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Desert Cruiser

A Hyundai collaboration.

By Luke Beard and Abby Wilhelm

August 21^st, 2024

Back to Palm Springs & Joshua Tree.

This trip was in collaboration with fine folks at Hyundai America. They were kind enough to loan us the new Santa Fe XRT to head from LA to Joshua Tree via Palm Springs. I visited Palm Springs a few years ago, so I was stoked to shoot a car against the backdrops I was familiar with. Passenger princess (me) note: It's a great ride.

As we headed east towards Palm Springs, the landscape gradually transformed from urban sprawl to arid desert and midcentury homes. I actually think the color vehicle we were given really matched well with the landscapes we were driving through.

Glamor shots daring

If you have ever driven to this end of California, you would have seen the hundreds of windmills that are visible from almost every angle of the highway. Naturally, I wanted to shoot some coverage as the sun was going down.

Desert Power

Arriving at Joshua Tree National Park, we were greeted by scorching temperatures pushing 100 degrees.The SUV's distinctive appearance - with its dark-finish grille, blacked-out lower fascias, and unique side moldings - created a striking contrast against the iconic Joshua trees and massive rock formations.

Throughout the day, we positioned the Santa Fe XRT in various scenic spots, capturing its adventurous spirit and rugged aesthetics. The vehicle's aggressive yet refined design complemented the raw beauty of the desert, making for some truly compelling photographs. As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the landscape, we captured final shots that highlighted the Santa Fe XRT's sleek silhouette against the dramatic desert sky.