I took a trip out West this April to explore some domestic ground that I had yet to lay hands on. A first stop in Page, Arizona to behold the beloved Antelope Canyon with my very eyes. The lines, texture and lighting made way for an earthly phenomenon that is otherworldly and breathtaking. A sculpture beauty created by our earth's water. A trip over to the nearby Lake Powell to see it's majestic blue waters and carved rock canyon inlays provided great contrast and beautiful texture.

From there, I made my way into Sedona, Arizona - the spiritual powerhouse of the midwest. I climbed grueling cliffs and hiked until my legs couldn't stabilize my being anymore. The views, the vortexes, the vibe; were all unique to this area. The beauty of the red rocks enveloped the city, the people in warmth. A most inviting town, who's beauty I hope to lay eyes on and visit again in the future.

The final stop was a six-hour drive over to Joshua Tree, California. This place has long been on my list for it's vast, desert beauty and it in no way failed to humble and enlighten me. There's something wordless about this place, not just visually, but in the way it glides under your skin, into your veins, your bones, your core. I cannot stop thinking about its simple yet profound landscapes. The way the sky is the calmest blue, the sands warm and grounding. Everything here is enveloped in texture and the nature of this land's vegetation; thorns and all, demand respect and that their presence be maintained. I can't image our land without this surreal and special place.

I fell in love with photographing Joshua Tree and the surrounding areas in black and white. The dramatics really grabbed me and left me wanting to capture more. Below are some visuals from this fantastic trip and some features from the Desert X art installations that are scattered around the Palm Springs area and Coachella Valley. I hope you enjoy.

INTO THE DESERT