Creating Editorials in the Deserts of Joshua Tree and Palm Desert: My Experience and Tips

The desert has always been a magical place for me to shoot. As a Florida native, I’m used to the heat, but the California desert is something else. From the intense sun to the cool desert nights, it’s an exquisite backdrop for editorial work. I was lucky enough to find models in Joshua Tree who were down to create some incredible shots with me. I shot at two locations with two different concepts, both capturing the desert’s wild beauty.

Palm Desert: The Ultimate Desert Experience

First up, I shot at the dunes in Palm Desert. Talk about being in the heart of the desert! There was nothing but miles of sand and panoramic mountain views. I felt like I’d stepped into a movie scene—only it was real life! For this shoot, I worked with one of my models, Sucre, in two distinct looks, each showcasing jewelry, hats, and dresses.

In the first look, Sucre wore a delicate white lace dress with layered jewelry and a stylish hat. For the second look, we went bold with a colorful crochet dress and bright yellow heels. She posed with a rustic yellow van half-buried in the sand, creating a surreal vibe that was pure magic. My favorite part of shooting fashion editorials on location is the natural beauty all around—it adds something you just can’t capture in a studio.

Editorial Tips for Desert Photoshoots

Working in the desert comes with its own set of challenges. A few things to keep in mind:

• Keep your models comfortable. They’re working hard, so make sure they get breaks, water, and snacks. I always bring water, electrolyte packets, and heat-proof snacks like protein bars, chips, and fruit.

• Pack essential travel-size products. In hot climates, oil-blotting sheets are a lifesaver for keeping makeup intact. Other must-haves include tissues, glasses cleaner for lenses, double-sided tape, a lint roller, dry shampoo, and hair ties.

Joshua Tree: Embracing the Unexpected

After Palm Desert, I headed to Joshua Tree, where we found a quiet, off-the-beaten-path trail not far from Joshua Tree National Park. It was a hot and windy day—perfect for the vision I had in mind. The main inspiration was a piece of pink tulle fabric. At first, we tried to control it, but when I told the model, Cheyenne, to let the wind take over, magic happened. The wind caught the tulle, creating incredible shapes, and the whole scene felt so alive.

Cheyenne wore a western cowgirl-inspired outfit (think Coachella or Stagecoach) with pops of pink and white, which stood out beautifully against the tan and green Joshua trees. This desert location feels like being on another planet—it’s almost like Mars but with more creative energy than you’d expect.

Desert Photoshoot Takeaways

Here’s what I learned from shooting editorials in the desert:

1. Stay flexible and creative. Things rarely go as planned, especially outdoors. Embrace the unexpected and let the natural elements, like wind, add to the shoot.

2. Hydration is key. Bring plenty of water, take breaks, and dress for the heat—try to avoid wearing black if you can help it.

3. Play with bold colors. The desert landscape is stunning but neutral, so bright colors, like pink, add a striking contrast that makes the photos pop.

Creating editorials in Joshua Tree and Palm Desert was an unforgettable experience. Something about the desert’s raw beauty and vastness adds depth and drama to every shot. If you’re planning a desert shoot, pack smart, stay hydrated, and let the landscape inspire you. The desert is truly a photographer’s playground!