Arizona at Night? - DPChallenge Forums

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

11/30/2006 05:12:12 PM · #1

I am going to be in Arizona next week on business. I might have a few hours in the AM, like up until 8:00 AM or so each day to get some morning shots in, but the bulk of my free time will be at night.

Can anyone from that area give me any advice as to good places to go for night shots of Phoenix and Scottsdale? I know the parks close at dusk, so I am thinking scenic views from elevated highway pulloffs, etc.

Any other night shots within a 2 hour radius of Phoenix are most welcome!

-Rich

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

11/30/2006 05:44:31 PM · #2

There's a full moon next week (Tuesday the 5th). That rules out very dark skies, but raises the interesting possibility of some night desert landscape/skyscapes.
The Superstition Mountains are a good area, there are some park trails, e.g. Lost Dutchman, that you can hike around sunset and shoot late into the night. Lots of fun.
Using your 10-22 @ the wide end, set your shutter for 30s maximum and you will get only barely detectable trailing.

LKMote

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM

11/30/2006 05:53:56 PM · #3

You might also try around the Tempe Town Lake area.

DrAchoo

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

11/30/2006 06:12:34 PM · #4

You mean like this? This was shot at about 6:30 PM, long before the park closed (10:00).

Sony Sonnar T* 35mm F2.8 ZA

11/30/2006 08:30:59 PM · #5

Great advice all, thanks.

salmiakki

Apple iPhone 16 Pro

12/02/2006 11:04:50 AM · #6

I was going to start a similar thread, but will add to this one. I will be in Scottsdale on Thursday/Friday (7th/8th) this next week. I will have a fair bit of downtime on Friday afternoon.

How far are the Superstition Mountains from Scottsdale? I don't want to go too far. Any other recommendations? Should this be my priority?

I'm looking to go in daylight not the dark.

Sorry if this is repetitious.

Message edited by author 2006-12-02 19:33:39.

kirbic

Canon EOS R5

Canon RF 24-70mm f/2.8 L IS

12/02/2006 11:36:16 AM · #7

Superstitions are pretty close; from Scottsdale, about 10 minutes south on 101 to 60, then east on 60 about 15 minutes to Apache Junction, and you are at the western edge of the Superstitions. A good local map or someone with local knowledge will probably be necessary to locate the parks/trailheads.

salmiakki

Apple iPhone 16 Pro

Sony Sonnar T* 35mm F2.8 ZA

12/02/2006 07:24:01 PM · #8

Thanks for your help!

DrAchoo

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4.0L IS

12/02/2006 07:37:38 PM · #9

Lost Dutchman State Park was a 45 minute drive from SE Chandler.

Sony Sonnar T* 35mm F2.8 ZA

12/05/2006 05:31:32 PM · #10

Originally posted by salmiakki:

Sarah,

Don't know if you are still checking this thread, but if you are, you might want to check out the Phoenix Botanical Gardens on one of those two nights if you have no evening plans - they are supposed to have a really good illumination of the gardens.

salmiakki

Apple iPhone 16 Pro

12/05/2006 06:00:54 PM · #11

Rich

Thank you - that looks fabulous. Sadly my trip has been postponed, but I'll make a note for the next time.

Again, thank you.

Sarah

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

12/13/2006 10:36:51 PM · #12

Thanks for your great recommendations - Lost Dutchman certainly did not disappoint. I don't have any photos from the trip that will really wow anyone, but they are here if you care to take a look.

The illumination at the Desert Botanical Gardens in Phoenix was also really great - I had an excellent time there as well.

Thanks again.

Nikon D200

12/13/2006 11:01:08 PM · #13

Super nice shots, Rich! I like the fire dancer one the best. :)

MelonMusketeer

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 50mm f/1.4

12/15/2006 11:16:32 PM · #14

Rich, Is that a natural background on Sup Mtn 32? I know that a 400mm will make the background drop out of focus fast, but that's really smooth behind the bird. Guess I'm asking if you cleaned that one up?
The botanical garden is nice at night too. Thank you for posting the images for us to share.