JOSHUA TREE
engagement photographer
Parker Palm Springs —
HONEST PHOTOS
with an EDITORIAL
FLAIR —
I’m so excited you’re considering a Joshua Tree for your engagement session! If you are looking for the most stunning desert backdrop, look no further than Joshua Tree National Park. As a Joshua Tree engagement photographer, I’m so excited to share my knowledge and expertise on planning a Joshua Tree engagement with you! Check out this page for more about me and my photography, browse the best Joshua Tree engagement session locations, and get helpful tips on what to know when planning your engagement session!
JOSHUA TREE FEATURED GALLERIES
ABOUT TIDA SVY
My name’s Tida (like pita)! I’m a Joshua Tree engagement photographer and I am so freakin’ excited that you’re HERE, you’re ENGAGED, and you’re looking to get some photos to celebrate it! To tell you a lil about myself - I’m not just another photographer – I’m your hype girl, your ally, your eyes and your ears on your wedding day. I’ll be there freaking out shouting “OMG HOT FIRE ALERT” hyping you up during portraits because holy-shit you look amazing AF! I’ll be dancing circles around your guests while I shove my camera in their faces, fixing your hair when the wind gets too cray, and confidently (and loudly) directing your family portrait time. I’m a tiny ball of giant energy and gurl, it shows on your wedding day – TRUST.
I’m here to give you beautiful, real, and candid photos that you’ll cherish for a lifetime – the ones that capture you and your partner at your silliest, weirdest, and most intimate moments. The photos that make your mom cry, the ones you’ll pass down on for generations, and the ones that make you go “YAAASSS QUEEN, LOOK HOW HOT WE ARE!”
As Seen On —
HOW TO PLAN AN ENGAGEMENT IN JOSHUA TREE —
5 TIPS FOR PLANNING A JOSHUA TREE ENGAGEMENT SESSION
There are so many things to keep in mind when planning a Joshua Tree Engagement Session! Here are 5 things you need to know:
Photography is only allowed in locations on the approved list. A still photography permit is also required. Good news - every location listed on this page is on that list!
Avoid crowds. Weekends in Joshua Tree (especially during peak season) become extremely busy. The line at the gate just to get in can sometimes be over an hour long. I highly recommend planning your session on a weekday. Pro tip - do your session on a weekday and at sunrise for the emptiest experience! Plus, you’ll take advantage of the beautiful soft sunrise lighting.
Keep the weather in mind. Remember that this is a desert, which means that when it’s hot, it’s hot and when it’s cold, it’s really cold! Although the weather can be unpredictable at any time of the year, I typically recommend September or May as the best months to visit Joshua Tree. The temperature tends to be pretty mild and pleasant.
Bring props. Props can make a huge difference in the vibe of your photos! Even something as simple as a blanket, pillows, and a small picnic can instantly cozy up your photos even more. Or bring something that is meaningful and personal to your relationship to make your session that much more special.
Book a nearby airbnb and make a trip out of it! We can even start there and take advantage of a cute airbnb by capturing a cozy in-home session of you two. I’ll send you recommendations for my favorite Joshua Tree airbnbs!
JOSHUA TREE
ENGAGEMENT SESSION
LOCATIONS
Joshua Tree National Park is an expansive and diverse park and there are so many incredible places to choose for your engagement session! Below are some of my favorite spots around the park.
Hidden Valley Picnic Area
At the top of the list is Hidden Valley Picnic Area as the best location for your Joshua Tree engagement session! Hidden Valley is a very large area of the park that has incredibly diverse scenery. From giant boulders to expansive fields of Joshua Trees, there are so many unique nooks to discover. Plus, the views from Hidden Valley have the most incredible sunrises.
Quail Springs Picnic Area
The defining feature of Quail Springs in Joshua Tree is the massive boulders where you can often find people camping and rock climbing. I love this area for the beautiful boulders and the massive valley of Joshua Trees and mountains that can be seen in the background of your photos. Quail Springs is also the closest photo spot to the main entrance, so I definitely recommend it if you’re short on time and looking for the easiest location in Joshua Tree for your engagement photos.
Indian Cove Ampitheater
Accessible by an entrance in 29 Palms, separate from the main Joshua Tree park entrance, is the Indian Cove Campground. This area is rich with massive stunning rock formations. It’s so expansive, that it’s very easy to find areas away from the crowds and to feel like you’re the only one in the park!
Live Oak Picnic Area
About 15 minutes from Malibu Beach is Malibu Creek State Park within the Santa Monica Mountains. This beautiful location is the perfect setting if you’re looking to be surrounded by nature, beneath trees, and with the mountains in the background. With lots of great hiking trails, this location is super accessible for anyone.
Split Rock
Split Rock trail is a 2 mile loop with tons of beautiful scenery. Less popular than Jumbo Rock, Split Rock definitely offers the same beauty without much of the crowds.
“WE ABSOLUTELY
ADORE Tida!”
She had us laughing out the gate. We look genuinely happy in our photos. Her aesthetic is very natural, never staged. She really loves what she does, and we’d hire her again in a heartbeat!
Ashley and Sean
