Love Letter to Sedona -Sedona Landscape Photography
After four months in Sedona, I am doing a lot of reflecting on my time there.
Somehow, I am different now and I am still processing that. The three day drive home with my pug and my cat gave me a lot of time to reflect and just FEEL my feeling. I had so many adventures, I was shooting photos the whole time, and spent a lot of quiet time in nature. Every single day I walked Sugar Loaf, Crescent Moon Ranch, or somewhere new. My other favorite walk/hike is West Fork which is pure magic but can be loud and busy depending on which type of tourists you have close to you. I have mixed feelings about even blogging about Sedona, or talking about it’s amazing spaces. I suppose if this was a popular blog I could feel more that it was “part of the problem.”
This magical place has become so busy with everyone needing something beautiful, magical, and spiritual that the town of Sedona has paid the price. And getting paid as well, I suppose. Is it that growth is just inevitable and we must accept? I constantly found myself daydreaming that I was there back when uptown still had wooden sidewalks.
Anyway, everyone here complains about how busy it has got in Sedona and the best we can do is be respectful of nature and this sacred place, and moving on……
Some of the things I personally fell in love with in Sedona.
The Ravens, the coyotes, the javelinas. Every time I saw one I saw it as medicine. The landscape, obviously. The colors are my favorite of all colors. The textures of the cactus, the rocks, the trees, plants, and the sky all together are unreal. The people I met and photographed were all extremely nice. The tourists are happy because they are on vacation. Everyone says hello.
But, in order to fully honor this place, who was here before?
Ancient Inhabitants: The Sedona area was originally inhabited by prehistoric cultures, including the Hohokam, Sinagua, and Yavapai people. These cultures left behind significant archaeological sites, including cliff dwellings and rock art.
Sinagua Culture: Around 650 AD, the Sinagua people settled in the region. They were known for their agricultural practices, pottery, and building skills, as evidenced by ruins like the Palatki and Honanki heritage sites.
Yavapai and Apache Tribes: Later, the Yavapai and Apache tribes inhabited the area. They had a deep spiritual connection to the land, which continues to be honored by their descendants
In the late 1800s, settlers began ranching and farming in the region. The fertile land and scenic beauty attracted more settlers.Founding of Sedona: Sedona was named after Sedona Arabella Miller Schnebly, the wife of the city’s first postmaster, T.C. Schnebly. The town was officially founded in 1902.
The early economy was based on agriculture, particularly orchard farming, and ranching. Oak Creek Canyon provided water and fertile soil.
During the 1940s and 1950s, Sedona became a popular location for Hollywood filmmakers. Numerous Westerns and other films were shot in the area, boosting its profile.
The Yavapai have lived in the region for centuries, primarily in the areas now known as the Verde Valley, Prescott, and the mountains and plateaus of central Arizona. They traditionally lived in bands spread across these areas.
The Yavapai were hunter-gatherers, relying on the region’s diverse environment for food. They hunted game, collected wild plants, and practiced some agriculture, growing crops like corn, beans, and squash.
They lived in wickiups (dome-shaped huts made of wooden frames covered with brush or grass) and practiced a religion deeply connected to nature and the land.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Sedona gained a reputation as a New Age spiritual center. It is believed to be home to several energy vortexes—specific sites thought to emit spiritual energy. This attracted spiritual seekers, healers, and those interested in metaphysical phenomena.
Today, Sedona is known for its spas, wellness centers, and holistic healing practices. The town hosts numerous events focused on spirituality and personal growth.
I am so excited to be offering sessions here at the Grand Canyon next year. It’s just two hours from Sedona Arizona! Thanks for being here!
Watson Lake - Prescott Arizona- my new favorite place to shoot.
From its origins as a home to ancient cultures and Native American tribes to its development as a modern tourist and spiritual destination, Sedona’s history is a tapestry of natural beauty, cultural richness, and enduring mystique. The town remains a testament to the enduring appeal of its unique landscape and the diverse influences that have shaped its evolution.
It’s not just Sedona that I fell in love with but the surrounding areas. Flagstaff and The Grand Canyon, yes please. The motorcycle roads can take you on a smooth sailing adventure for days.
There is still so much for me to explore in Sedona and Arizona. I will keep you updated on my next trip there!
