Jessika Christine Photography LLC

Utah feature # 2: Castle Valley Castle valley is probably my favorite spot in Moab. There’s so much to explore and the colors are incredible. It’s definitely becoming more populated as Moab visitors increase. CV is on BLM land which means you can camp for free(usually but you should look ahead of time because some areas require a small fee) and it’s not as regulated as a National Park. BLM stands for the bureau of land management and one of their key missions is to maintain t...he natural, cultural and historic value of the public lands, so it’s up to us to protect it! Always remember to stay on the trail. There are tons of horse trails in castle valley that you can walk on. For elopements I know it’s tempting to go off trail, but remember this land isn’t ours and we need to respect it. Also do not go off roading! What I mean by this is don’t make your own road. There are tons of dirt roads to explore all over castle valley so stick to those. Make sure to park in pull outside, washes or on exposed rock. There’s so much beauty to see in castle valley and I want you to explore it! I also want everyone to be aware of the damage we can do to this land and how we can protect it.

Today’s first Utah feature is dead horse state park! I thought Utah had shown me everything until I drove up to DH. The view is incredible! I don’t suggest this spot for sunset if you want to privately exchange vows though. People started camping out for the sunset and it was pretty crowded. Sunrise would be your best bet for privacy. If you just want photos in this gorgeous spot then I’m all for it! We can find plenty of spots to take photos(if you’re okay with an audience) ...some of the photos here definitely had an audience haha Instagram can be so deceiving and it may look like we had this spot to ourselves but towards the end we did not! Always ask your elopement photographer about realistic expectations when it comes to privacy in certain locations. This is why we location scout for you so much! Would you consider taking photos in this spot?

Traveling is a huge part of my life. In 2020 I dedicated as much time as possible to traveling and taking photos all over the US.(hopefully it'll be more international starting in 2022) Last year I finally explored Utah and this year I get to go back 4 times! If you want to photograph elopements/intimate weddings in a certain area I highly suggest going there to experience it yourself first and take as many photos as possible. Show people you are willing to travel there, you have some knowledge of the area and really love being there. Traveling is a huge investment in yourself and your business. If you live to travel, like I do, you can make it a part of your business. We all start somewhere, so take that trip!!!

I met Taylor and Alex two in a half years ago when I asked them to model for me in Yosemite. Afterwards I met their family(they take family trips to Yosemite ever year) and had such a blast. We’ve been following each other ever since and last year Taylor hired me to photograph their family while I visited San Diego. Fast forward to now and I documented their first pregnancy!!! These amazing relationships came from a model call. Creatives, remember to treat model calls as clients too. You never know what kind of relationships you will create!

Photography has changed so much over the past years. Gone are the days of rigidly sitting in front of a preset background. Having photos done has turned into an experience rather than a means to have a photo to hang up or send. I want you to love your photos, but even more so I want you to love the memories of taking the photos Each photo I share, I hope to inspire you to get out, adventure, and make memories. I would love to know what scenery or location you have loved t...he most Or if there is a location you are dreaming about, let's talk on how we can make that dream come true, DM me