Hey there! If you’re a milspouse photographer heading to Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Megan Roman is ready to help you! In this Tucson, AZ Photography Spotlight, she’s sharing her experience running her business in the Arizona desert. Let’s dive in!

What are your top three favorite locations for sessions? Briefly share about each.

Gates Pass

On the western side of Tucson, this is a really great option for a classic desert location. This area has so many pull outs and parking areas to explore that are full of gorgeous cacti and desert scenery. This location definitely involves a bit of walking and the trails are more rough and narrow. It is worth it for the beautiful desert though. The sunsets in this area are absolutely unreal so I highly recommend shooting during golden hour.

Broadway Trailhead

Broadway is part of Saguaro National Park, but it’s a side trail that you can access without going into the park. This spot is great because it is flat, has a very easy trail, and lots of big saguaro cacti. Broadway Trailhead is a perfect spot for families because you can stay close to the parking area and stay on the path if your clients are worried about cacti. This is a perfect spot for clients who want easy, accessible desert with lots of gorgeous cacti and mountains.

Empire Ranch

This spot is technically in Sonoita, AZ but it is still in the immediate area of Tucson. Empire Ranch is a historic location that is surrounded by miles of open fields. The fields are more like dried grass but really pretty and excellent for clients that want something different from the desert. There are mountains all around and if you are there during blue hour, the mountains all turn pink and it’s really special and beautiful.

Mt. Lemmon

I had to include this one too! Mt. Lemmon is a super special spot in the Tucson area because it is so different from the desert. There are trails, pull offs, and look outs all throughout the mountain. In the summer it is way cooler in temperature so it tends to be a popular spot, and it even snows in the winter. I love heading up to the very top of the mountain in the fall because you have beautiful birch trees that turn the most beautiful colors. Windy Point is another spot on the mountain that gets a lot of attention and that is because you are essentially on a cliff and have views over the whole mountain and desert.

Are there any particularly busy seasons for photographers in this area? Any events an incoming photographer should know about?

Fall and spring are definitely busy seasons, especially for weddings. It slows down a little in the winter and a lot in the summer. There are a lot of people that travel to and vacation in Tucson so often in winter you’ll get inquiries for people wanting photos while visiting. There is a college in town so graduation time is busy if you are a portrait photographer too.

What should an incoming photographer know about permits in this area?

You need a permit and national parks pass for Saguaro National Park and Catalina State Park. Permits are also needed for other parks and forests around the area, including Mt Lemmon. Do your research!

What is the biggest piece of advice you’d give to an incoming photographer?

Do not be discouraged by the amount of photographers you’ll run into. Do your own thing and find your own style within the desert. This is such a beautiful area and there are always people looking for photographers. The TAPP – Tucson Aspiring and Professional Photographers group on Facebook is really great and friendly. The wedding photographer community is great if you take the time to build relationships too. There are also a lot of wedding venues and professionals in the area, so take the time to get to know the owners and other creatives in town!

Where can other milspouse photographers connect with you?

Website: www.meganromanphoto.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/meganromanphoto

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Are you a milspouse photographer interested in contributing? I’d love to have your insight! Please send me an email at erin@erinthompsonphoto.com and I’ll be in touch with the details!

If you enjoyed this Tucson, AZ photography spotlight, be sure to check out other featured location guides and tips for moving your business!