milk and butter in and the old swimming pool. Cross West Fork from there and there was a trail to an old 1800's pioneer cabin and an absolutely beautiful pond they built in a beautiful setting and their spring coming out of the hill you can drink the crisp cool water. Then just wander up West Fork and it takes a day (I have taken years though). Cave Springs Campground is worth a visit and directly across from it is a beautiful side canyon. It had a road at one time and there is an old model A rusting with trees growing through it. Also there are old turn of the 19th century inscriptions in the cliffs there and the walk is absolutely fantastic, if you are motivated the trail goes to the top pf the rim. Then got to the switchbacks and you can see the old original wagon road in the hillside and at the top you can look back down the canyon.
You will also be close to Montezuma Castle, Montezuma Well, Tuzigoot Indian Ruins near Cottonwood, Copper Museum (An incredible museum hidden in the small town of Clarkdale) then eat at the best Mexican food restaurant in northern AZ at Su Casa. While there might as well visit Jerome which is an art colony now that was a ghost town, see the moving jail and the Jerome Grand Hotel. It is supposedly haunted but stay on the third floor looking over the Verde Valley it is the insane floor and has an incredible common balcony that lets you sit and talk with others staying on the same floor. Lots of fun. Old Town Cottonwood, Page Springs Fish Hatchery is a beautiful location and very interesting.
I know there are many other tourist traps but I have personally found the places I listed as personal favorites from some one who lived in the area (We have a nice 4 bedroom house in Oak Creek Canyon) and years of exploration, again I know of hundreds of other places in the canyon and West Fork including beautiful caves and hidden trails including to the ruins of the logde lodge where Zane Gray wrote some works at and also wrote about and up the beautiful hidden canyon behind it.
Enjoy your trip.

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

I'm trying to cut loose and head there next Wednesday. I hope I can make it. I've been swamped with shoots.

ronichas Loc: Long Island

Thanks so much for all the great suggestions. Based on your generous suggestions, I have already booked a pink jeep tour, late afternoon. I also spoke with Susie Reed and set up a private early evening shoot with her.

This is the thing I love about UHH.
Thanks to all!