Shooting Just for Fun: A Desert Playdate with a Fellow Photographer

There’s a kind of magic that happens when photographers get together just to create—no pressure, no expectations, just pure play. This little Sedona story began with a message from Lynsey, a fellow photographer and kindred spirit, letting me know she’d be passing through town for a few days. And just like that, we made a plan: no clients, no timeline, just us, our cameras, and a sliver of desert sun.

We met up beneath Sedona’s towering red rocks, the air buzzing with early afternoon heat. Most people avoid shooting at high noon—photographers know it’s the harshest, brightest light of the day, and it can be tricky. But sometimes you’ve just got to roll with what you’ve got. And honestly? I kind of loved the challenge.

There’s something bold and unfiltered about midday light—it doesn’t hide anything. It’s raw. It’s honest. Just like this shoot. We laughed, experimented, and leaned into the imperfection of it all. Shadows played across the sandstone, light bounced in unexpected ways, and when the sun threatened to become too much, we threw on a pair of sunglasses and kept going. Problem solved. 😎

This wasn’t about perfection—it was about presence. About two photographers letting themselves be seen, creating just for the joy of it. No deliverables. No deadlines. Just the art of showing up.

More of this, please. More play. More light. More spontaneous moments in beautiful places with inspiring people.