Shooting Carrizo plain with Alejandro toro

In the midst of the pandemic, when the fast pace of Los Angeles became too overwhelming, my friend Alejandro Toro and I decided to escape the chaos. Our destination? The rugged and untouched beauty of the Carrizo Plain mountains. Alejandro, a talented videographer known for his work on the Van Live Sessions, had a spontaneous idea: let’s hit the road and explore with no agenda, just our cameras and the open landscape.

Our adventure was all about embracing the simplicity and freedom of the moment. As we wound our way through the mountains, each turn revealed a new scene waiting to be captured. The photos from this trip are a true reflection of the carefree spirit that guided us. We weren’t looking to create anything specific—just to document the journey as it unfolded. The rugged terrain, the endless sky, and the play of light and shadow became our subjects, and the results are a collection of images that encapsulate the serene beauty of nature.

Every shot taken during this trip tells a story of exploration and connection with the world around us. The photos are a mix of expansive landscapes and intimate close-ups, each capturing the essence of our experience. The golden hues of the late afternoon sun, the deep shadows cast by the mountains, and the vibrant colors of the wildflowers all came together to create a visual narrative that speaks to the tranquility and majesty of the Carrizo Plain.

Alejandro and I go way back, sharing a passion for finding beauty in the unexpected. His background as a videographer brought a unique perspective to the journey, and our combined skills allowed us to capture moments that might have otherwise gone unnoticed. The photos are more than just snapshots; they are a testament to the bond we share and our mutual love for the outdoors.

One of the most memorable aspects of the trip was the spontaneity that defined it. There were no set plans, no rigid schedules—just the freedom to explore and capture what caught our eye. This sense of spontaneity is evident in the photos, which convey a sense of peace and discovery. Whether it was a sweeping view of the plains or a detailed shot of a weathered rock, each image represents a moment of connection with nature.

Reflecting on this journey, the photos serve as a reminder of the power of nature to ground us and provide a sense of calm amidst the turmoil of everyday life. The Carrizo Plain, with its vast open spaces and untouched beauty, offered us the perfect escape, and through the lens of our cameras, we were able to capture that feeling and share it with others.

Alejandro and I didn’t set out to create anything grand, but what we ended up with was a collection of images that encapsulate the very essence of our adventure—a celebration of friendship, spontaneity, and the simple joy of being outdoors. The photos are a visual diary of a time when we let go of expectations and allowed the journey to guide us, resulting in a series that I’m proud to share.