Welcome to the Shutter Blog, a collection of hiking guides, desert exploration stories, in-depth gear reviews, and ongoing film photography projects based in Phoenix and throughout the Southwest. This blog documents real trail experiences across Arizona, from sunrise summit hikes and Sonoran Desert routes to climbing areas and lesser-known day trips. You’ll also find hands-on reviews of cameras, lenses, and outdoor photography equipment, along with reflections on analogue film work and long-form creative projects. Whether you are searching for Arizona hiking recommendations, photography locations, trail guides, or practical gear insights, this archive is designed to help you explore with intention and document the landscape with confidence.
Each print is created from an original photograph taken on location. No AI-generated imagery is used in my work.
Arizona Photography Blog | Hiking, Gear Reviews, and Film Projects
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Hiking Weaver’s Needle in the Superstition Mountains
Hike Weaver’s Needle in the Superstition Mountains from Peralta Trailhead. Trail details, parking tips, winter conditions, dog-friendly notes, and photos.
Switching to the Nikon Z7II for DSLR Film Scanning
I replaced my Canon EOS M6 Mark II with a Nikon Z7II to handle both my professional photography and DSLR film scanning. The result? Higher resolution, cleaner scans, and a few setup challenges.
Tom’s Thumb Trail Hike | McDowell Sonoran Preserve, Scottsdale AZ
A steady desert climb through granite boulders and wide-open views, Tom’s Thumb Trail is one of the most rewarding hikes in the McDowell Mountains. This guide shares what the trail feels like, when to go, and why hikers keep coming back.
Finding the Light…Source (and 3D Printed Film Holders)
Starting my DSLR film scanning journey with a 3D printed holder and LED light pad, I learned a lot about light leaks, dust control, and alignment. Here’s what worked — and what didn’t.
Finding the Right Macro Lens for DSLR Film Scanning
I needed precision for camera scanning, so I chose the Nikon 55mm f/2.8 Micro-Nikkor. This post walks through the full setup, from adapters to rail—and why manual focus isn’t for the faint of heart.
Skip the Scanner: My DIY Copy Stand Setup
High-resolution lab scans are expensive — so I built a camera scanning setup at home. Here’s how I made a sturdy, modular copy stand using aluminum extrusions and a macro rail.
Welcome to Hollyridge Photo!
Meet the photographer behind Hollyridge Photography — a Phoenix-based landscape and film photography project rooted in the light, textures, and stillness of the Southwest.