Dillon // Breckenridge
Mountain Engagement Photos
Couples session in Colorado Mountains
 
I mostly dabble in family photography, but when I get asked to do a couples session, it's an IMMEDIATE YES. An engagement session?? Even better. Engagement photography sessions are such a joyful way to kickstart all the good stuff about wedding planning. They're great for save the dates, but beyond that, they're a great practice round to your wedding day photography.
Mountain engagement sessions...
Bring the drama. The locations available to us Coloradans are nothing short of jaw dropping. There are great locations just a quick 1-2 hour drive away from the Denver metro area. This couple wanted somewhere near Breckenridge, since that's where they got engaged. And if you know me, you know I'm a sentimental sap, so I'm all for a meaningful location.
Sapphire Point Overlook, Dillon Colorado
Just in between Keystone and Breckenridge, you'll find Sapphire Point Overlook. This is an incredibly popular location, for good reason.
- It's gorgeous and it's relatively accessible.
- It's a 0.6 mile loop of a dirt path (in our case, it was a snow packed path). It has a small-ish parking lot, but people seem to move in and out pretty fast so you can usually just wait for a spot.
- It is a very popular elopement location. The amphitheater may or may not be available to take photos in, especially during late spring, summer and early fall. I checked the Recreation gov website to see if there were any reservations this day, there weren't, so I felt pretty confident we wouldn't run into any big parties. This is a bit of a gamble with this location!!
- The bathroom can be, well, gross. So if you're sensitive to things like that, stop somewhere in Dillon for a quick bathroom break! Bring hand sanitizer.
Winter Mountain engagement sessions...
Are for the brave, the bold and the flexible. Weather and temperatures are unpredictable. You have to be a bit ready to roll with the punches. It's a tricky balance because typically, photographers tend to prefer sessions be around golden hour (the hour after sunrise or the hour before sunset). In the winter, this isn't always practical in the mountains, because you need to balance it with the cold. Cold people tend to look, well, cold. And stiff and uncomfortable. I prioritize people being comfortable over rigidly scheduling the session during the "perfect time".
Plus, full sun is a whole vibe in the mountains. Colorado is incredibly sunny, so it just makes sense to lean into it. I feel confident in my ability to strategically place you in full sun. Yes, there may be shadows and highlights, but the shadows can bring the drama and the highlights offer beautiful contrast.
For Couples
 
 
Winter Mountain Sessions should offer variety.
If you're traveling 1-2 hours to get to the location, I fully believe there should be variety. In the case of mountains, it's lovely to have trees, water features (river, lake), and mountain views (obviously). For Sapphire Point Overlook, there really isn't much in the way of variety because you're stuck on the one path. Yes, the views are stunning, the trees are beautiful, the amphitheater offers great panoramic views. But just a five minute drive offered us a knew location with more.
A second location also offers a bit of wardrobe variety.
I give couples the option for multiple outfits. This couple opted for same outfit, but slightly elevated with layering pea coats.
engagement sessions in the mountains...
Are breathtaking. You get to be lovey-dovey in the most beautiful place. My approach is a little less smile-at-the-camera and a little more photos that feel like you. Don't get me wrong, we'll get the smile-at-the-camera photos.
engagement sessions that feel effortless...
Because the are. Your job is to show up with some excitement to spend time with your person, I do the rest. We'll also get some editorial photos. Photos that live at the intersection of heart and art.
 
Considering a Mountain Engagement session?
 
Let's chat.