The Craziest Photo Shoot of My Life: From California to Mexico
Last month, I took a trip to California to visit my pole mother, Genevieve. This visit wasn’t just about friends, though; it also turned into one of the most unforgettable photography adventures I’ve ever had, some cool client adventures and life lessons.
We kicked things off by booking some truly incredible studios for a branding photo shoot and a session with shabri. The energy in these spaces was fantastic, and we got some amazing shots. But nothing could prepare us for what was to come.
One of the most unexpected parts of my trip was a spontaneous drive all the way to Mexico. We didn’t even realize we’d cross the border until it was happening. Our destination was the Imperial Sand Dunes, which sit right on the border between Mexico and California. The landscape was surreal, almost otherworldly—a perfect setting for a photoshoot that I knew would push my limits.
However, what made this shoot one of the craziest wasn’t just the breathtaking location or the fact that we accidentally crossed into Mexico. The real challenge came from the conditions and the logistics. Imagine being in 110-degree heat, under a relentless sun, with dry air that seemed to suck the moisture right out of you. Now, add to that the task of dragging a 250-pound ex-pole stage across the shifting sands of the desert. It was just the three of us: Genevieve, Jennifer, and myself.
Setting up that stage was a task. Every step was a battle against the heat and the unforgiving terrain. But once it was finally up, we knew it was all worth it. The photos we captured were unlike anything I’ve ever shot before. The harshness of the environment only made the images more powerful, each shot a testament to the grit and determination it took to get there.
Despite the extreme challenges, I wouldn’t trade this experience for the world. It was tough—physically and mentally—but having a great team by my side made all the difference. We supported each other, kept the energy high, and managed to create something extraordinary in the process.
Would I do it again? Absolutely. Even though it was one of the hardest shoots I’ve ever done, the results speak for themselves. Sometimes, the most difficult conditions lead to the most rewarding outcomes, and this shoot was a perfect example of that.
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