Arizona Wildlife Photo Tours | Wild Horses, Birds, Big Horn Sheep, & More…
Seeing and photographing majestic Wild Horses crossing the Salt river at sunrise time is always a rewarding experience. Notice the Herron perched above in the distance.
Arizona Wildlife Photo Tours & Consulting
The state of Arizona offers some of the most visually striking wildlife encounters in the American Southwest—if you know where and when to look.
From bands of wild horses moving through desert hills or crossing rivers, to vibrant birdlife at sunrise or along a river bank, to Great Horned Owls nesting in a Saguaro cactus, to the rugged presence of desert Bighorn sheep high in the desert cliffs, these moments aren’t just seen… they’re earned.
That’s where I can help…
Private Experiences
I offer private and small group Arizona wildlife photo tours and consulting designed for photographers, content creators, and outdoor enthusiasts who want more than just luck. Whether you're looking to capture powerful motion, dramatic light, or intimate wildlife behavior, these experiences can be tailored to help you walk away with meaningful, portfolio-worthy images.
Where?
My primary area of expertise is in the rugged Sonoran desert in the general Phoenix metro area including nearby public lands like the Tonto National Forest and the lower Salt River as well as state and city owned desert preserves that offer hiking and potentially good wildlife viewing opportunities. I am also very familiar with the Sedona /Oak Creek Canyon area and the Vermillion Cliffs/Lees Ferry area in Northern AZ for wildlife, landscape, and or hiking or outdoor life style photography sessions.
DIY Consulting:
With over a decade of experience as a landscape, outdoor lifestyle, and wildlife photographer and videographer in Arizona, I’ve spent countless hours in the field studying light, terrain, and animal behavior in Arizona. That experience shapes every interaction I offer. For those who prefer a more independent approach, I also provide consulting services for photographers and content creators who want to plan and conduct their own outings. Whether you need help dialing in on viewing locations for the Salt River wild horses or birds of prey like Bald Eagles and Owls, best timing choices to spot wildlife, potential gear choices, or creative direction, I can help you approach your shoot with more clarity and confidence—without the need to join a large guided commercial tour or a very crowded volunteer led guided tour.
What You Can Expect
Each outing is designed around weather conditions, timing, and experience level—not a rigid itinerary. The focus is always on:
Being in the right place at the right time
Understanding light, composition, and wildlife behavior
Capturing authentic, unscripted moments in the wild
Being properly and safely prepared for hiking and shooting in the extreme desert environment
In addition to private photo tours, I also offer:
One-on-one photography consulting sessions
Image editing services - over 20years experience
Video capture and editing services for photographers, brands, creators, and commercial projects - over 10 years experience
Custom content creation (including social media) tailored to your vision and needs
Who These Experiences Are For
Professional and amateur photographers looking to save time and elevate their wildlife portfolio and shooting experiences
Visitors wanting a unique, authentic, and meaningful off-the-beaten-path Arizona nature experience
Brands or creators needing authentic Southwest wildlife or nature vibes content
Anyone drawn to the raw beauty of the Southwest USA landscapes and its wildlife
A More Personal Approach
When I do take people out, I keep group sizes intentionally small (max 4 people) and experiences flexible. This allows for a more focused, immersive environment—without the crowds or cookie-cutter feel.
When a client hires me for consulting or a tour, I’m always happy to share details and knowledge like additional locations to explore, timing, seasonal related advice, etc., so individuals can plan their own future outings and wildlife photography adventures.
Let’s Connect
If you’re interested in a wildlife tour, a private consulting session, a possible creative collaboration, or just general info, please reach out directly here now and let me know if you any specific requests or initial questions . I’m happy to learn more about what you’re looking for and explore what might be a good fit.
Network Of Knowledgeable Photographers
In addition, If i’m unavailable or not the best fit for a specific wildlife shoot like birding, I work closely with a network of experienced Arizona-based wildlife photographers and would be happy to connect you with the right person.
Please contact me here now to being the conversation.
Please Consider following me here:
Salt River Horses Youtube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJZD1wE1Va71W9Nzp6ennTg
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/100064016142978/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swvisionsnow/
I am very familiar with a number of locations in Northern Arizona where you can view and photograph very rare California Condors. It s a thrill to see these huge scavengers soaring about the red rock landscape near the Grand Canyon. These birds like look Batman when flying because of their with their huge wing spans! The birds in this photo with the Colorado river below are tagged so the park service can keep better track of them. I believe there are approximately 7O condors in Northern Arizona.
This is an image I captured in late fall along the lower Salt River that features a lone Wild Horse drinking and an Snowy Egret I believe about to fly by. There are reportedly over 270 species of birds (raptors, herons, songbirds, etc) found on this stretch of the Salt River and the surrounding Sonoran desert ecosystem. I don’t claim to be an expert about bird species and birding photography by any means, but I do know a few esteemed local photographers who are and that I can recommend and refer.
I have spent many years exploring the rugged and beautiful desert hills where the Salt River Horses roam. Who wouldn’t want to see and capture a scene like this! Contact for more info about seeing and photographing these iconic symbols of the American Southwest.
This is some drone footage I captured (I was high above them and zoomed in when editing) of a group or squadron of Javelina feeding along the Salt River in the Tonto National forest. Javelinas, also known as collared peccaries, might resemble pigs or wild boars in appearance, but they are not considered to be pigs. They can be aggressive at times…
Two Desert Bighorn sheep sparring. Always a thrill to see these guys out in the field….
I captured this image of A Great Horned Owl hiking before sunrise in a city owned desert preserve in North Scottsdale, AZ. I bump into these fascinating and very shy predators on early morning hikes fairly often in the Sonoran desert. I dont consider myself to be an expert on Owls, but I do know local Pro Photographers who are and would be happy to connect you with one of them if you are interested in capturing these birds in the wild-This includes capturing nesting Owls in Saguaro cactus.
This is an Egret I captured on the Lower Salt River. With colorful canyon walls and tree lined banks, The Salt river is a great place to catch and place vibrant reflections in your nature compositions. Late fall is my favorite time on the Salt River with surprisingly very good fall colors.
I captured this reflection image of Great Blue Herron gliding along the top of the Salt River near Mesa a few years ago looking for Wild horses. The lower Salt River area has reportedly over 270 bird species including a healthy population of Bald Eagles. Again, I dont consider myself a very knowledgeable “Birder” or “Bird Photographer” by any means, but I do know a few local and accomplished Photographers who are so feel free to contact me…