I’ve learned to have a love/hate relationship with the desert while growing up in Phoenix, Arizona, For four months out of the year, simply going outside between 9 am and 5 pm is unadvised. Although, the other 7-8 months provide tremendous opportunities to travel, photograph, and enjoy the great outdoors. As you head south and out of the cold, here are some tips for desert photography to make your journey as successful as possible.
When the weather turns in our favor during the cooler months, it’s time to pack up the car and head to desert locations that are inaccessible during the summer. While many people think of the desert as dusty and desolate, there’s natural beauty if you look closely enough. The desert has something for everyone, with colorful landscapes to intriguing rock formations.
Things to Remember When Shooting in the Desert
Be Safe
Many desert locations are isolated. If you get stuck, help can take time to get to you. Always bring multiple days of food and water, tell people where you’re going, and have a map handy. Also, watch out for snakes.
Research the Driving Route
If reports say you need 4×4 and high clearance, don’t try to push your luck with a non-off-road vehicle. Getting a tow truck in the desert is immensely difficult.
Plan Your Shots
Photographing the desert can be tricky. It’s different from mountains or oceans, and figuring out compositions take time. Try to spend part of the day planning your shots, so you’re not frantically running around as golden and blue hour approaches.
Stay Hydrated
If you’re not used to spending time in the desert, you still need to drink water whether or not it feels warm. Aim to drink a gallon a day to prevent dehydration and maximize your enjoyment.
Know the Weather
It will get cold. It’s not going to freeze over, but temperatures in the 40s are standard. The last thing you want is the spend the night uncomfortable.
Look for Bodies of Water
Water is also crucial for non-consumption as it can create a perfect reflection opportunity. It’s not that common so keep your eyes out for small pools as you hike around. Because these aren’t big lakes or ponds, you’ll likely have to lie down on the ground and use a wide-angle lens to capture the scene. Don’t worry — it’ll make for a great story afterward!
Recommended Lenses and Gear
16-35mm (f/2.8 or f/4) Lens
Desert landscapes can be vast yet beautiful. Having the ability to go wide and capture a stunning desert scene can’t be beat. It also lets you get up close and personal with a cactus, creating a stirring photo for your audience.
70-200mm (f/2.8 or f/4) Lens
While getting the entire landscape in view is terrific, being able to zoom in on the unique textures of the desert is unlike anything you’ll ever see. Plus, this allows you to compress various scenarios to bring out your subject from afar – creating impressive scenes to captivate your audience.
Tripod
Whether or not you’re a regular tripod user, in the desert, it’s needed. Due to the irregularities of cacti positions, having your camera on a tripod can be a lifesaver for your arms and body. In addition, blue hour and astrophotography in the desert can be some of the best conditions you’ll ever experience.
Drone
If able to fly, getting aerial shots of the desert southwest is eye-popping. The textures and scale will blow your mind and add some pizzazz to your photography portfolio. Most desert locations are flyable except for Wildlife Refuges and State and National Parks.
GoPro
The sunsets out west are breathtaking. While you’re out shooting, put the GoPro into timelapse mode and let it capture the entire evening. For me, I love looking back and watching the sunset unfold and the sky erupt. Additionally, it can also work as your wide-angle lens, allowing you to navigate your small camera into areas a normal DLSR or mirrorless camera wouldn’t be able to fit.
Lens Cleaning Kit
As you can imagine, dust can be a massive problem in the desert. Make sure to have a dependable cleaning kit to keep your lens in tip-top shape. The last thing you want is to be cleaning your lens with your shirt.
Now that you’re ready to explore the world of desert photography, here is my list of favorite places in the U.S. for desert photography.
Desert Photography Places to Visit
Arizona
- Kofa Wildlife Refuge
- Buckskin Gulch
- Monument Valley
- Superstition Wilderness
- White Pocket
- Saguaro National Park
California
- Joshua Tree National Park
- Death Valley National Park
- Alabama Hills
- Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
- North Algodones Dunes Wilderness
- Mojave National Preserve
Nevada
- Valley of Fire State Park
New Mexico
- White Sands National Park
Texas
- Big Bend National Park
- Guadalupe Mountains National Park
Utah
- Valley of the Gods
- Hanksville
- Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument
