A few years ago I hiked out to a location in the San Gabriel Mountains before dawn to scout a spot for a session. Two miles in, headlamp on, pack on my back, camera gear wrapped in a dry bag because there was a creek crossing. The sunrise that morning was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen, and the session we shot there an hour later was some of my favorite work.
That's the version of photography I love most.
I carry my own gear
This sounds obvious but it matters — I don't need a Sherpa, I don't need flat ground, and I don't need cell service. I'm a hiker first and a photographer second in some ways. I know how to move through terrain efficiently with a full camera kit, and I know how to find the light in places most photographers would never go.
If you've ever thought "I'd love photos at this spot but it's kind of a hike to get there" — that's not a problem. That's an invitation.
Southern California is a photographer's playground
Most people think of Southern California as beaches and traffic. But within two hours of Rancho Cucamonga there is extraordinary landscape variety — high desert, alpine forest, canyon country, coastal sage, river valleys, and mountain peaks above 10,000 feet. I've shot in most of it and I'm always looking for new locations.
Some of my favorite less-obvious spots include the San Gabriel Mountains — trails out of Azusa and Glendora Canyon lead to waterfalls, swimming holes, and forested ridgelines that feel nothing like the Inland Empire you drive through every day. Joshua Tree and the high desert offer some of the most surreal and beautiful landscapes in California. Arrowhead and Big Bear are less than an hour from Rancho Cucamonga and offer pine forests, lake views, and true four-season variation. The Crafton Hills above Redlands are surprisingly beautiful and almost always empty — wildflowers in spring, golden tones in fall.
Practical details
Adventure sessions that involve significant hiking or travel are planned in advance — usually 2–4 weeks out so we can coordinate timing around the light, weather, and trail conditions. I'll handle all the research and logistics. You just need to show up ready to walk and have fun.
These sessions are available year-round, though spring and fall offer the best combination of light, temperature, and landscape conditions in most Southern California locations.
If this sounds like your kind of thing, reach out and let's talk about where you want to go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will you really hike to remote locations for a shoot?
Absolutely. I carry all my own gear and regularly shoot at locations that require a hike to reach. If you have a spot in mind, tell me — it's probably not too remote.
What equipment do you bring on hiking shoots?
I carry a full professional camera kit including backup bodies, multiple lenses, and lighting gear when needed — all in a hiking pack designed for rough terrain.
How far in advance should adventure sessions be planned?
Typically 2–4 weeks in advance so I can properly scout the location, check trail conditions, and plan around the best light for that time of year.
What happens if weather is bad on the day of the shoot?
I monitor conditions closely and will reach out proactively if weather looks problematic. We can reschedule at no charge for genuine weather issues.
Do you shoot at Joshua Tree?
Yes — Joshua Tree is one of my absolute favorite locations. Sunrise and sunset sessions among the boulders produce some of the most extraordinary images I've ever made.
Related reading
Adventure family sessions — why your photos don't have to happen in a park
Best sunrise and sunset spots for family photos across the Inland Empire