Joshua Tree with the Girls
Back in June 2023, I was feeling incredibly inspired. That spark led me to gather my sister-in-laws and some close family friends for a weekend getaway to Joshua Tree and it turned out to be one of my favorite creative experiences to date. I managed to capture two different sets of photos of each girl, and I really want to highlight them individually, because each one brought her own unique energy, style, and emotion to the lens.
First, I have to say how proud I am of every single one of these amazing women. Not only did they support my vision, but they also stepped confidently in front of the camera, brought their whole selves, and we all uplifted each other. The sense of bonding and encouragement that weekend was everything!
There’s something so important about making time for just the girls—laughing, bonding, and making memories. Being able to capture those moments made it all the more special. Even now, two years later (writing this in June 2025), I can’t help but smile thinking back on that weekend and all the fun we had in the desert.
On a personal level, I learned so much about myself as a photographer during that trip. One of the biggest lessons? I’m so glad I followed through on the idea and made it real. We hit the road, explored a beautiful place, and I got to do what I love: CREATE.
I brought along my Fujifilm XT3, my Canon AE-1, and my Super 8 film camera. In hindsight, juggling three cameras—especially with a big group and limited time—was a bit much. It was my first time using the Canon AE-1, and unfortunately, I found out later I had loaded the film wrong. It still hurts to admit it! But that’s film for you, its always teaching you something, even through the mistakes.
Another important takeaway from that shoot: no matter how much you plan, things rarely go exactly as expected. Flexibility is key. The best thing you can do is keep the energy fun and positive, especially when you're working with friends or clients.
To all the ladies who were part of that weekend….thank you. Thank you for your patience, for trusting me, for showing up with confidence, and for helping bring my vision to life. I’ll always be SO grateful for your support on this creative journey!
