Couple's Guide to Glamis Sand Dunes

Your ULTIMATE Couple’s Guide to Glamis Sand Dunes

Location: Hugh T. Osborne Lookout Park, Osborne Park Rd, Brawley, CA 92227

Wedding Photographer & Videographer: Mike Federis Photography

Glamis Sand Dunes is one of the most captivating and unique locations in Southern California. If you are looking for something different than your typical engagement session at the beach or in the mountains, look no further than the rolling sand dunes of Algodones Dunes. I’ve been to the dunes many times and every single photo session has been so unique. Due to the winds and conditions, the shape and overall look of the dunes constantly change.

Best Location:

The dunes is a fairly large area stretching over 40 miles and so choosing a specific spot is critical. The best location is the Osborne Lookout Point. The Lookout Point is located right next to the 78 freeway. This is the most ideal location for most people that don’t want to trek to far into the dunes. There is a nice open parking lot with restrooms. No permit is required to park at the parking lot.

Once you park, there is several large hills of dunes that are fairly easy to hike up to. In addition, you are several miles away from the campgrounds so you have some distance from the campers. However, during the winter season (October - December) there maybe more campers

Best Time of the Year:

The best time to visit the Sand Dunes is between October through March. Between April and September, temperatures can reach over 100 degrees. The combination of the dry heat and harsh sun rays can make for an unbearable experience. Walking on the dunes the during the midst of summer season could be pretty painful, especially barefoot.

I would not recommend visiting the area during the first week of October. October 1st is the official day the campgrounds open up and you will observe many campers and ATVs in the area.

Planning your trip:

I highly recommend to arrive 2 hour prior to sunset. This will give you sometime to familiarize yourself with the surroundings and choose the best routes on the dunes.

Travel Time:

We recommend to plan your travel time based on your session time.

For example, if your session time is from 4-6pm. Plan to arrive by 3pm, this will provide you with plenty of wiggle room in case of traffic or those needed pit stops at the gas stations.

• LAX to Glamis: Approximately 272 miles, which could take up to 4-5 hours depending on the traffic.

• San Diego Airport to Glamis: Approximately 159 miles, which could take up to 2.5-3 hours based on traffic.

What to Wear:

You can pretty much wear anything and we will make it work. We do recommend that you coordinate your color combinations so they either compliment each other or strong contrast for that edgy darker look. However, here’s a few color combinations we feel that really stand out at the Dunes:

• Burgundy/Red & Black

• Pink & Dark Blue

• Light Pastel Colors & Light Blue/Teal

Future Bride:

• short or long flowy dress

Future Groom:

• Khaki Pants or shorts

• Long Sleeve

• Formal Look (Suit without the tie)

What to bring:

These are the must have items that we recommend for your long trip to Glamis.

• Refreshments and water

• sandals

• extra pair of clothes (as backup)

• towel (to wipe your feet after the session)

• sun screen, sun glasses and hat

• backpack to hold your items and gear

What is NOT allowed at the Glamis:

Unfortunately, drones are strictly prohibited. We can still capture amazing video footage of you guys exploring the dunes. We just have to hike a bit more :)

Weather:

• Always check the weather forecast prior to traveling the dunes.

• Windy conditions are pretty common at the dunes.

• We love going when there is some clouds because it makes for amazing sunsets.

What to EXPECT:

• Restrooms are available at the Lookout Point but there are not flush toilets. Recommend bringing wipes.

• Dune buggies and ATV sometimes frequent near the lookout point so be aware the vehicles.

• Sands can be fairly hot to walk on if you prefer to do your session during the summer.

• Recommend walking barefoot on the sand

• Bring multiple outfits as a backup

• Be prepared to hike if you want epic photos, some of the taller dunes are pretty steep.

READY TO EXPLORE GLAMIS SAND DUNES?

LET’S BOOK A SESSION NOW!

Best Places for Engagement Photography Locations in Southern California | Mike Federis Wedding Photography

Best Places for Engagement Photography Locations in Southern California

Today we’re looking at the best places for engagement photography locations in Southern California. These are my top photo locations for couples who love to travel and don’t mind a bit of an adventure. Let’s get to my top picks!

1. Glamis Sand Dunes

   If you are up for an adventure, Glamis Sand Dunes also known as Algodones Dunes is one of the most epic locations on this list. The dunes is about a 3 hour drive from Los Angeles. This desert oasis will make you imagine that you are in the middle of the Sahara Desert due to its 40 mile stretch of soft sand. Be prepared to run around and slide down like a 10 year old.

2. Balboa Park, San Diego

Balboa Park in Sand Diego, California is one of my favorite locations to photograph couples! With over 1,200 acres, Balboa Park offers so much variety from museums, interesting architecture, and beautiful gardens. One of my favorite spots to photograph couples is in front of the Botanical Building. The Botanical Building provides an amazing backdrop while the lily pond provides leading lines and beautiful foreground to images.

3. Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake is my favorite lake among the numerous lakes in the San Bernardino Mountains. This place is beautiful all year round. The lake is about a 2 hour drive from Los Angeles, but well worth the drive. The most convenient spot at Big Bear Lake is at Juniper Point. You will need an Adventure Pass ($5 from Big 5 Sporting Goods for a day pass) to park here. Juniper Point is on the north shore of the lake and offers amazing views of the mountain range. Make sure you check out the Alpine Pedal Path which leads you all the way to the Stanfield Marsh Boardwalk.

4. Joshua Tree National Park

If you are looking for a desert theme, no look further than Joshua Tree National Park. Joshua Tree National Park is about a 2 hour drive from Los Angeles. To enter the park, you will need to pay an entrance fee of $30 per vehicle. If you have a National Park Pass, that will get you in the park for free. Once you enter the park, you are greeted with hundreds and thousands of these cool looking Joshua Trees. There are so many great places to take pictures here, it’s hard to choose. Be prepared to drive since the park is massive; it takes about an hour to drive from the West Entrance to the South Entrance of Joshua Tree.

CONTACT US

Are you ready for an Adventure? Or maybe have some questions? Reach out and we’ll love to chat with y’all!

Glamis Sand Dunes Engagement Session | Melissa + Nathan | San Diego Wedding Photography

MELISSA + NATHAN

Location: Glamis Sand Dunes

Date: 08.22.2020

Wedding Photographer: Mike Federis Photography

I absolutely loved this adventure engagement session at Glamis Sand Dunes and Salvation Mountain. Glamis Sand Dunes is my favorite location in San Diego if you are looking for something UNIQUE and EPIC. The dunes extend over 40 miles and seriously feels like you are in Egypt. We also did this during a heat wave in Southern California, but we survived!

Our initial plan was to go straight to Glamis Sand Dunes and spend about 2 hours taking photo and video. I suggested that maybe we could stop by Salvation Mountain and take a few photos since it was on the way. Love this couple, they are so down for anything. It was a perfect match for Melissa and Nathan’s outfit since Salvation Mountain is painted with a rainbow of bright and airy colors. Melissa’s favorite color is TEAL, if you haven’t already figured that out from the photos. We had to keep our masks on the entire time due to the owner’s policy, but we sneaked in a couple without the masks :)

The heat was a bit unbearable so we only spent maybe half an hour max at Salvation Mountain. The drive from Salvation Mountain to Glamis Sand Dunes is only about an hour. Once we arrived at our location, it was actually much cooler at the dunes due to the slight breeze. The breeze is why this place is magical! It helps add to the movement and flow to your photos.

Pro Tip: Advise your soon to be bride to wear a semi-long dress that will flow and show movement. This adds magic to the dress, I promise!

Melissa & Nathan’s Love Story: Melissa and Nathan met through a mutual friend who suggested they add each other on Facebook. Both of them were hesitant at first, but to their surprise, they immediately hit it off. They got along so well that they agreed to meet for dinner with their mutual friends days later. Nathan was a sport and drove miles from San Diego to the Inland Empire just to see her. They had such a great time that they decided to go on their first date right after dinner at Big Al's. They connected through music and shared their life stories and experiences.

Nathan thought their first date went without a hitch and figured he'd ask her out on a second date. That second date led to another, and soon enough they started falling for each other. Distance was no obstacle, as they would talk to each other everyday on the phone and drive wherever just to see each other in person at least once a week. On April 4, 2020 - despite the ongoing pandemic - Nathan still pushed through with a surprise proposal to Melissa on their two-year anniversary. She happily said, "Yes!" and here we are today!

To Melissa & Nathan: Congratulations again to both of you! I’m so honored to be able to capture these special moments and I Iook forward to capturing more of these timeless moments at your wedding.

CONTACT US

Are you ready for an Adventure? Or maybe have some questions? Reach out and you’ll hear back within 48 hours.

Glamis Sand Dunes | Engagement Photography Session | San Diego, California

Jon + Renee

Glamis Sand Dunes | Engagement Photography Session | San Diego, California

One of the best kept secrets in San Diego is the natural sand dunes of Glamis. Glamis is about 2 hours east of Downtown San Diego. It is very popular among ATV enthusiast looking to kick some sand around.

We drove from Chino Hills and it took about 3 hours on a Sunday evening. We decided to go to the Osborne Overlook (Osborne Park Rd, Brawley, CA 92227) and walk from there. The sand itself is unbelievably soft and grainy. Be prepared to get sand in between your toes. Parking is free and the sand dunes is literally right next to the parking lot. So if you’re not up for hiking this is the best spot for “non-hikers”

Photography Tips

• Arrive 1 hour before sunset to scout the area for the best dune

• Be prepared to get your gear dusty

• Use a wide and long lens for different perspectives

  Couple Tips

• Wear clothing that will be contrasty to the tan color of the sand

• Bride to be: wear a long dress to capture some epic shots