An elopement not only in the desert, but at Horseshoe Bend in Page, Arizona is truly magical. Especially with these two, they made this adventurous photographer so inspired. This canyon view has become one of most iconic travel spots in the southwest. Being able to see the natural horseshoe curve of the Colorado River and its accessibility is truly why so many crowd this destination.

Regardless of influx of crowds over the past 7 years, this place still remains a special place to me. I work hard to make couples’ sessions, elopements, and weddings as intimate as possible. That’s due to the endless amount of time I have spent and photographed in this location.

We started the day before their elopement. I offer an extra adventure session in my Dream collection of photography packages. This gives me the opportunity to either photograph the couple before their day—I really get to know them during this time and how they like to be photographed—or after if they want more adventures to celebrate afterwards. Now this gives the couple the opportunity to explore places in the area they also want photos of in their elopement attire or just to be casual—without elopement attire—purely for the adventure and to document it. So really, if you want ideal sunset lighting in multiple locations this is the perfect option! We traveled off to other mars-like rock formations the evening before. It was a great opportunity for all of us to get to know each other in person, and I got to hear more about their story together. Magical again with a cotton candy sunset on the cliffs.

The morning of their elopement, S + C got their hair done in the Flagstaff area and headed up north to the city of Page. We met up at a spot along Lake Powell to adventure and capture some portraits before the sunset ceremony at Horseshoe Bend. I like this spot because you’re closer to the water and get insane wave-like rock formations. From here you can actually go down to the water with small sandy spots to relax and jump in. We decided to stay up amongst the rocks.

As you can see I really enjoy those wide, wide open landscapes shots where the subjects look small, and you can really feel how expansive our world is. After all, that’s why these clients pick these places. You WANT to see these epic backdrops in your photos—not only closeups.

From there, we headed over to Horseshoe Bend with our proper permit and met up with their officiant, Jen from Life Passages. Quick little rant: I absolutely love working with Jen who really is such a positive and fun person to work with. The detailedness and personable ceremonies Jen provides are beautiful. Hire Jen for your Arizona wedding!

S + C set up their phone on a tripod and started a Zoom video chat so family could join their elopement. It was a complete surprise to them that day. We timed it perfectly for the sun to be setting on the cliff of Horseshoe Bend as they were giving their vows and we really got such great changes in light and the sky. Plus, we had the perfect amount of time to take portraits afterwards with the golden light!

If you’re looking for a way to guarantee that your engagement photos capture your adventurous souls, look no further. We know a thing or two about a good couple’s adventure. Read on to get our step-by-step, super detailed checklist for free! It has all of the upcoming information and then some, contained in one convenient checklist.

So you’re engaged… or about to be…

How do you make sure the engagement photos announce exactly what kind of couple you are to the whole dang world?

Step One: Choose a Photographer to Capture Your Adventure

I know, I know it might sound obvious but it’s an important step! Make sure your photographer is the right person for the job. Look at their work and ask them questions to confirm that they can capture what you're looking for.

Amanda of Earth Below Photo says: “We make adventure a central part of our inspiration. We are fully licensed and insured to make sure that whatever creative idea you bring to us can be safely and properly executed.”

Step two: Decide the time and place for your exploration 

Maybe you want to go somewhere new… maybe you want to retrace the steps of your first adventure together… maybe you’re returning to a different memory. Whatever experience you have in mind, consider the seasonality and the weather of the location. You should also decide if the accessibility is right for you. Is this an all day thing or a quick evening stroll? Do you need to drive up in an off road capable vehicle or is it located just on the side of a well maintained road?

Amanda of Earth Below Photo says: “I have had the privilege to explore many beautiful locations on my photography adventures in the United States and abroad. If you need any assistance deciding between locations or finding a perfect fit, I am happy to help.”

Step Three: Wear the right outfits to get down and dirty with creativity

You will definitely need to think about your engagement photo outfits beforehand. Keep in mind, if you want to do certain poses, like sitting on your partner’s shoulders, you might not want to wear a dress or extra tight jeans. If your perfect adventure spot requires a hefty walk or a good long hike, don’t sweat it (pun intended). You can still get creative with your ‘fits but you may have to consider changing on site after you have reached your photo destination. In some cases, this could even turn out to be a good opportunity for some creative nudity—aka Earth Below Photo’s steamy sessions—if you and your chosen photographer are both feeling up for the artistic adventure.

Amanda of Earth Below Photo says: “I highly suggest wearing your chosen outfits at least once before the engagement session. Practice poses while looking  in the mirror, and take selfies or even photos of each other! You don’t want to be worrying about your choice during the actual session.”

Step Four: Make it totally your own

Think about what makes your relationship unique and brainstorm ways to visually represent that in your engagement photos. Incorporating other parts of your adventures together will make your pictures feel extra special and completely your own. You won’t have to worry even a little bit about looking like a carbon copy of another couple.

Amanda of Earth Below Photo says: “Want to bring some beers? Your dog? Your bikes? Whatever it is, I’m down for all the unique and creative ways you can showcase your partnership.”

Step Five: Leave with newfound inspiration

Okay maybe this is less of a requirement and more of a personal preference...

Amanda of Earth Below Photo says: “When the adventure is over and the photos are edited and delivered to your inbox, I hope to leave you freshly inspired for your next adventure and excited as heck about not only this stage of your relationship also for the next.”

Provide your name and email address below for your Free Adventurous Engagement Guide Checklist:

I graduated from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff in 2017, and it brings me great joy to be able to continue taking senior portraits for others upon their graduation. Old main holds a special place in all of our Lumberjack hearts. Many fell in love with NAU at these steps of old main—others have met their person here, got engaged, and heck—I got to capture someone’s wedding ceremony right in this spot. Old main holds such a magical feeling. Time + time again, it is the spot to commemorate all of those years of hard work and take graduation photos. This particular session, I got to capture my dear friend Carlee; graduating with her Masters degree. A proud, proud friend I am!

So as I go on and on about Old Main, your senior portrait locations do not have to stop there. They can be anywhere that is special to you or just a dang good backdrop. Like the Mt. Humphrey and the San Fransisco Peaks in Flagstaff. But let’s keep looking at Carlee’s awesome photos for now.

Senior portraits were actually a big part of me getting into photography. I picked up my first professional DSLR camera in high school, started capturing all of our school activities, and eventually friends started asking me to take their high school senior portraits. I love capturing people and being able to capture who they are in settings that make them show off their personality. It’s a big reason why I got into photojournalism studies in college and why I ended up doing portrait photography today!

Here’s a photo of me back in 2017 right after graduation. I asked my family to come with me to look at Old Main and of course, take a photo. I handed my dad my Canon camera at the time and asked him to snap a few. Forever a NAU Alum.

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The weekend we took these engagement photos, Flagstaff had received TWO FEET of snow. It was quite a lot at once for our little mountain town, but boy did it make for some playful and gorgeous engagement photos in the forest. Felipe and Victoria had come to Flagstaff for a Thanksgiving getaway and decided it was a perfect opportunity to capture some winter wonderland magic in the snow covered pine trees.

Bundled up in layers and wearing their snow boots, Victoria and her fiancé Felipe did not shy away from dancing around in the snow together. We walked around the neighborhood their airbnb was located in and found some perfect wintery spots to capture the magic they were looking for. We even took some gorgeous shots in the snow covered streets.

We found a gorgeous spot in the pine tree forest with views of the tree line. Here, I had them pose between the trees and even shook some of the snow covered branches, and threw some snow in the air for added magic. We were able to capture dreamy photos, intimate portraits, playful moments and all of the love between these two.

Looking to plan your own getaway in Flagstaff? Let us know! Or if you are ever looking to take engagement or couples photos in the snow, let Earth Below Photo show you a magical time.

Click Here to see more examples of winter engagements in the snow!

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