Our sunrise Glacier Point engagement session for Corey and Samantha in Yosemite National Park had finally arrived. We left home at 2AM in order to beat the sunrise in Yosemite! It’s a four hour drive from our house. So, loading everything the night before was helpful. Sasha plotted our course while I steered us through the lightest traffic ever.

We meet with the gorgeous couple in Oakhurst, a quaint town just outside of Yosemite National Park. Our convey ventured together along dark and winding roads. Each blind corner bringing us closer to Glacier Point. Allowing ourselves no time to rest, we darted through the forest. As we approached our destination, we finally began to encounter other travelers. All of whom clearly had the same idea as us, beat the sunrise. We reached Glacier Point just before seven, and not a moment too soon.

Samantha and Corey came prepared to make the most of this moment. They looked incredible! When photographing engagement sessions, we love when clients incorporate something sentimental. The gorgeous couple revealed to us that their love for hiking is what made Yosemite an easy choice for their session. Who could blame them? Glacier Point is absolutely heavenly! The couple shared about their love story of how they followed one another across Boston, Spain and back to California in pursuit of cherishing the love they shared. Everything great love stories are made of.

THE REAL WORK BEGINS

With such an unforgettable background, we went to work. It’s not in our nature to pose our clients. We strive to keep the moment, along with our images, authentic and genuine. Using prompts to make the session fun and memorable. “Whisper what you had for breakfast, but do it as Batman” and “Kiss with your teeth” are among our personal favorites. As the sun began to peak, it was time for an outfit change.

Even here, on top of the world, Samantha and Corey took their wardrobe game to a whole other level. They looked stunning! Quite impressive, especially considering the fact they changed so quickly AND on a mountain. We made our way along the path capturing different elements to add variety in their Glacier Point engagement photos. Which is the very reason some include Half Dome in the background and others do not. When capturing a moment as special as this, even the most beautiful natural wonders can pale in comparison to the feeling of wonder brought on by real emotion. That is the authenticity which can’t be posed or fabricated.

The session started the wind down as more hikers flooded in to appreciate the beauty of the Yosemite from Glacier Point. Being the adventurist they are, Corey and Samantha swapped out their formal attire for hiking gear and started on their new trek. Perhaps it’s the mentality of sailors to navigate through the vast unknown, but whatever it is, these two are prepared for it. Hand in hand, together. Thank you Corey and Samantha for allowing us to document such an incredible session with you. Happy travels!

Planning for your own engagement session? Not sure what to wear? Or where to take them? No worries, we’ve got you covered! Click here to learn about how you can prepare for your own engagement photos.