Joshua Tree engagement photos by Hobo Greg

Looking for a stunning background for your engagement photos? You can check that off the list when you come to the desert. Joshua Tree engagement photos are hard to beat with the gorgeous blue skies, winding trees, and sandy expanses surrounding you.

Or, if you prefer a shoot later in the day, you can capture that warm magical glow of Golden Hour. Let’s just say there’s no shortage of awe striking lighting as the sun starts to dip down in the desert.

If you decide Joshua Tree is the place for your engagement photos, here are a few things I recommend you do in preparation.

1. Choose your spiffy outfits

Look good, feel good

You’ve heard the expression “look good, feel good,” and I’m confident you’ll pick an outfit that does just that. Be sure to choose something that makes you feel like a million bucks. Try it on, move around in it, and make sure you’re comfortable. You don't have to do cartwheels in it (you can if you want to), but if your fancy attire doesn’t feel quite right, you’ll spend a lot of time readjusting and picking at any annoying fabric.

Shoe check

You probably won’t be going on a 20 mile hike, but think about your shoe selection. Planning to wear heels? Bring a comfy pair to walk in and change into the more camera friendly ones once you’ve arrived at your photography destination.

Do the outfits complement or clash?

Your getup might look amazing, but will the pair of you look great side by side? Once you finally sift through all of your outfit options, take one last look to make sure you’ll complement one another.

ie: red and green might add an unwanted Christmas flair, but who am I to judge?

Stand out

Do you see the bird? Exactly. Don’t be like this bird. Consider your background colors – the desert is full of neutral hues, so it may help to add a pop of color to break up those soft tones. You’re still looking for the bird, aren’t you?

2. Plan for minimal cell service

One of the perks of the desert is, well, it’s in the middle of nowhere. Fortunately your photos are safe from strangers wandering in the background. But there’s a good chance you won’t have service in some of the ideal engagement photo shoot spots.

The last thing your friends and family will hear from you is, “we’re going out into the desert for a photoshoot,” so give them a heads up about the lack of cell service. It would be best if they weren’t under the assumption your engagement photographer kidnapped you.

Also, if you’ve never been to the location for your planned shoot, check out the map while you do have service so you’ll know exactly where you’re headed!

3. Let someone else handle the hairdo & nails

Hiring a professional to do your hair and makeup can be a confidence boost when you’re in front of the camera. It’s not a requirement by any means, but it takes some pressure off of you, and it’s the perfect time to do a test run with your hairstylist before the wedding.

If you love manicures, now is the time to schedule one! I’m sure you’ll want to show off that ring, and you’ll undoubtedly get a few closeups to fully capture its radiance.

4. Choose the right time of year for your Joshua Tree engagement photos

If you’re familiar with the desert climate then you know the summers are absolutely scorching hot. We’re talking over 100 degrees in the glaring sun without an ounce of shade, people. After spending so much time in the desert guiding rock climbing, I can confidently tell you it’s best to stick to October and November late in the year, and February, March and April in the early months. Winter can provide t-shirt weather, but it’s a gamble and you might be pretty chilly.

5. Choose your location & get your permit

The National Park service has taken away some of your stress about choosing a location. Now you have a neat and tidy list of 6 engagement shoot locations to choose from:

Hidden Valley Picnic Area (Not available February–May)
Quail Springs (Not available February–May)
Cap Rock
Rattlesnake Picnic Area
Live Oak
Split Rock

To access these gorgeous places you’ll need to get a permit from the NPS by filling out this form. Without it, you could end up with a hefty $500 fee. It’s best to avoid all the hullabaloo, so send in your form at least 30 days before you have your engagement photos taken to avoid any issues.

6. Pick your props

Because we’re in a National Park there are a few rules, but they’re not unreasonable. The rule makers understand you might need a few items to enhance your photos. According to NPS you can bring all of the following:

Blanket
Rug
Picnic scene
Small chalk board and/or small sign a message written on it
Battery operated candles
Small flower arrangment.

Basically, nothing that can harm the wildlife, or plants in the area and nothing that will start a fire. Just be sure to practice Leave No Trace and pack out whatever you bring in. See? Not so bad, right?

7. Hire your engagement photographer

Unless you have a high tech smartphone camera and epic self-timer skills, you might want a professional Joshua Tree engagement photographer on your team. And I happen to know a guy…

With over 15 years of experience as a photographer, and several as a climbing guide in Joshua Tree, you’ll have insider info on the best places to take your photos when you hire me, Hobo Greg!

Making your engagement shoot as natural and as relaxed as possible is my goal. Plus, once you fall in love with your engagement shots, we can discuss shooting your wedding too! You can check out what I offer here.

When you’re ready to book your engagement shoot, click here. Speak up, it’s windy!

7 Ways to Prep for Joshua Tree Engagement Photos