Aura Photos Sedona: Worth It or Tourist Trap?
There is a specific moment that happens in almost every Sedona vacation. You walk past a shop window, see a photograph of someone surrounded by vivid clouds of color, and think: “Should I get one of those?”
The answer is: probably, but go in with the right expectations.
Aura photography has become one of Sedona’s signature activities, right alongside hiking the red rocks and browsing crystal shops. It is part spiritual reading, part conversation starter, and part really cool souvenir. Here is everything you need to know before you sit in the chair.
How Aura Photography Works
An aura camera — the most common type is the AuraCam or Inneraura system — uses biofeedback sensors on a hand plate to measure things like temperature, humidity, and galvanic skin response. The camera translates these electrical signals into colors superimposed around your photograph.
Is this actually reading your aura? That depends entirely on your worldview. The technology is measuring real physiological data. Whether that data corresponds to an “energy field” is a matter of belief. What most people agree on is that it creates a visually interesting snapshot that can serve as a starting point for a conversation about how you are feeling.
What the Colors Mean
Every shop will give you a printed guide, but here is the quick version:
Red — energetic, passionate, grounded. Physical vitality. Often shows up in people who are active, competitive, or dealing with strong emotions.
Orange — creative, social, adventurous. People with lots of orange tend to be outgoing and expressive.
Yellow — intellectual, optimistic, playful. The color of mental energy and curiosity. Very common in people who describe themselves as overthinkers.
Green — nurturing, growth-oriented, heart-centered. If you have been doing a lot of personal development work, green often shows up.
Blue — calm, communicative, intuitive. The most common aura color in Sedona, probably because people are on vacation and actually relaxed for once.
Purple/Violet — spiritual, visionary, deeply intuitive. The “Sedona color” — readers see this more frequently here than in other locations, which practitioners attribute to the vortex energy.
White — transcendent, highly spiritual, new beginnings. Rare, and readers get very excited when it shows up.
Where to Get One
Sedona Crystal Vortex — three locations in Uptown Sedona, no appointment needed. Their readers are personable and take the time to explain the results without being pushy about add-on services. Price: around $35 to $45.
Mystical Bazaar — on West 89A, slightly less hectic than the Uptown shops. Their aura photographer is well-known locally. Price: around $30 to $40.
Center for the New Age — convenient one-stop shop where you can combine an aura photo with a psychic reading or crystal shopping. Price: around $35 to $45.
Green Witch Creations — offers packages that combine aura photos with brief psychic readings. Good value. Price: basic photo around $35, photo plus 15-minute reading around $55.
Sacred Elements of Sedona — quieter, more focused experience. Good for people who want a more private setting.
Is It Worth It?
Here is our honest take after watching thousands of tourists get aura photos over the years:
Yes, if you approach it as a fun, interesting experience and a unique souvenir. The photo itself is genuinely cool-looking — a colorful portrait of you against Sedona’s energy. It makes a great conversation piece back home and costs less than a nice dinner.
Yes, if you pair it with a reader who will spend time interpreting the results. The photo alone is just a pretty picture. The value is in the conversation that follows.
No, if you are expecting a scientifically validated medical diagnostic. It is biofeedback translated into art, not a blood test.
No, if the shop is pressuring you into expensive follow-up services based on what the photo “reveals.” A genuine aura reading should inform, not frighten.
The sweet spot is to treat it like you would a tarot reading or a horoscope — interesting, reflective, and a springboard for self-examination. At $35 to $45, it is one of the most affordable spiritual experiences in Sedona and one of the most photographable.
Pro Tips
Get your aura photo before and after a vortex visit to compare. Many shops will do a discounted rate for a second photo, and people consistently report different colors after spending time at a vortex site. Whether that proves the vortex changed your energy or that your mood shifted after a beautiful hike is a question we will leave to you.
Curious about the science? Healthline’s overview of aura photography explains how the cameras work.
Related: For the full metaphysical Sedona experience, see our Crystal Shops Guide, our Psychic Readings Guide, and our Sedona Vortex Guide.
