The oxidation state and local geometry of the metal centers in amorphous thin films of Fe2O3 (Fe3+ oxidation state), CoFe2O4 (Co2+/Fe3+ oxidation states), and Cr2O3 (Cr3+ oxidation state) are determined using K edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy. The metal oxide thin films were prepared by the solid-state photochemical decomposition of the relevant metal 2-ethylhexanoates, spin cast as thin films. No peaks are observed in the X-ray diffraction patterns, indicating the metal oxides are X-ray amorphous. The oxidation state of the metals is determined from the edge position of the K absorption edges, and in the case of iron-containing samples, an analysis of the pre-edge peaks. In all cases, the EXAFS analysis indicates the first coordination shell consists of oxygen atoms in an octahedral geometry, with a second shell consisting of metals. No higher shells are observed beyond 3.5Å for all samples, indicating the metal oxides are truly amorphous, consistent with X-ray diffraction results.