Jennifer Bowen Photography

25/04/2026

What a spring season! I feel like I have a million things to share, but here are two recent senior portraits sessions to start.

Two totally different sessions and vibes, different schools, and young women, each on her own path, and both beautiful, cool, fun, kind and just a joy to be around. Both sessions and their details are on the blog with more photos. Congrats to you both! 🎓 More to share very soon, and still a couple slots left for May grad photos before summer vacation plans take root. If you are planning on senior portraits for the Class of 2027, I’m now booking for Aug, Sept & October!

18/03/2026

Meet a Cave Creek cowboy and his horse. Authentic senior photos captured against the rugged Arizona desert. Quiet confidence, real connection, and timeless portraits that tell a true story. Read the full session and see more images: https://wix.to/MJEiVAy

A Cave Creek cowboy senior session capturing authenticity, quiet confidence, and the connection between a teen and his horse, set against the rugged Arizona desert near Scottsdale.

23/01/2026

Desert shoots are stunning, but they’re also intense if not timed right. A few smart planning tips can make a big difference for our beautiful, but harsh, desert environment.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
1. Choose a photographer who knows lighting: how to manipulate it, how to time for it, how to shoot into it, how to reflect it or move you to places where it will flatter your skin, and how to mold it with camera settings. An experienced photographer should know how to pose you so the light works for you—not against you ☀️
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
2. If you are going to be out in the elements (jumping cholla anyone?!), closed toe shoes are a must for safety — which is why cowboys wore boots! 🤠 Luckily, cowboy and cowgirl boots are a timeless staple AND on trend, and many senior girls love to wear them for their senior photos anyway.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
3. White works great in the desert, but so does black, blue, brown, yellow, purple, jewel tones, all neutrals and just about anything except cherry red and neon colors. There is something about the soft hues of the desert and cherry red (and bright orange) that don’t play nicely, but those darker blue based reds like merlot, cranberry and burgundy do complement.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
4. Last, not all desert spots are equal. Some are boring and too drab for pretty photos. Ideally you want those big cacti, some sweeping views and maybe mountain vistas. Having stuctures or large cactus out there with you also help with blocking the harsh light. And of course, the sunset comes ALIVE at dusk when the sky turns pink and purple and you find yourself channeling Forrest Gump staring at the beautiful sunset sky where it meets the landscape and forever views. It never gets old to me!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
If you’re dreaming of desert senior portraits that feel natural, confident, and timeless, work with a photographer who knows the light, the landscape, and how to help you relax into the moment. 📸✨
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Loved this recent session with gorgeous Libby!

15/01/2026

The gorgeous Arizona weather this week is reminding me that spring is around the corner and the calendar is already filling up! ☀️ If you are thinking about those beautiful wildflower spring family photos or need senior pics for your soon-to-be graduate, click the link in my profile to get all the details, or DM me for more info. 📸 ​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
Maybe I’ll see you soon for some fresh, beautiful photos!​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​

01/01/2026

This past year felt especially meaningful behind the camera.

2025 marked 20 years of doing what I love as a Scottsdale and Phoenix family, senior, and branding photographer. It fulfilled me creatively, reconnected me with longtime clients, and introduced me to so many wonderful new people.

Every session is a unique collaboration, and I never take lightly the trust you put in me to document your faces, your season, or your story.

This year I had the opportunity to photograph about 100 families, over 20 seniors, and about 50 different banding sessions… so there is certainly a lot more to share!

Thank you for another unforgettable year. I’m deeply grateful, and looking forward to what 2026 holds 🤍

06/11/2025

Beautiful Raina, Class of 2026 🎓

Scottsdale / Phoenix senior photos — spring sessions now booking.

17/10/2025

Remember all these storms we’ve had recently? This sweet family was in town for a long weekend+ visiting from Alaska, and the rains cleared out just in time for their session to be called a go by Mom.
We battled some pretty high winds and they were troopers! In the end, we got some pretty cool images from this weird weather day. Hopefully in some way, it makes their trip here all the more memorable. Thank you Dandron family for your bravery to still go out and capture this moment in time for your beautiful little family!

10/10/2025

It’s the most asked question: “What should we wear for our portraits?”

The short answer? There are no hard and fast rules — just a few gentle ones I’ve learned after years of photographing families in the desert light.
-Avoid neon colors (they bounce color onto skin & hair, and steal attention)
-Skip too many bright tones that clash or compete, or too many patterns that compete (ie mixing rich jewel tones with bright spring colors)

-And while the camera loves a pop of color, in our muted desert palette, too much cherry red can feel too harsh against its soft tones. Save the red for green locations 🌲🌿

Instead, here’s an easy formula that always works:

Start with a key outfit→ usually Mom’s dress or top (since she’s often the anchor of the photos) and build around that
Pull colors from it → choose 2–3 complementary tones and maybe another soft pattern for the rest of the family.
Mix textures & layers → think knits, jackets, boots, hats, etc as these layers and textures can add visual depth without clashing.
Keep shoes neutral → tans and browns blend beautifully with our desert tones. Blacks or gray tones work too. Maybe leave the worn in sneakers, Crocs and Birks for before & after the photos 😜

If you would like more family portraits planning tips, I have a full Family Photo Planning Guide with outfit ideas, color palettes, and planning tips on my website and blog

03/10/2025

I had the best time photographing Chaparral senior Jordan last week. Two locations, four looks, and our golden Arizona sunset light = magic. ☀️
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
From cutedresses & boots to casual jeans and sneakers, she nailed every outfit. If you’re wondering what to wear for senior photos or the best places around Scottsdale or Phoenix for portraits, I know several sweet spots. 🤌
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Loving how these turned out! Jordan, you crushed it. Congrats to you on your exciting new chapter ahead!
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Now booking seniors for spring 2026 🎓

28/09/2025

Fall family sessions are officially underway! 🍂
(Just in time for that long-awaited break in our weather—finally!)

A quick note: My fall calendar is currently full, but I’m happy to add you to the waiting list in case any openings pop up. Just head to the website to add yourself, and I’ll reach out on a first-come basis.

🐾 And yes—pets are always welcome.
If you’re bringing your pup (or two), it’s super helpful to have a handler or extra set of hands along. That way we can get a great mix of photos with—and without—them, and keep things easy and relaxed.

Also! I’m actively looking for an 📸 associate photographer to help out this fall and into the spring. If you know someone looking for part-time photo gigs, please send them my way. There’s a link in my profile with all the details.

Happy fall, y’all!