In this episode of Shutter Nonsense, Michael and Jeffrey are joined by landscape photographer Jon Norris to talk about Joshua Tree National Park, a place that has become one of Jon’s favorite subjects and creative escapes.
Jon shares what keeps pulling him back to Joshua Tree after hundreds of visits, from the strange character of the trees to the glowing rock formations, hidden corners, old mine workings, and the need to explore beyond the obvious roadside views. The conversation also gets into how learning more about a place, its geology, history, plants, wildlife, and people, can shape the way we photograph it.
They also talk about the challenges of leading photography workshops in national parks, including recent CUA restrictions in Joshua Tree that led Jon to step back from offering workshops there. From there, the conversation turns toward stewardship, responsible park use, volunteering, and the role photographers can play in helping people better understand and care for public lands.
And because this is Shutter Nonsense, the episode eventually wanders into social media, Substack, websites, and the ongoing question of where photographers should be sharing their work.
Join the conversation over on Patreon. Free members and paid supporters can jump into the post-episode discussion, and we’d love to hear your thoughts on Joshua Tree, national park stewardship, workshops, social media, or anything else this episode brings up.
👉 https://www.patreon.com/ShutterNonsense
Highlights:
- Jon Norris shares how Joshua Tree became his photographic “happy place”
- Why Joshua Tree rewards exploration more than checklist photography
- Jeffrey looks back on rock climbing in Joshua Tree before photographing it
- How geology, history, and ecology can add depth to landscape photography
- The recent CUA and workshop restrictions affecting photography workshops in Joshua Tree
- Why responsible workshop leaders can act as stewards for public lands
- Jon’s volunteer work with Joshua Tree National Park Association and the Desert Institute
- Leaving Instagram, finding community on Substack, and keeping your website as home base
Related Links:
