Nichols Park Portrait Sessions in Gilbert, Arizona

Nichols Park (or “the pit behind Walgreens”, as I affectionately call it) is located on the corner of Higley and Guadalupe in Gilbert, Arizona and is a very popular spot for portraits.  VERY popular.  My husband once had a work colleague from Scottsdale say their family was headed to Nichols Park for their family pictures.  That’s a long drive for the pit behind Walgreens, in my opinion, but that’s how popular it is.  Nichols Park is filled with trees and shrubbery and in the late summer is basically one huge field of green grass and that’s hard to come by in this area.  Because it’s a retention basin, you can almost always find shade.  (Also hard to come by in this area.)  The park is fantastic for large families and can even accommodate a multi-family portrait session.

A few warnings about Nichols Park: 1) My daughter and I were once attacked by a huge swarm of mosquitoes during a portrait session there.  It was traumatic.  I don’t want to talk about it.  2) There’s a wonderful grove of trees and shrubbery on the Southern edge of the park that’s great for shooting, unless it’s irrigation time, in which case it’s a disgusting muddy swamp.  If you want to use that grove, check it out a few hours beforehand.  3) Did I mention Nichols Park is popular?  During the month of November there will ALWAYS be at least five other portrait sessions taking place in the park and you will have to throw elbows or have a dance-off to claim the best spots.  I highly recommend this area for literally ANY month but November.