Joshua Tree California Photographer: Evelyn & Joanna’s Maternity Shoot

Evelyn and Joanna… wow! What a couple! I’ve known them since their wedding in 2019 and by now, consider them friends. Which is why I adored photographing them!

So, fast forward to 2022, I was elated to be their Joshua Tree photographer. This amazing couple conceived their son through IVF, and as per their goal: this certainly won’t be the last child they conceive. They’re all about having a big family—and truly deserve it, given their big hearts and warm, welcoming friendliness. 

What I loved most about being Evelyn and Joanna’s Joshua Tree photographer was their adventurous spirit that shined through. And because they’re big travelers (and big nature lovers), they chose the gorgeous Joshua Tree Desert to celebrate the welcoming of a new life into this world. 

A beautiful day in one of my favorite places with friends? A dream! And let me tell you why…

Why Choose Joshua Tree for Your Photography Session?

If you’re looking for a plethora of unique landscapes and an array of different wildlife, you’ll find it and more in this National Park. 

Joshua Tree is any California photographer’s dream because it offers a diverse range of fauna and flora, creosote bushes, ocotillo plants, a handful of cholla cactus, and—of course—Joshua trees. What a backdrop for your photos!

Whether you’re preparing for an engagement, maternity, family, or wedding photography shoot in Joshua Tree, you’ll be dazzled by its wild nature and tranquility. 

A golden hour shoot will leave you with sunset layers of vivid color, a morning shoot will allow you to breathe in the fresh air with lesser crowds, and if you’re planning to stay overnight, star gazing should definitely be on your to-do list. 

And because Joshua Tree is so big (795,156 acres), I thought I’d give you a few tips on the best spots to go, with or without your Joshua Tree California photographer, for an out-of-this-world experience.

Some of the best photography locations inside Joshua Tree include:

• Skull Rock: as a result of erosion, two hollowed out eye sockets formed in this rock, making it look like a skull. An interesting and alternative spot for great photography.
• Barker Dam: gaze out at the small reservoir at Barker Dam, or allow it to be the soothing backdrop of your celebratory photography. 
• Keys View: look out at panoramic views of mountains, Coachella Valley, Salton Sea, and Palm Springs from Keys View. This free lookout spot is great for visitors and those seeking photography that includes vast views of nature.
• Hidden Valley: surrounded by massive boulders and a unique micro-habitat, Hidden Valley is not just a fun spot to go hiking—it also offers views that are to die for… especially at sunset.
• Cholla Cactus Garden: a piece of nature that truly illuminates at sunrise, Cholla Cactus Garden is home to thousands of cactus (and some wildflowers during the right season). And if you choose to have a Joshua Tree photographer accompany you to this brimming spot, you can have them capture you alongside the cactus, which is especially incredible at sunset and sunrise, as their needles appear to glow. 
• Arch Rock: a popular destination in Joshua Tree National Park, Arch Rock has naturally formed to appear as an arch. When the sun begins to rise, capturing those rays bursting with energy is an unforgettable experience. 
• Heart Rock: just a third of a mile past Arch Rock, you’ll find Heart Rock—a 12ft tall boulder that’s shaped like a heart. But because there is no official trail to Heart Rock, consulting the National Park Service in Joshua Tree is a good idea before you visit. 

Here’s to wondrous trips to Joshua Tree, and all of the amazing snapshots to be taken with your Joshua Tree California photographer—memories encapsulated.