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Booking a Photographer at Yosemite
Life as an adventure photographer has taken me to many beautiful places: Yosemite, Lake Tahoe, Mt. Rainer, Arches…I could go on forever! But what makes these experiences so amazing is that I don’t do it alone. I get to share it all with couples like you, and help you capture once-in-a-lifetime memories in one-of-a-kind locations. But sometimes the sessions we plan are of an unexpected nature, and that was definitely the case with Trang and Travis’s Yosemite adventure session!
Generally the couples I work with want to book a photography session when they’re getting engaged or married, but it’s less common that couples book a photographer to celebrate other milestones afterward. And I don’t know why! There’s really never a wrong time to take photos with your significant other. You don’t have to be getting married or engaged to plan a photo session, there are many other moments that deserve to be memorialized, too, including anniversaries!
I’ve seen firsthand how booking milestone sessions can bring you and your partner together in a special way while giving you images to treasure. So many couples have told me how unexpectedly fun their sessions were and how it made them feel closer and more in love than ever! This is especially true of anniversary sessions, as we commemorate your years together and how much your love has grown since “I do.” But nothing beats an anniversary session under the wide open sky with a couple I’ve known since the very beginnings of their relationship. Nothing beats a session like my Yosemite adventure session with Trang and Travis!
Why A Yosemite Adventure Session?
While their love story is beautiful, their journey lately hasn’t been an easy one. Travis was diagnosed with a condition that causes loss of mobility. So, as movement is likely to become a bit more difficult in the future, they wanted to plan a more adventurous session now.
Travis and his family have always loved adventurous getaways. He grew up going to Yosemite with his family all the time, and when he met Trang, she happily joined in. They’ve hiked Half Dome together, and they have so many more special memories and shared experiences there. For them, it’s a truly magical place. So, with the decline of Travis’s movement approaching, along with their 8th wedding anniversary, we all knew exactly what to do!
About the Shoot
A few days before Travis and Trang’s big wedding anniversary, we traveled into Yosemite for their session. They left the kids at home with their grandparents and made a full date day out of it.
We got there right as the sun was setting, and the air was crisp and cool. We hiked Sentinel Loop— a relatively easy, 2-mile road-hike—and from there, we just explored the meadows together, taking photos as we went! What I love most about being a Yosemite photographer is celebrating such a breathtaking display of nature. Just as we got there, we spotted a massive buck, and unsurprisingly, the views were absolutely stunning. From our trail, we took in perfect views of Half Dome, Yosemite Falls, Clouds Rest, Yosemite Creek, and bridges.
It was such a sweet, emotional day filled with so many special little moments and memories. Seeing Travis and Trang frolicking around and playing in the water made my heart burst with happiness. Trang’s smile is so contagious—when she smiles, her whole face lights up. They were young and in love all over again, and it just brought out all the feels!
After the shoot, Trang and Travis had pizza at the deck, and they told me that, even after more than eight years in love, this was the best date ever. They said the experience transported them back in time to the early stages of their love story and made them feel those first-date butterflies all over again. There was also this palpable calmness over the two of them. I felt so much joy just knowing how truly happy this day made them.
I’m forever grateful that I could organize and document this special day in Yosemite for them. And with the journey they’ve traveled to be here in mind, I will always hold this photoshoot dear to my heart. I’ve known Trang since college, and seeing how she’s grown—how she and Travis have grown together—melts my heart.
If you’re hoping to plan a Yosemite adventure session of your own, I’d love to talk you! Simply send a short inquiry my way, and we can begin planning your adventure!
Top 5 Places in California to Elope
Thinking of eloping or just want more ideas of places for your photoshoot? Come check out my blog here for inspiration.
For More Engagement Session Inspiration
Check out this beautiful coastal engagement session in the redwoods and cliffs of Big Sur. These two went back to their proposal spot for their engagement session.
