The Kompas Adventures Through Death Valley National Park

My camera is usually always glued to me wherever I go, but stepping into a national park for the first time felt completely different. I didn’t really know what to expect, but I ended up learning way more about myself, my photography, and reminded me of why I want to document my life and the lives of those around me.

We decided to take this trip for my cousin Alyssa’s 21st birthday. We bought the tickets only 2 months before the trip date, decided to fit everything into a weekend trip (crazy, I know), and brought nothing but a “personal item” bag. Not even a carry on! This was very much a “minimalist” trip.

My recount goes straight from the chaos and laughs to the “what are we doing?” moments of the Kompas cousins.

This is all I managed to fit in my bag! I had maybe 2 outfits total with limited camera gear, toiletries and my water bladder. I was praying that it was all I would need.

Day 1: Getting There (Barely Awake but Excited)

We finally made it to our campsite after a long day of traveling. Our Uber driver, Robert, was genuinely so sweet, and the Cruise America guy had big “fun uncle” energy that made the whole RV pickup way less stressful. We hit Walmart, stocked up, grabbed thin blankets, cheap pillows, and way too much food, then stopped at In-N-Out for a well-deserved post-flight meal.

I drove the first hour of the RV and was gripping the wheel like my life depended on it. Fun fact: it’s hard for me to see in the dark, but I was just too excited to be in an RV with my cousins. By the time we pulled into camp, it was 11pm (1am at home), and I was just DONE. But even then, sitting in the dark desert with my cousins, I couldn’t help but think about the fact we haven’t had moments together like this since we were all kids.

Driving this thing really had me wondering how people drive semis! It was so wide!

We had finally gotten off the plane and nearly walked in the complete opposite direction of where our uber was… we don’t talk about that part though.

Day 2: Salt Flats, Endless Sunsets and Chaos

We started at Badwater Basin bright and early at 5:15am, which was unreal in the best way. The salt flats felt endless, and it was the first moment where I felt like, “How can I even perceive this with my own eyes?” We took a bunch of group photos to send to our families back home and took in everything surrounding us.

We went to Artist’s Palette, missed the turn because it’s a one-way loop (oops), drove 26 minutes too far, turned around, and somehow still had a great time. The colors, the textures, the light.. it was incredibly fun to shoot. We climbed to the highest spots we could find to get the best views possible.

The day ended at Natural Bridge, which required us to off-road in the RV longer than any rental company would approve of. But the sunset was absolutely worth it. We made it out just fine after a bit of uncertainty and using our common sense; I promise.

That night turned into one of my favorite memories ever since being up-north with my cousins as children: lying under the stars with Hannah, Brennan, and Alyssa. Brennan talked about constellations with this excitement that eventually led us into theories about the universe (one of my favorite topics). It felt like one of those rare conversations where time slows down and you realize this is one of those moments that will alter your brain chemistry. After all, in MKE, you don’t get to see stars like these. You could probably picture just how deep the conversation went while looking up at this sky full of stars.

Badwater Basin is almost perfectly described to look and feel like a rock-beach.

Just look at these crazy color deposits in Artist’s Palette! Absolutely stunning.

Day 3: Wind Trying to Kill Us + A Sudden Detour to Vegas

We went to Zabriskie Point for sunrise (which was at 5:30am) and it was stunning… until the wind hit. By the time we started our hike toward Golden Canyon, it was manageable, but then it suddenly wasn’t. Gusts of 40–50 mph hit us with sand, rocks, and debris. We were basically plastered to the canyon wall trying not to get blown away. I even walked out with a small bruise.

A couple who saw us struggling offered us a ride back to our RV, and they were so kind. I took a few pictures of them as a thank you as it felt like the least I could do. They ended up loving them!

We had a full day of plans, but the wind said absolutely not. So we made the most random but perfect decision: let’s just go to Las Vegas until we have to leave for our flight back home.

We dropped the RV off early and spent the rest of the day walking around the Strip, eating Taco Bell Cantina, exploring the Sphere (as the ONLY people outside staring at it), and ending at the Las Vegas sign before our feet gave out. By the time we got to the airport, we were sore, exhausted, dusty, and laughing at how absolutely chaotic the day had been.

I took this picture while I was shaking on a small cliff, hugging the wall. But, I couldn’t have been more dedicated in that moment to getting this shot!

This was the most calm moment we had while trying to make it through the sandstorm without being flung down. Our hearts were pounding.

What This Trip Taught Me About Photography

Looking back, I’m realizing how much this trip pushed me.. not just physically, but creatively.

• Light hits different in places like this.

• These are moments you’ll never get back. Find the perfect balance between capturing memories while still being able to be present in them.

  
  

  Shooting people in landscapes this huge makes you appreciate how tiny we really are and brings you closer to the people and environment surrounding you.

• Not everything goes to plan, and that’s okay.

  
  

  Some of my favorite moments happened because something else didn’t work out.

• People make the trip.

  
  

  The group photos, the stargazing, the conversations? That’s what really made this trip for me.

I walked into my first national park with no idea what I was doing, and walked out feeling more inspired than I’ve felt in a long time. I can’t wait to visit more parks, create more, and experience more that nature has to offer

Death Valley, you were wild, terrifying, hilarious, beautiful, and exactly what I needed. Thank you for providing my cousins and I the absolute best memories we will hold for our future generations.

Here is a small gallery of some more of my favorite photos I took while adventuring through Death Valley, CA!