I seriously need to come up with another name for these types of sessions. Trash the Dress does not suit them. Maybe, Bridals After the Wedding Session or One Last Chance Before You Get Your Dress Preserved and Packaged Session.
I have been wanting to go to the the Lighthouse in Palo Duro Canyon with a bride ever since I did the hike a year ago. When I approached the newly married Anna about it not only was she excited and enthusiastic but also totally willing to tackle any obstacles to make it happen.
Her uber-cool husband Ryon had the honor of rucking her 9-million pound dress the almost three miles to our location.
Dustin hiked down to the bottom to get the epic landscape shot while I stayed up top. Yes, Dustin did the harder work but I got pretty close to the edge, that should count for something…
Can you guess which is Dustin’s and which is mine?
I have been forcing myself to shoot outside of my comfort zone and these pictures are proof of that. Direct sunlight on a white dress leads to blown out spots and loss of detail but I still think the images were worth it. Sometimes my rebelliousness shocks me.
Looking back I probably should have re-schedued this shoot. I knew I would have to leave the location at a certain time and I knew that time would be right in the middle of the most beautiful light of the day. but I was eager to finally get to the location. We had a blast but my mind keeps thinking about the pictures that got away. The ones I never took because of our hasty time line.
See wasn’t the light pretty?!
I lamented about our missed pictures on the hike back and Ryon assured me several times that we got some great pictures. He reminded me to think about what I had and not what I didn’t have. Darn him. It is really hard t o pout when you are walking next to someone who refuses to dwell on the negative. Grrrr.
So this is my last picture of the night. The light was gorgeous and I was in denial that I had to stop shooting. Dustin scolded me about putting the camera away so I could walk instead of breaking my neck while capturing the perfect shot.
Best thing about this session is that Anna and Ryon are going to join us again for a couples session in another awesome location. I so can’t wait and you better bet that I will have things worked out so that I can be there in the “good light”!
Anna and Ryon we loved hanging out with you! Thanks for all your hard work and for being so easy going. You seriously rock. Next time we owe you drinks.
Well, you know me, “I love the sunshine!”. I think these are absolutely FABULOUS! Anna is such a beauty and this location is to die for. I can’t believe you all hiked in three miles for this shoot. Now that’s what I call dedication… or obsession… ; ) Very beautiful work, Leah.
ok….. um YA… THIS IS WHAT I CALL… A CANYON! i MUSSSST come up to shoot here before you move missy…. no buts about it! gorgeous work… your model was fab too! love it!
Beautiful pictures Leah!
AAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! (That’s a good aaahhhhh!) I feel like a horrible client for not looking at these sooner!! My life is in sheer chaos thanks to school, work X 2, gym,and my gigantic inability to prioritize. But aside from my crazyness, I love them!! Leah, you and Dustin are so amazingly talented, each photo is wonderfully unique and detailed! I want to cover every inch of my wall with myself
I had a wonderful time and I can’t wait until we get to shoot again! Leah, name the place, and Ryon and I are there!! Thanks for everything!
You did a fabulous job with my princess, Leah! The setting, the lighting, the texures and the composition all reflect a remarkable and creative talent. Your location selection was truly inspired. I am going to insist that my office folks see your work. Best wishes from a proud father.