I had such an incredible time photographing Darcy and Adam’s engagement session the day before their wedding in California’s Sequoia National Park. Every time I get a couple that’s into exploring the outdoors, scampering over boulders and braving icy creeks I get super excited. It adds an extra level of excitement to a shoot that really gets the creative energy flowing. This adventure also gave me the opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for some camping in a beautiful location.
Leading up to the shoot, I flew from Portland to Fresno and quickly picked up supplies before driving the hour and a half east to Sequoia National Park, where I quickly set up camp, prepared tacos over a propane burner for dinner, and got some shuteye. The next day, I met up with Darcy at the visitor’s center in Grant Grove, and we pretty much spent the whole day exploring and scouting the park for awesome locations. We started by meeting up with Adam and a bunch of their friends who would be attending the wedding the next day, and we hiked a trail lined by giant Sequoias while drinking beers down to a location in the middle of the woods where they planned to have the ceremony. When I saw the spot they had chosen I knew I was in for a treat. But I’ll save that for the next post, which will feature their wedding photos.
Afterward, while Adam kept the wedding guests entertained, Darcy and I hopped in her car and checked out a number of trails, overlooks and waterfalls so that we’d have a game plan for the next two days. It truly was a collaborative process, which I always hope to have with couples, as it shows how much they care about the photography process and it better helps me capture images that will be extra meaningful. Check out all of the amazing locations we found below, and stay tuned for the next post. Their wedding photos are possibly even more epic! — Kyle
