The first light of the day is always a magical time to be up enjoying the Joshua Tree landscape. Almost as good as when you get to taste the first slurp of coffee. Joshua Tree Coffee of course!
Layers, light, and color all play their part in creating one of my favorite images taken this year (so far). It was a great way to round out a weekend and watch the sun go down at the Boy Scout Trail, Joshua Tree.
I’m fascinated with (but keep a respectful distance from) these cacti whenever exploring the Cholla Cactus Garden, Joshua Tree. The color of the fringing around them when backlit is beautiful.
By shooting towards the celestial equator, the Joshua Tree stars ‘move’ in three different directions.
This was the last shot that I took in 2021 at Hidden Valley, Joshua Tree. I enjoy the simplicity of the silhouette, the color gradient, and the crescent moon.
Joshua Tree National Park doesn’t have many ‘iconic’ landscape photography shots like some other parks, but this is definitely one of them. The scene looks good at any time of day, but I prefer sunrise here.
I’ve been trying to get this image for the last two new moons but haven’t had the weather to make it work. Third time was the charm.
The geologic history that formed these amazingly shaped granite walls is complex but fascinating. I can’t get enough of exploring the park and looking for rock shapes, textures, and tones.
There’s nothing better than enjoying the landscape while sitting in a backpacking chair with the night sky and a flask of tea for company.
Sometimes, you need the sky to add interest to an image … rather than the typical SoCal bright blue sky devoid of clouds. This was the end of a lovely day exploring and scouting … and as I headed back to the campsite … this view grabbed my eye.
I do enjoy an overcast day in the desert … the softbox-type lighting is lovely and even.
For sale, one careful owner, convertible, needs a little work, amazing views of the sky above.
Sometimes you win the campsite and sunrise lottery and get a view like this just 100 yards from the tent. It’s always worth waking early just in case you’re given an opportunity to experience such a scene. This was one of those situations, and I took my time to enjoy this beautiful sunrise in Hidden Valley, Joshua Tree.
A beautiful mix of colors lights up the sky as the sun sets over Queen Valley Road.
This area of the park is becoming a favorite of mine and offers a wealth of compositions if you take your time to explore. It also helps when the light plays ball.
Looking out from the ruins of Ryan Ranch towards Ryan Campground, Joshua Tree, as the sun starts to dip behind the ridgeline.
A crescent moon rises at sunset through Arch Rock, Joshua Tree … proving that planning and patience do pay off (sometimes).
Looking through what's left of the old Ohlson House (The Wonderland Ranch) near the Wall Street Mill.
Taken early in the Milky Way season (i.e. at silly o’clock in the morning) this is one of my favorite Joshua Tree Milky Way images.
The late afternoon sun beautifully backlights the grasses and creates a sunburst at Juniper Flats.
An explosion of color lights up the sky as the sun sets over Queen Valley Road.
Probably my favorite panorama shot to date … this location is a little off the beaten track but often rewards with beautiful views … especially at sunset.
I love the wide-open plains in Joshua Tree ... the mountain backdrops, and, of course, the Joshua Trees ... with a beautiful sunset for good measure.
Funky rock shapes abound in the park if you’re prepared to hike and explore. Incredible what a few million years can create from igneous rock.
This windmill hasn't turned for quite some time - but it does make for an interesting foreground subject to add something a bit different to this desert landscape as the sunsets.
You just never know what you're going to find in Joshua Tree ... interesting shapes and textures abound in the various rock formations.
Sometimes, the haze means there’s not much of a view from up here … but you soon forget about that when the color arrives. A wonderfully colorful sunset at Keys View, Joshua Tree.
This definitely fits into the category of curiosities within the park. A large iron door forms a closed cave under a large boulder.
It might be heresy to say it but I actually like the Ocotillo plants in the lower Colorado desert almost as much as the Joshua Trees found in the higher Mojave desert.
I like the simplicity of this composition, the contrast of scale and texture, and the subtle color hues in the sky.
Yes, I know it’s another view of that sunset … but it was just so good … I needed to squeeze in another view of it.
This burnt window surround of the Wonderland Ranch makes a natural frame for this Joshua Tree.
I shot this twisted pinyon pine tree reaching up for the sky whilst waiting for the golden hour to arrive near Intersection Rock.
It was a beautiful start to the day, with gorgeous sunrise colors to provide a backdrop to this shapely Joshua Tree.
Another shot of the other-worldly rock formations that can be found in Joshua Tree ... love these shapes and textures ... and the shadow of the tree in the foreground.
This shot was taken at 90 degrees to where I was waiting to shoot a crescent moon through Arch Rock, Joshua Tree. The light on the rocks was beautiful.
I took this while waiting to start a star trail sequence at Cap Rock, Joshua Tree. The stars, clouds, trees, and a little light painting gave me this fun image.