With its rainbow of brightly colored doors and balconies—painted in bold shades of yellow, pink, blue, orange and green meant to evoke desert wildflowers—The Saguaro is one of Palm Springs’ most instantly recognizable hotels. So when The Lincoln Lawyer needed to send one of its L.A.-based characters to the desert, it’s easy to see why producers chose it as a backdrop. The hotel cameos in the season four episode “Confirmation Bias,” when Cisco Wojciechowski (Angus Sampson) checks in while tailing an elusive murder suspect and his girlfriend. Originally opened in 1971 as The International, the property has since become one of the desert’s most photographed spots, its colorful façade practically synonymous with Palm Springs. Love it or hate it, one look at The Saguaro and you know exactly where you are—which makes it pretty perfect shorthand for “Cisco has arrived in Palm Springs.”
Old meets new at this beautifully curated Palm Desert boutique, where vintage treasures mingle with colorful contemporary finds sourced from travels throughout Europe. Stepping inside feels a little like wandering into the Tuscan sunshine, with everything from vintage clothing and one-of-a-kind accessories to modern décor, gifts and homewares filling the shelves. The selection is constantly changing, which means no two visits are ever quite the same. At the heart of it all is owner Jennifer Douheret, a longtime desert resident and a treasure in her own right. Before opening Atelier No. 27, Jennifer was behind the beloved El Paseo café Clementine—home to my all-time favorite cannoli, which I still crave every time I drive by its former location. Today, she draws inspiration for the shop from her childhood in Italy, her love of travel and her eye for finding beautiful, unexpected things.
Part candle shop, part creative experience, Chicano Candle Co. (located inside The Place in Indio) is all about the connection between scent and memory. Each of the brand’s fragrances is inspired by a distinctive scent or moment from owners Vincent and Adolfo’s past. Grass, for instance, was inspired by Adolfo’s father, a gardener who would come home from work smelling of freshly cut grass—a scent that signaled Dad was home and can still transport Adolfo straight back to his childhood today.
You can create a scent memory of your own at the shop’s custom candle bar. Set against a beautifully designed backdrop of colorful murals, retro-inspired tile and seating that perfectly matches Chicano’s vintage aesthetic, the experience is perfect for bachelorette parties, team outings, date nights—or simply an excuse to get creative. Vincent and Adolfo guide you through the process, from choosing your scent combination and vessel to pouring the wax and mixing everything together. Best of all, you walk away with a delicious-smelling keepsake. Not in the mood to make your own? Chicano Candle Co. offers its signature scents in small-batch candles, reed diffusers, wax melts and incense cones. My personal favorite fragrances? Powder, Clean, Spice and Top Shelf. In fact, I won’t host an open house without a Chicano candle in tow!
Hello and welcome to another edition of Ask Lindsay! This time around, we’re talking underrated eateries, hidden architectural gems, whether the iconic Elephant Car Wash actually does a good job, and where to find some old-school Mexican restaurant kitsch in the desert. Let’s dive in!
XO, Lindsay
What do you think is the desert’s most underrated restaurant?
My friend Nicole asked this recently and my answer was immediate: The Local on 50th(pictured). I’ve sung the praises of the Indio eatery countless times in this newsletter, across social media and on my website—so much so that you’re probably sick of hearing about it by now. But it’s just that good! The place serves what I consider the tastiest chicken strips in town (made fresh in-house and never frozen), my husband swears by the tacos, and the Sober Donkey is hands down one of the Valley’s best mocktails. Then there’s weekly trivia night, one of my favorite desert activities. I know, I know—I must sound like I’m on the payroll by now. But I promise, I’m just a fan. A really big fan!
A few more underrated desert gems:
Neil’s Lounge – Another Indio establishment, and one of the nation’s top dive bars, I’ve long loved Neil’s for its Murph’s Gaslight-style Fried Chicken (IYKYK). But I only recently ventured in to sample the regular menu after no fewer than three people raved to me about it in the span of a week. And it did not disappoint. The chicken strips are genuinely excellent (are you sensing a theme here?), as are the burgers, which my mom, husband, and friend Cherry practically wolfed down.
Kitchen 86 – This spot has quickly become one of my favorite local restaurants. The menu runs the gamut from pizza to tacos to burgers, and somehow they manage to do all of it really well. The Boom Boom Chicken and Boom Boom Shrimp are not to be missed.
D’Coffee Bouteaque – More hidden gem than underrated restaurant, this fanciful coffee shop is one of the most unique spots in town. The more-is-more decor is wonderfully over the top and the food follows suit (Bananas Foster Belgian Waffle and Prosciutto Avocado Toast, anyone?), while the coffee offerings are unparalleled.
The Sandbar – Don’t let the rough exterior fool you—this restaurant is one of my favorite fine-dining spots in the desert. It’s old-school in all the right ways, with a beautiful patio and excellent food. For anyone familiar with L.A.’s restaurant scene, The Sandbar is very reminiscent of the Vitello’s of yesteryear (before the Studio City staple’s interior was modernized and its menu overhauled, much to my dismay).
Keedy’s Fountain & Grill (the original Palm Desert location) – While this spot is certainly a desert institution, it sometimes gets dismissed as just a greasy spoon. But it serves up genuinely excellent classic comfort food and is my pick for the best breakfast in the Valley. One of the desert’s oldest restaurants, there’s a reason it’s been going strong since 1957!
Does Elephant Car Wash actually do a good job?
Yes! Though the place may be a tourist attraction and a major desert photo op, it’s also my favorite car wash in the Valley.
The retro neon sign, which features a pink elephant showering itself with its trunk, is, of course, the star of the show—and there’s a fun bit of history behind it. The sign was originally built for the Portland outpost of the Pacific Northwest-based Elephant Super Car Wash chain. When one of the owner’s daughters relocated to the desert to expand the business, she brought the enormous sign with her, and it was installed here in 1966.
Today, the elephant is a historic landmark and one of the Valley’s most recognizable pieces of roadside nostalgia. But ironically, it wasn’t always beloved. In 1991, the very same city that would eventually designate the sign a historic landmark actually tried to have it removed, with one councilwoman arguing that Rancho Mirage shouldn’t “look like Las Vegas.” (Thankfully, the elephant won.)
Pro tip: If you’re there for the photo op, the best views of the sign are from the office complex just northeast of the car wash, off Indian Trail.
And yes, as for the wash itself, it’s great, too! I regularly pop in and have always been happy with the results. In fact, I stopped by again just this week in the name of newsletter research, and my vehicle came out sparkling. There’s also some fun elephant merch for sale in the lobby, so be sure to check it out while you’re there.
Go for the photo op—stay for the clean car.
Favorite local under-the-radar architectural gems?
Trinity Lutheran Church (Indio, pictured) – Not much information about this Indio church is available online, which is surprising considering its incredible A-frame roofline that sweeps from the steeple all the way down to the grassy ground below. According to a historic postcard, the building’s stonework was “laid according to ancient Aztec design,” only adding to its mystique.
27 Grande View Court (Rancho Mirage) – Sadly, this one sits behind the gates of Mirada Estates, but it’s currently for sale, so keep an eye out for any upcoming open houses! Designed by architect Ana Escalante, who consulted with the legendary Donald Wexler, the steel, concrete and glass marvel is one of the Valley’s most unique dwellings with one major showstopping feature! A 75-foot lap pool runs straight through the middle of the residence, offering underwater glimpses via a series of portal windows.
Tamarisk Ranchos (Rancho Mirage) – This historic enclave of 16 homes, designed by William Krisel in 1958, is like a little slice of midcentury heaven. Arranged around gardens and a central pool, everyone from comedian Groucho Marx to TV producer John Guedel to filmmaker Lawrence Weingarten have called it home. One step onto the historic grounds and you can almost hear the echoes of martini glasses clinking from decades past.
Las Palmas Liquor Store (Palm Springs) – Although somewhat nondescript at first glance, I can’t drive by this Googie-style market without slowing down to admire its fabulous curvilinear roofline. Originally opened as a Germain Bros. Liquor store in 1960, the building was designated a Class 1 historic resource by the city of Palm Springs in 2020.
Ranchito Chiquito (Rancho Mirage) – Tucked away in Rancho Mirage Community Park sits the city’s oldest residence. Built in 1934, the tiny stone-walled home initially stood on Follansbee Street before being relocated to the park when its original site was slated for redevelopment. Not necessarily an architectural marvel, but an unexpected little nod to the desert’s early days.
Is there a local Mexican restaurant with the same kitschy vibe as El Coyote?
This question came from my friend Scott Michaels, who runs the popularFind a Death website and Dearly Departed Tours YouTube channel, and is something of an expert on the darker side of Southern California history. I first met Scott years ago when I was writing about filming locations in L.A., and as a fellow true-crime enthusiast, we hit it off immediately. So I was thrilled when he eventually moved to the desert, although I have to admit we don’t get together nearly as often as we should.
Earlier this summer, Scott told me he was putting together a dinner to honor Sharon Tate on the anniversary of her horrific 1969 passing. For the setting, he enlisted my help finding a desert equivalent of El Coyote, the famously kitschy and historic Los Angeles Mexican restaurant where Tate and her friends ate their last meal.
Given the subject matter, you might not expect me to describe the evening as lovely, but it genuinely was. Scott regaled us with stories about Sharon’s life and talked about what we know—and what we don’t—about the events of that night. It was fascinating to hear him put some long-standing rumors to rest, as well as to learn more about his consulting work on Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
And I have to say, the food was excellent—easily some of the best chicken taquitos I’ve ever eaten, hands down.
So if you’re looking for a Palm Springs-area Mexican restaurant with a little old-school kitsch, Sancho’s is definitely worth a visit—even if you don’t spend the evening talking about the Manson murders.
Thanks for reading!
I hope this issue inspires you to try a new restaurant, seek out a hidden gem, or snap a photo with a certain pink elephant. Have a question for the next Ask Lindsay? Hit reply and send it my way!
One More Thing . . . If you or someone you know is looking for a long-term rental in Palm Springs, I currently have a pretty special one available! Just minutes from downtown and within walking distance of Desert Regional Medical Center, the condo features mountain views (as evidenced above!), a built-in bar, a balcony, two ensuite bedrooms and —my favorite part—a private fenced yard with an in-ground fire pit. It’s offered at $4,500/month. Take a peek here.
I brainstorm newsletter ideas far in advance—sometimes months or even years ahead of time. This week’s topic has apparently been on my list for way too long, because when I popped by the Palm Springs Art Museum last week to snap photos of my five favorite installations, a friendly docent informed me that the Steve Chase Wing (aka the entire third floor) would soon be closing to make way for a new exhibition, taking two of my most-loved pieces along with it.
So I had to regroup. Fortunately, that wasn’t terribly difficult. While I’ll certainly miss Duane Hanson’s Old Couple on a Bench and Robert Therrien’s untitled tower-of-plates sculpture, there are plenty more favorites to choose from.
I should preface this by saying I’m no art historian—and I wouldn’t pretend to be. I’m drawn to pieces that make me stop, look twice, and smile, which probably explains why my favorites tend to skew a little more whimsical.
So, if I could only pick five, these are the works I’d choose.
XO, Lindsay
MARJORIE EDRIS CHANDELIER
“Look up!” It’s advice Henry Golding gives in Last Christmas, one of my favorite holiday movies—and it’s exactly what I recommend upon first stepping inside the main lobby. Dangling above the staircase leading to the lower level is one of the museum’s most dazzling sights: a starburst-style, Sputnik-inspired chandelier that is not to be missed. The gorgeous piece boasts 365 light bulbs—one for each day of the year—and was designed by E. Stewart Williams, the same architect who designed the museum itself, as well as the desert’s fabled Edris House for William and Marjorie Edris. The chandelier has been in place since the museum’s opening day, donated by Marjorie in honor of her husband, who passed away several years prior.
I am a hopeless romantic and love pretty much anything pink, red, or heart-shaped. So when I spotted these bulbous sculptures standing outside the Marks Administration Building overlooking the north parking lot, I was immediately smitten. Created by visual artist Jim Dine, the six-foot-tall bronze pieces are painted in vibrant ombré shades of red, making for a wonderfully whimsical welcome to the museum. A man after my own, ahem, heart, Dine is a self-described “romantic artist,” with heart motifs recurring regularly throughout his life’s work. Fun fact: the sculptures are covered in imprints of Jim’s hands, adding a personal touch to the larger-than-life pieces.
At the risk of sounding utterly basic, I am absolutely obsessed with Halloween, especially when it comes to decorations. The creepier and crawlier, the better. So it’s no surprise that this massive arachnid, crafted in bronze by Louise Bourgeois in 1995, calls to me every time I visit the museum. The unusual positioning—its sinewy, roughly six-foot-wide body seemingly cascading up the side wall of the James and Jackie Lee Houston Atrium—only adds to its intrigue. Shockingly, the piece is smaller than most others in Bourgeois’ spider sculpture series, many of which are displayed outdoors and tower over their surrounding landscapes.
80″ GREAT RHOMBICOSI-DODECAHEDRON
Tongue twister of a name aside, it’s pretty easy to see why this radiant, multifaceted geometric solid is one of the museum’s most beloved pieces. Created by visual artist Anthony James in 2020 as part of his prolific Portals series, the colossal 80-inch work is a hypnotically immersive array of mirrors, light, and geometry, with its corners and angles seemingly reflected into infinity. Peering inside almost feels like entering a new dimension.
Even when it’s miserably hot outside, I can’t make a trip to the museum without popping by the Aluminaire House. Designed by Albert Frey and A. Lawrence Kocher for the 1931 Architectural and Allied Arts Exposition in New York, the three-story structure was built as an experimental example of affordable prefab living—and took just 10 days to complete. Wrapped in aluminum alloy and steel, the little house was considered a marvel of its day before eventually falling into serious disrepair. It was acquired by the museum in 2020 and, following an extensive restoration, was put on permanent display, bringing a remarkable piece of architectural history to our little corner of the desert—and thoroughly warming this architecture lover’s heart.
Thanks For Reading!
I hope this issue inspires you to make a trip to the museum. The overwhelming summer heat is the perfect excuse to spend an afternoon somewhere cool—and surrounded by art.
I cannot believe it’s August already! And while the temperatures have been undeniably toasty as of late, the good news is we’re almost through it, guys! Fall will be here before we know it, along with pumpkin spice everything, Halloween décor, and those magical months when the desert truly shines.
In the meantime, here are the shows and movies I’ve been binging on those days when it’s just too hot to do anything else.
Created by Bill Lawrence, who was also behind Ted Lasso, and starring Phil Dunster (the one and only Jamie Tartt!), this new comedy is one of the most hilarious, heartwarming, and surprisingly poignant series to come around in a long time. Steve Carell stars as a successful novelist who accepts a writer-in-residence position at a New England college to help his daughter, a fellow professor whose life is seemingly falling apart following her husband’s infidelity. The premise might not sound like a recipe for comedic gold, but I laughed throughout and loved its unique balance of humor and tremendous heart. It’s easily my favorite new show of the year.
I’m all in on anything Zoey Deutch stars in (Set It Up, Why Him?, Something from Tiffany’s – the list goes on and on). Honestly, I could watch her paint a wall and be entertained. So when I heard about her new Netflix romcom, I couldn’t click Watch fast enough—and the flick absolutely delivered. Sure, it’s predictable and cheesy, but it’s also sweet, endearing, and had me reaching for the tissues more than once. If you love a feel-good romance that tugs at the heartstrings, this one’s for you. Bonus recommendation: After you finish Voicemails for Isabelle, queue up Love Again on Hulu. It has a similar heartfelt vibe, plus a wholly unexpected scene-stealing turn from Celine Dion.
I’ve been a fan of Harlan Coben novels for years, so it’s no surprise that I can’t get enough of the many Netflix adaptations of his work. The latest, about a father who will stop at nothing to find his missing son and prove his innocence in his disappearance and presumed murder, is easily one of the author’s best. With every minute a nail-biter, an ending I absolutely did not see coming, and a truly terrific supporting cast, this series is an endlessly thrilling watch that I happily binged in two days flat.
I typically avoid true crime documentaries about unsolved cases (I’m type A and need everything wrapped up in a nice little bow!), but this four-part series about the mysterious deaths of pharmaceutical titan Barry Sherman and his wife, Honey, had me hooked from the jump. Found dead beside the basement pool of their Toronto mansion in 2017, their murders remain shrouded in unanswered questions today, sending me down a late-night internet spiral after watching. The fact that their bodies were discovered by their realtor during a showing added an extra layer of terror for me. As someone who spends a lot of time in other people’s homes, I’ll admit… this one genuinely gave me chills.
Is this new hockey romance, based on the bestselling book series of the same name, a little ridiculous? Absolutely. Did I binge the entire thing in two nights and stay up until 2 a.m. because I couldn’t get enough? Also yes. Centered around a college junior who agrees to a fake relationship with the school’s hockey star to make her longtime crush jealous, this eight-episode series features a stellar cast, an earwormy soundtrack, and two impossibly charming leads with undeniable chemistry. If you’re looking for a steamy, binge-worthy romance that’s equal parts swoony and addictive, this one absolutely delivers.
Where to watch: Free on Prime
Thanks for Reading!
I hope you find something new to add to your watch list (and maybe the perfect excuse to stay inside with the AC cranked up). Happy binging!
Temperatures may be soaring, but summer is still one of my favorite times to explore the Valley, discover new places, and revisit old favorites. This month, I’m sharing five things I’ve been loving lately—from a stunning new design gallery (pictured above) and fresh sourdough to live music, local savings, and one Instagram account that’s guaranteed to make you smile.
Being diabetic, I don’t typically eat many carbs, but the offerings from this new organic bakery in Palm Desert were worth the extra insulin. My mom and I made a date to check the place out one recent Saturday and were thoroughly tempted by everything on display. While the morning buns looked especially divine, we opted for the savory quiche special made with broccoli, tomato, mushrooms, and white cheddar—which was every bit as tasty as it sounds. I also brought home a Country Sourdough Loaf for my husband, which he polished off in record time. With something different on the menu each day—from croissants to cinnamon rolls to buttermilk biscuits (all made fresh on the premises)—you never quite know what’s in store, but one thing is certain: whatever they’re baking, it’s going to be delicious.
I’m all about shopping local, and the City of Palm Springs is currently making it even more rewarding to do just that with its Love Local summer promotion. For those not familiar, Love Local offers digital gift cards that can be used at more than 130 area businesses, including restaurants, hotels, boutiques, bars, and coffee shops. And right now, the city is sweetening the deal by including bonus cards with every purchase, giving you even more spending power. A friend recently gifted me one, and I used it to grab lunch at The Sandwich Spot after hearing recommendation upon recommendation from friends. Spoiler alert: it lived up to the hype. (That Dutch Crunch bread…am I right?) Better yet, using the card couldn’t have been easier—I simply added it to my Apple Wallet and then tapped to pay. Bonus: The City of La Quinta is running a similar promotion through September, so there are even more opportunities to support local businesses during these slower summer months while also treating yourself.
Come for the Boom Boom Chicken, stay for the entertainment! Every Friday and Saturday night, Kitchen 86 (one of my local faves) comes alive with dueling pianos as Mario Rossi and Kristofer Do take audience requests and turn them into energetic singalongs spanning everything from classic rock to today’s hits. I recently met up with some of my Leadership Coachella Valley classmates there, and our conversations were regularly interrupted—not because we wanted them to be, but because we couldn’t resist singing along! (I mean, when “Sweet Caroline” starts playing, how can you not?) I can’t remember the last time I had that much fun over dinner.
It’s long been a running joke among family and friends that I’m married to the Grim Cheaper because my husband hates spending money. Even a SHEIN package arriving on our doorstep is enough to make him sweat. Needless to say, I’m not in the market for any high-end décor or luxury design services. But when the new RH (formerly Restoration Hardware) gallery opened on El Paseo, I had to check it out. Located in storefronts formerly occupied by Chico’s and Soma, the completely reimagined 10,000-square-foot gallery is genuinely stunning! Anchored by a dramatic glass ceiling that stretches the length of the main showroom, it’s as much a design destination as it is a furniture store. While I don’t expect to be outfitting my home with RH anytime soon, it’s a beautiful spot to wander, window shop, and dream up ideas for your own home.
One of my favorite new Instagram follows isn’t a person at all, but a watering hole in Twentynine Palms. Located outside the Kit Fox Cabinvacation rental, which sits on four quiet acres about 15 miles from Joshua Tree, the waterhole draws a regular parade of thirsty desert wildlife. So much so that the owners installed a camera to capture the action, and the resulting videos are equal parts adorable and fascinating. From cottontail rabbits and round-tailed ground squirrels to ravens, coyotes, doves, and iguanas, you never know who will wander into frame next. Checking in on Desert Wildlife Waterhole has become a happy daily ritual that never fails to spark a little joy.
Thanks for reading…
Here’s to finding joy in the little things, supporting local, and discovering all the wonderful places that make this desert so special.
I’m something of a chicken strips aficionado, and this place serves the best ones in town! Made fresh daily in-house, crisped to perfection, and served alongside homemade ranch and the most divine shoestring fries, I crave them like almost nothing else. So much so that they’ve officially become my celebration meal of choice—from my birthday and wedding anniversary to the closing of my first real estate deal. And while I’ve yet to venture beyond ordering anything other than the chicken strips, my husband swears by the tacos and nachos, and I’ve heard the Happy Hour grilled cheese is next level. Bonus: Trivia Night here each Tuesday is one of my favorite activities in the desert.
New to me, but by no means new to the desert, Trattoria Tiramisu has quickly become my family’s go-to spot for elevated Italian cuisine. Established by the Corsetti brothers in 2004, the restaurant serves exquisite Sicilian dishes, from homemade pastas and rich, flavorful sauces to decadent desserts. I’m partial to the Pollo alla Piccata, while my mom swears by the Carpaccio di Manzo and my husband always orders the Pappardelle alla Bolognese. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, and the warm, attentive service is some of the friendliest in town.
I first met photographer extraordinaire David García-Tlahuel through my realtor friend Jolie (long before I became a realtor myself) and was immediately blown away by his talent. Before long, I started seeing him everywhere—at Emerge Palm Springs events, Buena Matcha’s grand opening, and capturing countless happenings across the Valley. So when I discovered we were both part of the Leadership Coachella Valley Class of 2026, I was thrilled. Getting to know David throughout the program has only deepened my appreciation for his talent, his creativity, and, most importantly, the kind of person he is.
These days, David is my go-to for listing photos, and it is not hyperbole to say he’s the absolute best of the best. You’ve almost certainly seen his work before. If you’ve ever found yourself admiring photos of a stunning desert home online, there’s a good chance David was the photographer behind them. His eye is unparalleled—he sees things most people miss and has an incredible ability to capture everything from homes to people to landscapes in a way that tells a story.
That same eye was on full display throughout our 10 months in LCV, during which David served as our unofficial class photographer. It was such a treat watching him chronicle our journey so beautifully…often climbing into the most precarious positions to get the perfect shot.
Because of his seemingly innate talent, I assumed he’d been born with a camera in hand and was shocked to learn that he didn’t take up photography until college—all because of a fortuitous mishap. Read on to learn more about his journey and the story behind his art.
All photos below are courtesy of David, except the shot of Tacos Gonzalez, which was very obviously taken by an amateur photographer (aka me!).XO, Lindsay
What was it like growing up in the Coachella Valley?
Being born and raised here in the Coachella Valley, I have my whole life been surrounded by doors filled with opportunities and connections — people I never would have met otherwise — all offering tips, advice, or access to things my mom knew were hard to obtain. I was always pretty social growing up, but that really took off from my last year of college to now. I’ve been doing things that, in my words, make it feel like “social anxiety is scared of me.”
I’m 27 years old, and most of my life so far has been shaped by my experiences in school. Growing up, I was always curious, always looking for what else was out there, and paying attention to what makes our world diverse — people, places, food, culture, and everything else that makes the world what it is. What makes us… us?
What first sparked your interest in photography
This might sound kinda funny, but it’s an astute observation: I know I’m brown. That said, there’s no way I can look orange with a dash of pink, right? Well, that’s exactly what happened with the portrait the photographer at my university took of me. I was like, “There’s no way on God’s green earth that I switched color palettes,” but hey, apparently that was accurate somehow.
I didn’t like the photo, obviously. I’ve always had an idea or perception of how I should look; I just never knew how to actually get there—but that’s a convo for another time.
Fast forward a couple of months: Black Friday came, and I made the impulsive decision to buy a camera with the little money I had because, you know, we’re kids and financial literacy may not be our forte (and maybe that’s still true to this day). I bought my first camera… and then didn’t use it for three years.
You have such a distinct eye behind the lens. How did you learn the art of photography — and how has your style evolved over time?
There are things that are innate and things that are acquired. For me, I’ve had an eye for detail—from the way my papers needed to be formatted to the way I need to organize my stuff. There’s a certain order I’ve always needed to have to make things look appealing.
That really came into practice when I started doing photography. At first, it was a lot of playing around, but after I told the VP of my university that he needed to do a better job of photographing our satellite campus, CSUSB – Palm Desert Campus, he suggested I take it on as a personal project.
I didn’t know how long I was going to commit to it, but I did, and I ended up photographing the campus – branding, events, portraits, you name it – for an entire year, specifically my last year of college. By the time I graduated in 2022, I had technically completed one full year of photography.
Some things haven’t changed—especially my editing process. What has changed is how I’ve begun to observe the world.
When did you realize photography could be more than just a hobby?
It was during college that I realized there are people who do this professionally as their own trade. I had a friend who, as she was getting ready to graduate, kept begging me to take her photos. I didn’t feel comfortable at first, but after a lot of persistence, I finally gave in.
It was the first $50 I ever made from a photoshoot, and it made me think that maybe I could do more with this. But that alone wasn’t enough to convince me. During my last year of college, I started researching more. I talked to another university photographer about his freelance life and how it was possible — he told me you just have to hustle.
I also started looking up photographers on YouTube who were making a name for themselves. That’s when I began to realize that if I really honed in on my skills a bit more, I could actually do something with photography.
What gave you the confidence to take the leap and pursue it full-time?
Yelp! Well, when you get fired from a previous job, and all you have is a camera — with no portfolio and no real intention of becoming a freelance photographer — it makes you stop and think, “Yeah, I should do something about this. Maybe this is a sign photography is my thing.”
One thing I learned is that you can’t expect opportunities to come to you; you have to work for them. I had no income coming in, but I was constantly going to mixers and events, betting that I could maybe land a few gigs here and there. It still wasn’t enough to fully pay the bills.
I started working at Lowe’s to help alleviate the financial burden, but I was strategic about it. I only worked afternoons and evenings so I could pursue my main thing — photography — during the day.
During the summer of 2023, I began training in real estate photography. In the freelance world, you don’t get paid until you do the work, so a lot of that time was just showing up, learning how everything worked, and figuring out how to navigate it all. That process took about four months.
You can imagine how not working consistently for that long can quickly drain your bank account. But I know myself: when I really want something, I’ll make it happen. Through consistency, I made real estate photography work with the media company I’m with now, and I was able to leave Lowe’s pretty quickly — I was there for about seven months.
At the same time, I was building my own client base, shooting for businesses on the side, which has been my main passion since college.
For the everyday person who wants to take better photos, what are a few simple tips that make the biggest difference?
Quality over quantity—but with intention, quantity can lead to quality. Be intentional with every photo you take and ask yourself why you took it that way.
You also have to remember, and this applies to pretty much everything: we didn’t grow up knowing it all. So find someone to teach you the trade or skill that interests you. That’s the reason mentorship exists.
I know so many people who get scared to make that ask, but you can’t be a teacher at something when you’re still technically crawling before you even walk. Question every action you take, see if it’s the right one, and get a mentor—someone you can genuinely learn from.
Since most of us are using our phones these days — what are your best tips for taking better photos with an iPhone?
Since iPhones already do a lot of editing for you, I think the best thing to learn is how to be creative with your compositions and angles. Also, I know you can zoom in and out by pinching with your fingers, but I highly recommend only using the preset zoom lengths as they are: 5x, 1x (1.25x and 1.5x exist on certain models by tapping or double-tapping on 1x), and any other fixed lengths you have. That way, you get the full photo, since pinching to zoom just crops the image and reduces its quality.
What do you most love to photograph — events, homes, landscapes, people, or something else entirely?
It’s a mix of whatever location I’m at and the people using that space, with a hint of motion blur. I find it so cool to see how you can really show what something looks like in use while also showcasing people’s daily lives. Kinda like documentary, street photography-esque.
Do you have a favorite camera, lens, or piece of gear you swear by?
Just my favorite brand is Canon — that’s it. It can only be RF lenses and their bodies, cause the quality is amazing. I’m loyal to the soul.
Your photography has given you access to so many incredible places. What has been your favorite spot in the desert to photograph so far?
I think the best place I have shot is at the Thermal Club. Those houses are nuts, and with the view of the cars racing, it’s so awesome!
I’ve seen you climb ladders, squeeze into tight spaces, and do just about anything to get the right shot. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done to capture a photo?
For a while, I liked taking photos of houses on fire. It definitely feels hotter than you’d expect once you get close.
You’re incredibly involved in the community. What inspired you to become so connected and engaged here?
I mean, I get bored sometimes, haha, but I like being with people, meeting new people, and collecting awards just for the hell of it—because why not?! But no matter how many certificates you get, they’ll never equal the value of meeting new people and building real connections with them and their networks.
I’ve taken my involvement to another level by volunteering with nonprofits, especially my church. I’ve logged so many hours at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, with Friends of the Desert Mountains because I love nature, and at the annual Flying Doctorsevents that provide free medical care to those in need. That kind of work gives me a real sense of purpose and meaning in helping the community.
Learning about the community through the programs I’ve mentioned has made me more knowledgeable about what this valley we call home offers—and how to pass that knowledge on to others. You can live doing things on your own, which is totally fine, or you can live knowing you did something for others. One way or another, whatever I do will affect someone.
On top of everything else, you sing! Tell us about that side of your life.
I’ve been in the church choir since 2019, I believe, and at the time I didn’t really know what I was doing. It wasn’t until 2023 that I joined the Spanish choir at my current parish, since I go to Spanish Mass. The difference there is that my choir director (shout-out to Guillermo Delgado) has many years of experience in guitar and in music theory.
That’s where I finally had a music and guitar instructor to help me fine-tune my voice, but much of the homework still falls on me to improve. My voice wasn’t great, and I wouldn’t say it’s amazing now—it can be good if I really try—but it’s a huge difference to see the improvement that happens when you’re being intentional.
Then in January 2025, during our Vietnamese Lunar New Year event at my church—we have four different communities—the choir director asked me, “Do you want to join the choir? We’re hiring.” I passed on the offer, which was really sweet of them, but I didn’t know the language. Six months later, I said, “F* it,” and joined the choir, which ended up being the best decision ever.
I thought I would leave after maybe a month or so just to be able to say, “Hey, I did it!” But nope—today I’m still there, to the point where I now play guitar for them and really feel like I’m one with them.
What has been the most rewarding part of starting and growing a business in the desert?
I think the most rewarding thing is when people recommend or refer you to others. It shows they like your work, and seeing your business grow that way is, in some cases, a real relief. Then, when you notice the type of clients you’re getting—each one closer to your dream client—it’s confirmation that you’re doing well. There may be no clear sense of speed, but there is at least a clear sense of direction.
What advice would you give to someone who is just starting out — whether as a photographer, creative, or new entrepreneur?
I think the most rewarding thing is when people recommend or refer you to others. It shows they like your work, and seeing your business grow that way is, in some cases, a real relief. Then, when you notice the type of clients you’re getting—each one closer to your dream client—it’s confirmation that you’re doing well. There may be no clear sense of speed, but there is at least a clear sense of direction.
What part of desert living brings you the most joy?
The number of diverse hiking trails out here in the valley is astonishing. Just head up to the mountaintops, look out over the valley, and see how much you can achieve. It’s a great thing to reflect on.
When you’re not working, where might we find you on a perfect desert day?
Honest answer, I’m home — I need some time to rest! But if I want some me time, catch me 45 minutes into hiking the Art Smith Trail, sitting on a rock watching the sunrise, and then maybe heading to Keedy’s Fountain & Grill for breakfast!
Best meal in the desert?
If there’s a place that has a torta with beef tongue, that’s my go-to, preferably from Tacos Gonzalez.
Other Valley favorites?
RUTINA COFFEE!!! I absolutely love them and who they are, their mission, everything! They love their community so much, and honestly, that’s what makes any business strong: their constant involvement with the community. Oh yeah, their coffee is bomb too!
Thank you, David…
…for giving us a glimpse into your journey and the story behind your art. Your ability to capture the beauty, people, and places of the Coachella Valley is a gift and I’m lucky to call you both a friend and a trusted creative partner.
