My Joshua Tree & Palm Springs trip was quite amazing. I attended Alpine northwest destination workshop in Joshua Tree last week. I build community, ate some amazing food and learned how to grow my business, even more, this year. I think I fell in love with Joshua Tree once again on this trip. I go at least three times a year and each time I love how peaceful and quiet it is. If you ever have the chance please do. Go explore the national park, climb some jumbo rocks and then at night lay down on a blanket and just look up to see so many stunning stars.

I did a session here at salvation mountain and it was quite amazing (go check it out on my blog to see an actual session here). I have wanted to shoot here for years because I wanted to see this epic painted mountain in person. To me, this mountain means so much more to me that just paint on a mountain. I love Jesus with all my heart and to know a guy spent over 20 years proclaiming God’s word through art just makes my heart full of joy. If I am being honest being a Christian and proclaiming Jesus name in Sonoma County is hard. Most of our county are not Christians and not really accepting to those that are as they see us as ones who judge instead of love. That being said I love that this mountain says God is Love because that is exactly who He is: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” John 3:16. I accepted God into my heart when I was really young and my love for God has grown so much over the years as He has taken me through so many seasons in life. Be sure to check out Salvation Mountain next time you are in southern California.

Photo credit: My amazing mother and biggest supporter- Kim Mckee

Behind the scenes of a life of a photographer: Right before the session at Salvation Mountain I really had to go to the bathroom and there was not one for miles and miles. So I thought I will just go in nature. Easier said than done. There are hundreds of nomad and homeless encampments around it. This meant I would basically need to go behind a small bush and pray no one was looking out from their RVs and forts. Anyways to make a long story short my mom held a blanket, I hid behind a bush and because it was such a small place to go I ended up peeing on my overall straps. Note to self never ever pee in nature in overalls. Anyways it was at the end of my trip and I had no other clean clothes other than this short red dress. So I changed out of my overalls and put on this red dress to shoot in. It was my first time shooting a session in a short dress but hey it worked out well.

My mom and I spent some time in Palm Springs during the week. It was so my first time exploring Palm Springs and I have to tell you I fell in love with it. We went to the farmers market and ate amazing fresh churros, ate a farm to table place almost daily and went to the spa. All in all, it was a much needed and relaxing couple days off from shooting. I will list the places we went below so you can go there as well and enjoy good food and great massages!

Riviera spa: We got full body massages and spent the afternoon at the pool. After not getting a massage in years (other than from my physical therapist) it was much needed.

The Farm- An amazing farm to table french restaurant in Palm Springs. It is so so yummy. Their chicken, waffles, and bacon are to die for as well as their chicken salads!

Blaze Pizza– If you want a cheap amazing meal to make your own pizza here. It is so good and their goat cheese, strawberry salad is really tasty too!

Also, if you are in Joshua Tree make sure to check out their amazing Airbnb’s. The one below was just a dream to stay in and every corner of the house was picture perfect!