Engagement Session at Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California with Jill and Kevin
Shooting a session in Joshua Tree has been on my photographer bucket list since I moved to San Diego. When Jill reached out and mentioned she wanted something artful, creative, and totally not cookie-cutter, I was like, hell yes, sign me up. And let me tell you, Jill and Kevin’s session at golden hour did not disappoint. They wanted photos that captured her and Kevin’s connection without feeling overly stiff or posed. Can do, my friend.
Why Joshua Tree is the Ultimate Engagement Shoot Location
Ohhhh Joshua Tree, you have my whole heart. You’ve got the weirdly cool rock formations, the Dr. Seuss-level Joshua trees, and the kind of lighting that makes everything look like it belongs in a gallery. We decided to shoot at the Cap Rock Nature Trail. Its accessibility and stunning vistas made it an ideal location, allowing us to maximize our time capturing their connection without having to hike. Here are some other noteworthy spots in Joshua Tree National Park we decided between:
Jumbo Rocks Campground: Known for its massive boulder piles, this area provides dramatic scenery without the need for extensive hiking. It's especially enchanting during sunrise and sunset.
Split Rock Loop: A moderate trail featuring the iconic Split Rock and a variety of desert flora. The loop offers multiple scenic spots ideal for capturing the park's natural beauty.
Hidden Valley Nature Trail: A one-mile loop that takes you through a secluded valley surrounded by towering rock walls. It's a popular spot for both hikers and climbers, providing dynamic backdrops.
Hall of Horrors: Despite its intimidating name, this area features unique rock formations and narrow passages. The short, flat trail is easily accessible and offers intriguing settings for an adventurous session.
Forget Disneyland, this is the happiest place on earth.
Feeling Comfy with the Camera
Jill told me up front she was a little nervous about being in front of the camera, which is something I hear a lot. Most of us don’t spend our free time posing for professional photos, so it’s totally normal to feel awkward at first. I am there to guide you while leaving room for you to be your authentic self. You get to just turn your brain off, goof around, and be free!
I like to start a session with movement—walking around, holding hands, being silly—because moving your body helps shake off the nerves. I threw out prompts like, “Surprise Jill with a sniff, a kiss, or a raspberry” or “Study all the colors in each others eyes,” and suddenly, it was less about the camera and more about their connection.
A Full-Circle Moment
Moving to Southern California and building my photography career has been one of the wildest, most fulfilling things I’ve ever done. Getting to finally shoot a session in Joshua Tree National Park felt surreal. After we said our goodbye’s and Jill and Kevin made their way back to San Diego, I took a moment to take some landscape photos and take it all in. I thought to myself, wow, I’m really doing it. I’m building my dream life. I’m only able to do this and build my ideal business thanks to amazing clients like Jill and Kevin. I am forever grateful for the support and love I've received since the start of my photography journey.
If you’re looking for your own couples photographer or wanting to plan a photo session somewhere in Southern California, let’s chat! Whether it’s Joshua Tree or another beautiful spot that is special to you, let’s make it happen.
