Capturing Mark Reigelman’s Sculpture in Phoenix: A New Landmark Along Valley Metro
Setting the Scene
Recently, I had the chance to photograph a striking new public art installation by Mark Reigelman II. The piece sits at the Valley Metro station at S. Central Ave. and E. Buckeye Rd. in Phoenix. Mark reached out with a detailed shot list and vision for how the work should be captured. From wide context views to creative angles that show how the piece interacts with the city around it.
The Artwork
The sculpture is a large-scale geometric prickly pear cactus with bright red fruit, designed to stand tall over the busy light rail stop. Its faceted, metallic surfaces play with light at different times of day. Depending on the hour, the cactus reflects warm morning sun, glows in the fading evening, or catches the movement of trains passing by.
Shooting the Project
The goal was to create images that tell the full story of this sculpture in context. That meant:
Context shots with Valley Metro trains and the surrounding neighborhood.
Detail shots highlighting the sculpted textures and colors.
Creative shots playing with reflections, motion blur, and unique perspectives.
To capture all of that, I worked across multiple visits at sunrise, midday, and dusk. Shooting at different times allowed me to show how the light transformed the work.
Why This Project Matters
Public art is about more than a single object. It is about how people experience it in their daily routines. For a light rail stop like this, thousands of people will pass by, waiting, walking, or commuting. The sculpture becomes part of their landscape and story. My role was to create visuals that show not just what the piece looks like, but what it feels like to encounter it in this space.
Final Thoughts
Documenting artwork like this is a reminder of how photography can help share creativity with a wider audience. For artists, these images become a portfolio tool and a way to connect with city planners, collaborators, and communities beyond Phoenix.
If you are an artist, designer, or business owner creating something meaningful for your community, high-quality photography helps your work stand out and be remembered.
Want your project documented in a way that captures both the details and the bigger story? Reach out to me and let’s make it happen.
