Finding Inspiration In The Desert

Coming off my recent photography retreat with Elena S Blair’s Mastermind in Palm Springs, I feel creatively full in a way that’s hard to put into words, but I’m going to try.

Stepping away from daily life always gives me clarity and nature has a way of doing that especially well. The wide open space, the fresh air, the light. It allowed me to self reflect, turn inward and reconnect with why I love photography and portrait work in the first place.

A Photography Retreat Rooted in Creativity and Play

One of the most meaningful parts of this photography retreat was being surrounded by so many talented photographers, all showing up with the same intention to grow, create, and make this work a full-time reality. Sometimes you just need to be in that kind of shared goal energy.

We heard from an array of successful photographers on a range of topics and one of my favorite was creating outdoor boudoir portraits in natural light. Photographing a model in the colorful setting of The Saguaro Hotel instantly brought me back to my college years and my twenties, when my friends and I would play dress up, experiment, laugh, and take photos just for the joy of it (basically carefree and uninhibited).

Joshua Tree, Old Friends, and Letting Go of Everyday Life

After Palm Springs, I spent the next few days in Joshua Tree with old friends. I asked them to bring fun clothing, pieces that made them feel free and confident. We wandered aimlessly through the park, listened to old music, snacked, laughed and forgot about our daily routines.

There were no expectations. No timelines. Just space to be ourselves.

Back in our 20s, taking photos wasn’t about perfection. It was about expressing ourselves, confidence, curiosity and capturing us in our environment. That same energy showed up in the desert. The freedom to explore movement, clothing, light, and emotion reminded me that photography can be playful and deeply meaningful at the same time. Throw the rules out the window and put all of yourself out there.

It left me feeling so excited and grounded, like I had tapped back into a version of myself I hadn’t visited in a while…basically, since becoming a mom.

How This Experience Shapes My Portrait Photography

This retreat reminded me that photography isn’t just about the final images. It’s about how you feel during the experience and how you see yourself reflected back afterward.

That feeling is something I’m bringing directly into my headshots, branding photography and family portrait sessions.

Whether I’m photographing a business professional stepping into a new chapter, a mother wanting to feel like herself again or a family laughing and interacting naturally, my goal is always the same. I want to create portraits that feel expressive, honest and like freedom.

I want you to feel comfortable. I want you to feel seen. I want your images to reflect who you are in this moment of life, so when you look back, you remember how it felt to be there.

Carrying Desert Inspiration Into My Work

This photography retreat was a reminder that play matters. Creativity matters. Taking time to step outside of our routines allows us to return with clarity and intention.

I’m heading into this next season feeling energized, inspired, and excited to continue creating meaningful branding portraits and family photography that feels personal.

If this kind of reflection, creativity, or rediscovery resonates with you, I would love to create something together.