Joshua Tree Photographer | Lena + Ian

Every time I make it down to Joshua Tree. I am so stunning and so thankful that I can be a Joshua Tree photographer. It’s an absolutely beautiful landscape and not in the traditional sense. Lena and Ian were absolutely adorable during this session and I loved getting the chance to work with them.

They recently found out they were expecting and these are the last photos of them other than their maternity photos.

Joshua Tree Permits

Joshua Tree is a beautiful backdrop for any photo and like a majority of national parks, you do need a permit to photograph a couple, wedding, or elopement here. You can check out more about the permit process on the national park website here. I’m so happy to confirm that any basic portrait sessions do not require permits! Which makes everything a lot easier and can give everyone peace of mind.

Joshua Tree Permit Locations

The permitting system in Joshua Tree only allows for specific locations as noted on their site. But you can also take a look below.

Indian Cove Amphitheater; No more than 100 people total and only 1 vehicle. You must shuttle your guest in and out of this location.
Hidden Valley Picnic Area; No more than 35 people total and up to 8 vehicles.
Turkey Flats; No more than 35 people total and up to 8 vehicles.
Cap Rock; No more than 25 people total and up to 8 vehicles.
Rattlesnake Picnic Area; No more than 20 people and 8 vehicles.
Quail Springs Picnic Area; No more than 15 people and 8 vehicles.
Split Rock; No more than 15 people and 5 vehicles.
Porcupine Wash; No more than 12 people and 4 vehicles.
Queen Valley Mine Intersection; No more than 10 people and 5 vehicles.
Lost Horse Parking Lot; No more than 10 people and 5 vehicles.
Live Oak Picnic Area; No more than 5 people and 3 vehicles.

Being a Joshua tree photographer presents its own challenges and rewards. A desert is a rough place. This weekend caught us in the middle of a wind storm and freezing temperatures not what you would expect from Joshua Tree at the end of March. Not the warm and toasty “vacation” weather I was hoping for. But, nonetheless, all of the couples I had the opportunity to photograph were absolutely amazing. Powered through the weather and made it all an unforgettable trip.

From Joshua Tree National Park to Palm Springs and everything in between it was absolutely amazing trip and I can’t wait to get back down there and explore and photograph even more.

Joshua Tree has been on my bucket list for a while especially as I focus more of my travel on the US especially California. Joshua Tree National Park is one of seven national parks located in California. And if you didn’t already know California actually has the most national parks of almost every other state and has the most diverse landscape

I mean when you really think about it the Bay Area itself is in a prime location just 3 hours from the mountains, Lake Tahoe, 3 hours from the beaches, Santa Cruz, and Big Sur, and hosts some of the biggest tech companies on the globe. You certainly get what you pay for.

I love being a Joshua Tree photographer when I get to travel to southern California! Want to see some of my other work in Joshua Tree? Check out this Joshua Tree Wedding. Maybe looking for a little more retro? What about this Palm Springs pretty in pink session?

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