Week 25 Winner

The winner of Week 25 of our #52weeksofnature photo contest is Guadalupe Mendez. Joshua Tree is a vast ecosystem made of up 790,636 acres. The rock formations are over a billion years old, but in order to appreciate them fully you need to climb one and experience it for yourself. Guadalupe has won a $100 gift code to hippytree.com and we are donating $100 to the Access Fund on her behalf. Learn more about Guadalupe below.

Where was the image shot?
I shot this image in Joshua Tree National Park. I was on the trail on my way to find a certain arch rock, when I noticed it was getting close to sundown. I eventually gave up looking for the arch and decided to sit down and just enjoy the sunset. The man in the photo must have thought the same thing. The background was perfect.

What camera did you use and what were the settings?
I took the photo with my iPhone 7.

Was there any special preparation required to capture the photo?
Not really. I just ran out to try to get closer to the man and framed the picture with the stunning visuals that the park provides.

How long have you been shooting?
I pretty much only shoot photos when I go on road trips.

What's your camera of choice?
I have a GoPro and a Nikon D3300. Other than that I shoot with my phone.

What’s your favorite subject matter to shoot?
My favorite subjects to shoot are nature and landscapes. I am in love with the outdoors.

Do you shoot with a crew or shoot solo?
I haven’t had the chance to shoot with a crew. Mostly it’s just myself and my boyfriend adventuring together.

What excites you about photography?
Photography is exciting to me because that’s how I return to moments otherwise gone. Sometimes I'll sit on the couch and say to myself, “I can’t believe I did that...”