For as long as I can remember, I’ve had this burning desire to return to Joshua Tree and capture some stunning pictures. Life kept getting in the way, but right after New Year’s 2021, I finally caught a break. It turned into a spontaneous trip, and I ended up with this photograph, “Desert Rays”—one I am very proud of. The urge was too strong to ignore, so I thought, “Why not seize the opportunity?” I grabbed my gear, packed up the car, and brought along my little adventurer.

We hit the road on a sunny Monday afternoon, excitement buzzing between us. We reached the park about an hour and a half before sunset, and I knew I wanted to explore the Hidden Valley area. As we wandered through the valley, one Joshua tree caught my eye—massive and majestic, towering over the others, with the sun blazing right behind it. My heart raced. I knew this was the moment I had been waiting for.

With a sense of purpose, I quickly set up my tripod and camera, framing the shot just right. The scene was pure magic, the sunlight pouring through the branches like heavenly rays. I fired off a series of shots, knowing I had captured something special. On the way home, I couldn’t help but feel a rush of excitement, eager to see how the image would turn out. This wasn’t just a photograph; it was a moment frozen in time—a long-awaited dream finally fulfilled.