Desert Days: A Family Road Trip Through California’s High Desert

There’s something magical about jumping in the car with your favorite people and heading toward the horizon. The open road, desert sun, and unexpected stops make every trip feel like a mini adventure. For families who love to explore and take photos, the journey through California’s High Desert—stretching from Palm Springs to Joshua Tree, then off the beaten path to Bombay Beach and Niland—is a playground for creativity, connection, and camera magic.

High Desert Views: Wide Open Spaces & Golden Light

As you leave the city behind and climb into the High Desert, the landscape changes. The air gets drier, the light hits differently, and you start to feel the stillness that makes this region so photogenic. Rolling hills, desert shrubs, and endless sky make for the perfect start to your landscape photography adventure.

Photography Tip: Shoot during golden hour for soft, warm tones. A wide-angle lens captures those expansive views, while a zoom lens lets you focus on distant details like wind turbines or distant mountain ranges.

Palm Springs: Retro Vibes & Bold Color

Palm Springs is where vintage charm meets desert luxury. With its mid-century homes, rainbow-colored doors, tall palm trees, and backdrop of rugged mountains, this city is made for urban photography and lifestyle portraits.

Stop at famous spots like the pink door on East Sierra Way or the rainbow houses of Twin Palms. Let the kids jump in the frame or catch candid moments by the pool with that dreamy desert sun shining down.

Photography Tip: Play with shadows and geometry. Use palm trees, doorways, and rooflines to frame your subjects. Early morning and late afternoon light makes colors pop without harsh glare.

Joshua Tree: Nature’s Sculpture Garden

Next up: Joshua Tree National Park. The otherworldly mix of giant boulders, spiky Joshua Trees, and endless skies makes this stop feel like another planet. It's a dream for nature photography, silhouettes, and even family portraits with adventure vibes.

Hike through Hidden Valley, climb Skull Rock, or watch the sun dip behind the Cholla Cactus Garden. At night, the skies come alive—perfect for astrophotography.

Photography Tip: Bring a tripod for night shots and a fast lens (f/2.8 or lower) to catch the stars. During the day, use a circular polarizer to enhance contrast between sky and earth.

Bombay Beach: Art in the Unexpected

Bombay Beach sits quietly along the Salton Sea—but don’t let its size fool you. This little town is bursting with creative installations, bold sculptures, and colorful murals. It's raw, artistic, and deeply expressive. Perfect for those who love fine art photography, photojournalism, and surreal storytelling.

As you explore the area, look for boats buried in the sand, TVs hanging from trees, or full-scale sculptures made from scrap metal. It’s weird, it’s wonderful, and it’s endlessly photogenic.

Photography Tip: Use natural light to your advantage. Try different angles—get low to emphasize scale or shoot from above for creative compositions. Don’t be afraid to experiment here.

Salvation Mountain & Niland: Color, Hope, and a Story

Just south of Bombay Beach lies Salvation Mountain in Niland—a towering, hand-painted hill covered in bright colors, Bible verses, and messages of love. Built by Leonard Knight, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience and a striking backdrop for portrait photography and travel storytelling.

Families will love wandering the painted paths while you snap colorful, joyful photos. Whether it’s a posed portrait or a candid laugh, the energy here is contagious.

Photography Tip: Use a 50mm prime lens for clean, focused portraits. Let the background colors frame your subjects naturally. Don’t forget detail shots—the painted flowers, words, and textures are works of art in themselves.

Family Road Trip Photography Tips

A trip like this is more than a vacation—it’s a story unfolding one photo at a time. Here’s how to make sure you don’t miss a moment:

Gear Checklist:

• DSLR or mirrorless camera

• 35mm, 50mm, and wide-angle lenses

• Tripod for night or group shots

• Lens wipes and dust covers

• Extra batteries + SD cards

• Polarizing and ND filters

• Mobile gimbal for video or reels

Bonus Tips:

• Document the in-between moments—gas station stops, backseat laughs, or scenic overlooks.

• Take video clips throughout the day to stitch together a short reel later.

• Don’t forget to jump into the frame! Use a tripod and timer or ask a kind stranger.

Final Thoughts: Capture What You Feel

What makes this road trip special isn’t just the places you visit—it’s the memories you make with your family. It’s your kids running barefoot through the sand, the way the sunlight hits your partner’s face at dusk, or the dusty trail that leads to a hidden piece of art.

Through your lens, you’re not just capturing images—you’re bottling up moments of joy, curiosity, and connection. So take your time. Pull over for the unexpected. Shoot with intention. And above all, have fun with it.

Because out here in the California desert, there’s no such thing as a wrong turn—only new stories waiting to be told.

Golden Hour Photography at Montage Beach in Laguna Beach: Capturing the Magic of Family Moments

When it comes to family portraits, timing is everything. One of the best times to photograph families is during the golden hour—the period shortly before sunset or after sunrise when the sunlight is soft, warm, and gives everything a beautiful, glowing touch. For family photographers, golden hour creates the perfect atmosphere to capture stunning, emotional images.

One of the best locations for family portraits during golden hour is Montage Beach in Laguna Beach. This picturesque beach, known for its dramatic cliffs, golden sand, and breathtaking views, provides an incredible backdrop for capturing authentic moments of love and connection. Whether you're going for posed family portraits or candid moments, the golden hour light will give your photos a natural, ethereal glow that enhances the warmth of your subjects' emotions.

Why Golden Hour is Perfect for Family Portraits

Golden hour light creates a dreamy, soft effect that helps to eliminate harsh shadows and gives skin tones a flattering, even glow. The warmth of the sun enhances the atmosphere, making your family portraits feel cozy and timeless. During this time, the sun is low in the sky, allowing for soft, diffused light that works wonders for flattering portraits. Here’s why it’s the best time to shoot family portraits:

1. Warmth and Softness: The golden light provides a flattering glow that softens skin tones and reduces harsh shadows. This is especially helpful when photographing families, as it enhances the natural beauty of the group.

2. Emotional Connection: Golden hour brings a sense of calm and tranquility to the scene. Families tend to relax in this beautiful light, making it easier to capture natural moments of connection, laughter, and love.

3. Beautiful Backdrops: With Laguna Beach's stunning coastline, golden hour provides not only the perfect light but also a scenic background that adds depth and beauty to your family portraits. The soft blue ocean, golden sand, and dramatic cliffs combine to create a magical scene that feels both intimate and expansive.

4. Candid Shots: Golden hour is ideal for capturing candid moments. The warmth of the light invites families to feel at ease, creating the perfect setting for spontaneous laughter, hugs, and playful interactions.

Tips for Golden Hour Family Photography at Montage Beach

1. Arrive Early (or Stay Late): Golden hour is short-lived, so it’s important to plan accordingly. Arriving 30-45 minutes before sunset gives you plenty of time to get set up and capture the light at its peak. Be sure to check the time of sunset or sunrise, as the light changes rapidly.

2. Use the Natural Elements: Montage Beach offers a variety of natural elements to enhance your family photos. The dramatic cliffs, ocean waves, and soft sand all provide unique textures that will make your photos stand out. Consider using the rocks, dunes, or even the shoreline to create layers and depth in your shots.

3. Shoot Backlit for a Dramatic Effect: One of the most beautiful aspects of golden hour photography is the ability to shoot backlit. Position your family with the sun behind them to create a halo effect, outlining your subjects with warm light. This technique highlights hair, adds a dreamy quality, and creates a striking contrast against the background.

4. Capture Candid Moments: While posed family portraits are great, golden hour is the perfect time to capture candid moments. Encourage the family to interact naturally—walk along the beach, share a laugh, or play together. These moments often yield the most genuine and heartwarming photos.

5. Keep the Family Relaxed: Golden hour’s soft light creates an intimate atmosphere, so it’s important to keep the family comfortable. Allow them to enjoy the environment and guide them into natural interactions rather than stiff poses. This will allow you to capture the true essence of their relationships.

6. Use Reflectors to Fill Shadows: While golden hour light is beautiful, it can sometimes create harsh shadows under the eyes or chin. Use a reflector to bounce some light onto the shadows, ensuring your family members are illuminated evenly and naturally.

Final Thoughts

Golden hour is undoubtedly one of the best times to capture family portraits. Its soft, warm light and the tranquility of the beach make it the perfect setting for timeless and emotional photos that families will cherish for years to come. Whether you're shooting posed family portraits or candid moments at Montage Beach in Laguna Beach, the golden hour offers a natural beauty that enhances every frame.

As a family photographer, embracing golden hour will not only elevate your images but also help create lasting memories for your clients. So, next time you’re planning a family session, make sure to schedule it during the golden hour—there’s no better way to capture the magic of the moment.