The journal

The journal · page 3

Wedding venue guides, portrait locations, Southwest road trips and home projects — written to be useful.

View from inside Hole-in-the-Rock at Papago Park, looking out over Phoenix as visitors sit on the red rockPortraits

Papago Park Engagement Photos: A Phoenix Desert Session Guide

Red sandstone, saguaros and a skyline view, all a few minutes from the city. Here is how to plan a Phoenix desert engagement session at Papago Park.

Mar 20184 min read
A wooden rope swing hangs from a tree over a green lawn set with rows of white wedding ceremony chairsWeddings

The Gather Estate Wedding Guide: Mesa, Arizona

How to plan and photograph an estate wedding in Mesa, Arizona: seasons, sunset timing, layout planning and the questions worth asking on your venue tour.

Mar 20185 min read
Black-framed prints, including a sketch of a cat and a black-and-white street photo, hang on a pale pink wallHome

Beyond Framed Art: 14 Wall Objects That Make a Room Feel Lived In

Baskets, plates, mirrors, textiles and tools: how to choose, arrange and safely hang objects that give a wall texture and story.

Mar 20185 min read
A gift wrapped in red snowflake paper with a silver bow sits beside silver ornaments and tinsel on white woodPhotography

The Holiday Gift Guide for Photographers, Creatives and Homebodies

Gifts photographers actually use, plus ideas for the makers and homebodies on your list. No gimmicks, just things that earn a place in the bag or on the shelf.

Dec 20175 min read
A bright home office with a desktop computer on a wooden desk, plants and shelves by the windowPhotography

The Amy and Jordan Course and Learning Wedding Photography Online

Online courses can shortcut years of trial and error, or waste your money. How to evaluate the Amy and Jordan course and other wedding photography classes.

Sep 20175 min read
Sunset glows over the Tucson valley seen from the rocky, pine-dotted slopes of Mount Lemmon, ArizonaWeddings

The Tucson Arizona Temple: A Guide to Temple Wedding Photos

The Tucson Arizona Temple opened to the public in 2017 and quickly became a favorite setting for temple weddings. Here is how to plan your photos there.

Aug 20175 min read
A couple in cozy sweaters leans in close, about to kiss, outdoors on a gray dayPortraits

Anniversary Photo Ideas That Feel Like You (Not a Re-Run of Your Wedding)

An anniversary photoshoot is a chance to document who you are now. Here are ideas for locations, outfits, and moments that make it personal.

Jun 20175 min read
Rugged granite cliffs and forested ridges in the Santa Catalina Mountains near Tucson, framed by autumn leavesWeddings

Sabino Canyon Wedding and Anniversary Photos: A Tucson Guide

Water, saguaros, and towering canyon walls on the edge of Tucson. How to plan a Sabino Canyon wedding, elopement, or anniversary photo session.

Jun 20174 min read
A bride and groom stand hand in hand on a quiet rural road lined with green treesWeddings

Planning a Safford, Arizona Wedding: A Small-Town Guide

A small-town wedding in the Gila Valley comes with real advantages and a few logistics to plan around. Here is how to make a Safford wedding feel easy.

May 20175 min read
A smiling couple in matching teal shirts walks across a grassy hillside, she in a sun hat holding a bundle of greeneryWeddings

Gila Valley Engagement Photos: Where to Shoot Around Safford, Arizona

Green fields, cottonwoods, and a 10,000-foot mountain on the horizon. A practical guide to planning engagement photos in Arizona's Gila Valley.

Apr 20175 min read
A bridesmaid in a rust-colored dress holds a bouquet of cream and orange rosesWeddings

What the Maid of Honor Is Actually in Charge Of

The title sounds ceremonial, but the job is practical. Here is what a maid of honor really handles, from the first dress appointment to the last dance.

Mar 20176 min read
A bride and groom walk away together down a sunlit path through lush green woods

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