Based in Los Angeles, California, Marianna Jamadi is a writer and photographer who likes to experience the world through her camera.
She has shot for various titles including IGNANT, AFAR, Condé Nast as well as SilverKris. She shot this dramatic image of the Californian desert outside Los Angeles while on a road trip in a vintage VW van from Los Angeles to Joshua Tree National Park for the March 2020 issue of SilverKris.
What do you love about this particular image?
I love that this photo shows a sense of scale while emoting a feeling.
What does the photograph capture?
It captures the vastness and beauty of Joshua Tree while touching on road-trip nostalgia with the vintage VW van.
What did you have to do to get this specific shot?
I scouted this shot the night before by finding a nice stretch of road, climbing several boulders and walking many trails until I found a vantage point that I felt would make for a good cover shot.
What was the most memorable moment of the assignment?
The trip coincided with a full moon and I got some amazing photos at night and at sunrise of the hanging moon over the beautiful landscape.
What was the biggest challenge you faced?
Joshua Tree is so big and the light is so magical that deciding on where to be for sunrise and sunset were hard decisions when you want to capture it all.
What’s your one piece of advice for budding photographers?
Keep shooting and be open. Finding your voice and style requires dedication and practice. Don’t get discouraged if something does not turn out the way you planned it, be open to learning and also trust in your craft. Sometimes things turn out even better than you imagined.
What’s your favourite place to photograph in the world and why?
I really enjoyed shooting in Mongolia as the landscape is incredible, dynamic and has you feeling minor and major at the same time.
What’s been your most memorable travel experience for work or pleasure?
I recently swam with whale sharks for a job with the Four Seasons Los Cabos at Costa Palmas and it was life-changing.
Where would you love to photograph that you haven’t yet?
I have not been to Antarctica and would love to capture that landscape.
What are your three travel essentials?
Camera, journal, bathing suit!
Where do you dream of travelling to next?
I would love to go on a proper safari adventure in Africa.
See more of Marianna’s photography and writing here.
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