Joshua Tree Couple Session at Cottonwood Springs

Lexi + Luke

When you think of Joshua Tree National Park you naturally think of the , well, duh Joshua Trees, right?? Well believe it or not this session was supposed to happen amongst the beautiful backdrop of joshuas, the abundant rock formations, as the golden sun spilled over the horizon and even preferably near hidden valley …. but funny story.

I was to shoot my good friend and fellow San Diego photographer, Lexi and her freshly ported Navy hubby, Luke, who finally arrived from months out at sea, and since COVID hadn’t allowed for a homecoming session, Lexi opted for a desert shoot since they were staying in Palm Springs anyway.

Long story short I meet Lexi and Luke at their Airbnb to carpool the last section into the park, Lexi put in the gps to “Joshua Tree National Park”, and had mentioned they needed to stop for gas before the park. However after an 1 hour drive the gps declared we had arrived, uh-oh. Lexi had loaded the South entrance instead of the West Entrance (which is were the main jam of the park is). So their car has 1/4 of a tank left, with only 1 hour of sunlight left, and since we’re at the south entrance it’d still be about a 50 minute drive to the main area with Joshua Trees). So our only safe choice was to shoot at Cottonwood Springs hahaha.

It’s not that it’s bad, but the area just looks like a humble desert wash with bushes and smaller rock formations. HOWEVER, that didn’t deter the good vibes lol, we just made the most of it and laughed it off.

Check out my favorites from this very memorable and adventurous day below! xx