Last spring, things were starting to heat up where we were in southern Arizona, so Ray and I decided to seek refuge in some higher ground. One of our favourite higher ground locations in the American Southwest is Joshua Tree National Park in California. It is right on the border between Arizona and California, so it wasn’t too far at all. This would be our third trip … [Read more...] about Revisiting and Reshooting at Joshua Tree National Park
joshua tree national park
Desert Sunset at Joshua Tree National Park
One of the reasons I like going down south in the winter (and there are many) is the incredible sunsets in the desert. It seems like every day is a clear blue sky day with no clouds and then, as the day goes on, the clouds move in just in time for sunset. There are stages to the sunset that we just don’t get on the coast. Or perhaps it doesn’t happen frequently enough … [Read more...] about Desert Sunset at Joshua Tree National Park
Cholla Cactus Garden
One of the most interesting features of Joshua Tree National Park in California is the Cholla Cactus Garden. But, it is really hard to get a good composition here. At least that's what I found. I was disappointed with the photos I made here last year, so this year I was determined not only to be there in good light, but to find a cholla I could isolate. One of the … [Read more...] about Cholla Cactus Garden
Finding New Compositions in Jumbo Rocks
A few months ago I wrote about how revisiting photo locations can help you grow as a photographer by forcing you to move beyond the obvious and find new compositions. Last year when I visited Jumbo Rocks in Joshua Tree National Park I discovered, through my telephoto lens, an interesting rock formation. Here is last year's photo: Since then, I have seen other photos … [Read more...] about Finding New Compositions in Jumbo Rocks
I Speak for the Trees
I don't know if Dr. Suess was inspired by these particular trees in Joshua Tree National Park, California, but as I am driving along I often hear the voice of The Lorax -- "I speak for the trees for the trees have no tongues" -- and I think about how this place became a National Park and hear The Lorax again -- "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, … [Read more...] about I Speak for the Trees