Who benefits from the idea that a simple guide photo can make an entire trip 'uniform' and complete from the start, including discovering less known places? It's the kind of thing that tourist offices like to sell to make us dream, but reality is often more complex.
For a traveler with a tight budget and limited time, like a student, an image can inspire, but it doesn't replace hours of research and logistical planning.
You need to dig to find practical information, good deals for transportation or accommodation, and a photo won't tell you that tickets for "The Wave" are a daily lottery.
An image is a starting point, not a guarantee of a perfect and uniform experience, especially for a first trip to a vast region like the American Southwest.