A Breath of Desert Air: Capturing a Family Photoshoot in Palm Springs
Candid family portraits at The Rowan Hotel Palm Springs — capturing love, laughter, and desert charm with Last Minute Photoshoot.
The desert glow. The mountain backdrop. The laughter that fills the warm Palm Springs air. Our Milestones & Portrait Packages are perfect for families looking to turn everyday moments into timeless memories—captured with light, love, and natural connection.
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As of lately, Last Minute Photoshoot has been known for last-minute proposals — and we’re definitely not mad at that! But when Angelica reached out to book us for a family photoshoot in Palm Springs, Stephanie and I were genuinely excited to change things up.
Our photography work has taken us all over Southern California — from the cliffs of San Diego to the coastlines of Orange County — so heading out to Palm Springs for a family photography session felt like a much-needed breath of desert air.
Steph and I have always had a soft spot for Palm Springs. It’s actually where we had our first official date, and over the years, it’s become one of our favorite weekend getaways. Between the modern architecture, the incredible food scene, and the proximity to Joshua Tree National Park, it’s hard not to fall in love with this city. Whether you’re hiking trails like Indian Canyons, brunching at Cheeky’s, or exploring the art installations downtown, Palm Springs has a charm that feels both nostalgic and new every time we visit.
Angelica and her family were visiting from the Los Angeles area and hadn’t had family portraits taken since their two boys were born. We wanted to make it special — to create something that didn’t just capture how they looked, but who they are as a family.
After some back-and-forth in planning, we finalized a simple timeline and met on a warm Friday afternoon. Thankfully, it was slightly overcast — a rare gift in the desert — and perfect for a midday Palm Springs photoshoot.
We began at the iconic Marilyn Monroe statue in front of the Palm Springs Art Museum. From the moment we met Angelica, her husband Tyler, and their two boys, it felt like we already knew them. They were so easygoing, full of laughter, and their boys had the kind of energy that reminds us why we love photographing families — it’s never just about the poses, it’s about the in-between moments.
We wandered around the Rowan Hotel area, exploring nearby art installations and capturing candid moments — from the boys giggling to Angelica and Tyler sneaking glances at each other. Around 12:30, the desert heat caught up with us, and the family suggested grabbing ice cream — which turned out to be one of our favorite parts of the session.
Steph shifted into her natural documentary photography style, capturing those raw, unfiltered snippets of joy: the kids sharing bites, Angelica laughing mid-conversation, and Tyler pretending to steal a spoonful. Those are the moments we live for — the ones that say everything without needing words.
As we wrapped up and said our goodbyes, we couldn’t help but smile. Sessions like this remind us why we do what we do — to tell stories through imagery and freeze time in ways that families can look back on for years.
If you’re visiting Palm Springs or planning a family trip, consider making space for a photoshoot while you’re here. The desert light, the mid-century charm, and your family’s unique energy are the perfect combination for timeless photographs.
Recap
Location: Palm Springs Art Museum and Downtown Palm Springs
Session Type: Family photography session
Lighting: Overcast midday, ideal for soft natural tones
Key Moments: Ice cream break, laughter, candid family interactions
Style: Documentary and lifestyle-driven photography
Photographers: Stephanie and Son from Last Minute Photoshoot
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re traveling from Los Angeles, Orange County, or just spending a weekend in the desert, we’d love to capture your family’s story.
Book your Palm Springs family photoshoot with Last Minute Photoshoot today — and let’s turn your moments into lasting memories.
