Writer Joseph J. Airdo // Photography by Anthony Giammarino

Summer in Arizona unfolds like a magnificent tapestry when viewed from above. The familiar becomes extraordinary, and what we think we know about our state transforms into something entirely new when seen from an aerial perspective. While ground-level explorers navigate trails and highways, discovering Arizona from above reveals patterns, textures and colors that remain hidden to the earthbound traveler.

The dramatic diversity of our state’s topography becomes most apparent when viewed from the sky. From the undulating terrain of the northern regions to the striking geology of central Arizona, each area tells its own unique story — one that can only be fully appreciated when seen from a bird’s-eye view. Summer travel across Arizona’s varied landscapes reveals a state of striking contrasts: vermilion cliffs against azure skies, emerald waterways cutting through golden terrain, and the complex geometry of human settlements nestled within nature’s grand design.

Through the remarkable drone photography of Anthony Giammarino, Images Arizona invites readers on an aerial journey across the state’s diverse regions beyond the Phoenix metropolitan area. This two-part summer photo essay series captures the essence of Arizona’s exterior destinations as they’ve rarely been seen before — hovering at that perfect altitude where both the majesty of the landscape and its intricate details are simultaneously revealed.

Giammarino, whose passion for drone photography has taken him to virtually every corner of Arizona, has a unique ability to capture our state’s distinctive character from above. Having relocated to Arizona from New York in 2018, he brings an outsider’s appreciation combined with a local’s intimate understanding of what makes our state extraordinary. His work invites us to see familiar landmarks and hidden gems with fresh eyes — the way a soaring bird might experience them.

As you embark on your own summer travels, let these images inspire you to experience the ascent and appreciate Arizona’s remarkable beauty from every possible angle.

Prescott — named after renowned historian William H. Prescott, who never actually visited Arizona — served twice as the capital of the Arizona Territory: first from 1864 to 1867, and again from 1877 to 1889, before Phoenix became the permanent capital.
Every astronaut who walked on the moon first trained in the landscapes surrounding Flagstaff, making it NASA’s preferred lunar training ground.
Sedona’s iconic red rocks are made up of nine distinct geological layers, some of which predate the dinosaurs.
Their vibrant color comes from iron oxide coating the sandstone grains.
The Montezuma Well in Rimrock harbors five species found nowhere else on Earth: a diatom, a springsnail, a water scorpion, an amphipod and a leech — all thriving in water containing high levels of arsenic that would be lethal to most organisms.
Just one year after opening in 1970, Sunset Point Rest Area gained national fame as America’s “outstanding safety rest area” and was even featured on Pittsburgh television as a model for Pennsylvania to emulate.

About the Photographer

Anthony Giammarino discovered his passion for visual storytelling at an early age, but it was drone photography that truly ignited his creative vision. Born and raised in Binghamton, New York, Giammarino found himself increasingly drawn to Arizona’s distinctive landscapes during visits to family and friends. In 2018, after being captivated by the state’s extraordinary beauty from an aerial perspective, he made the life-changing decision to relocate to Phoenix.

Founding Airobird Drones, Giammarino initially focused on real estate photography while exploring Arizona’s diverse regions with his drone. What began as weekend adventures quickly evolved into a passionate pursuit to capture the state’s remarkable diversity from above. His unique perspective — hovering at lower altitudes than traditional aerial photography — reveals details and patterns invisible from both ground level and high-altitude aircraft.

While his commercial work keeps him busy, Giammarino’s true passion lies in revealing Arizona’s exterior regions through his Instagram account @AntsDrone. His aerial explorations have taken him from the red rocks of Sedona to the canyons near Flagstaff, from the riparian corridors along the Verde River to the distinctive formations surrounding Prescott. Each expedition reinforces his belief that Arizona offers unparalleled opportunities for drone photography.

“Arizona reveals itself completely differently from the air,” Giammarino explains. “Colors become more vivid, patterns emerge from seemingly random landscapes, and you begin to understand how everything connects in ways you simply can’t see from the ground.”

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