I have wanted to take a couple for a Joshua Tree engagement shoot since I started my wedding photography career 6 years ago. I was born and raised in Southern California but until 2015 I had never had the opportunity to travel to this epic location. But with good timing comes opportunity. I sat down with Michelle and Cameron at a cozy little beer bar in Manhattan Beach to discuss their wedding plans. When I heard that they wanted to do their engagement shoot in Joshua Tree my eyes lit up and I told them that they need not look any further, I was their guy. I had literally been dreaming about shooting in Joshua Tree and I knew that this engagement shoot was going to be incredible.

I drove out with my girlfriend Lindsey and we met with Michelle and Cameron outside of the park at the visitor center. Lindsey and I hopped in their car and we were off. There seemed to be vast miles of outrageously beautiful landscape in every direction I looked. With a virtually unlimited amount of locations to shoot, a photographer could spend months in a place like this. So as we drove down the road cutting through the park we stopped off every couple of miles, hopped out, and captured some surreal beauty. Michelle + Cameron got to test out their rock climbing skills because they’re awesome folks that are willing to work with all of my crazy ideas. As we headed towards the end of the park the sun started to dip behind the mountains. We managed to fit in one last location where we photographed some of the adorable props Michelle brought- a heart shaped balloon and some gorgeous yellow sunflowers. Michelle + Cameron’s engagement shoot had no shortage of laughs and kisses ad I am beyond excited to see them say their “I do’s” later this year!