5:30am hit the clock.
I got on a plane with my brown motorcycle leather jacket, camera gear, and a huge smile! Sitting on the aisle I knew that this experience was going to be life changing. Only the lights of the waking airport could be seen from the window. I could feel a slight air blowing the top of my head as the gentleman next to me wiggled in his chair. Silence roamed the small crevices of the airplane, however; excitement danced inside of me.
I was adventuring to the dry lands of Southwest California! This trip had been an idea lingering in my head for quite a while. Not only was I going to Joshua Tree National Park, but I was attending a photography workshop and learning from the beautiful ladies: Twyla Jones and Chloe Martinez. Looking at my bucket list while cozy in my seat, I found myself crossing off 3 adventures at once. CRAZY right?!?!?!
3 Hours In Palm Springs:
One plane connection and a lot of rain took me to the airport of Palm Springs. I am uncertain as to how to describe this city to you. It was a strange place for me. I could say a mixture of modern with a mid century touch. Color palettes varied from neutral shades to highlighter tones. Not all the restaurants were open and I did ask myself where the city’s population resided. Like I said, it was a strange place to roam. I did Uber to the Modern Art Museum, my gosh! The mountains standing in the backdrop were a nice welcoming touch into the building. Oh how do I love to walk through an empty museum admiring all the pieces on display. I dream of my work, one day, being exhibited upon those ivory white walls!
The A&S Workshop Journey:
We stayed at the Hi Desert Resort, a private micro resort all interconnected by beautiful Joshua Trees and the desert like valley lands. A dream I tell you, a dream! If ever you have felt so inspired and turned on by life, this would be the experience for me. Among nature, creative minds, and the cold breeze I sensed my camera, eyes, and vision all coming together as one. Never had I been so at home in a place so foreign! A true hands-on experience, Twyla and Chloe shared all their knowledge, feedback, and portfolio reviews. They were at our full disposal! Therefore, I consciously created a malleable space in my brain where all of this information would be stored and accessed when needed.
I would wake up in my little cocoon to freshly brewed coffee and the sun rays beaming through my window. Morning after morning, there were instructional talks with a large dosage of freaking inspiration. Every instructional shoot brought out of me a space of wonder, excitement, innate creation, and pure love. There, in the middle of the desert accompanied by some lopsided trees and 12 powerful individuals, I tapped into the entirety of my core. I was truly made!
[Above: Self-Portrait Photo by the beautiful Charissa Castro, edited by me!]
Not only did we get to shoot beautiful couples and eccentric families alongside the wonders of nature, but we trailed the Imperial Desert Dunes at sunset, journeyed the estranged textures of Salvation Mountain, and ate exceptional fresh food over enriching conversations!
The Future:
I lived for that expansive desert starry night, cool air filling my lungs every day, that little gleaming of morning light saying hello at the horizon line, the gentle bed sheets on my bed, the plants surrounding the tub, impactful landscapes, every emotion expressed, and genuinely connecting with other creatives.
After this adventure, I realized that my brand was going to morph into something more fluid, expansive, with room, and beautifully colorful! I think my brand is going to change. I am unsure of when, but I know the core will be ME and the traveler I am. Anything else I do artistically and photographically can branch out from that foundation.
Take those little chances my friends! Hike those foreign places in your heart and in your head. You never know what can come out of those encounters…
~M
Meet the boss ladies I had the pleasure of sharing this adventure with and capturing their essence through my lens.
Chloe Ramirez: Emotive Photographer and Worshop Co-host
Twyla Jones: Emotive Photographer and Workshop Co-Host
Charissa Castro: Workshop Member, Photographer, and Boss Babe
Margaux Lenee’ Fischer: Workshop Member, Photographer, and one of my Muses
Meagan Rae Little: Workshop Member and Photographer
Shiloh Reed: Workshop Member and Photographer
Adele Lowther: Workshop Member and Photographer
Ania Scheiman: Workshop Member and Photographer
Amazing Make-Up Artist:
