Desert Couple Photoshoot | In The Alpenglow
When I moved from Virginia to Washington state a few years ago, I had my sights set on the moody, evergreen heaven that was the PNW. I pictured intimate elopements in the woods, hikes with my couples to breathtaking vistas, and bare feet on the sandy rugged shores or along the winding, roaring rivers. What was unexpected (and the best things often are) was how much I fell absolutely in LOVE with the desert beauty throughout this part of the country. And one of the experiences that made me real smitten with them was an unforgettable desert couple photoshoot with Niko and Carly!
The vivid red rocks, massive skies filled with stars, the unique wildlife and scenery, the warmth in the air during the day dropping to a cozy chill at night. The extreme nature of the desert scares people away, but I truly think it is one of the most stunning landscapes you can experience.
The magic of a desert couple photoshoot
Niko and Carly might be the most stylish couple I’ve ever had the honor of photographing. I didn’t have to direct them at all — their laid back, western vibe matched their surroundings perfectly and the photoshoot flowed from start to finish. I found a gorgeous location just outside of Phoenix, and we spent the day together exploring and taking in the views. We went to one of my favorite parks in the area — sprawling desert terrain filled with giant saguaro cacti. This landscape hits somewhere deep every time, with such a unique environment that challenges your idea of what a forest should look like — the saguaro’s towering above you and making you feel delightfully small.
Desert weather is always a bit unpredictable in the winter, but it’s one of the things I love most about it — it’s wild and doesn’t particularly like to be controlled or contained. 🙂 The forecast was calling for showers and we heard the desert thunderstorms rolling in the distance, standing in awe as rain clouds raced across the sky and poured down water miles away. Our area thankfully remained dry, blanketed by a cover of deep blue clouds. While we were walking around the desertscape, taking in its beauty, the clouds suddenly parted, and the sun POURED through the hole in the sky in one luminescent beam! It was breathtaking and otherworldly, and the giant ray of gold captured the attention of us all for a few fleeting magical moments.
Dreaming of a desert photoshoot?
I’m so excited to share this gallery with you for MANY reasons. Definitely because this couple is just immensely cool and easy to photograph, but also because I hope it shows you that the unexpected backdrops can be the most memorable. Whether it’s a place to exchange vows with your partner, capture memories on a significant anniversary, or just mark this moment in time with your love — I hope the desert and its raw beauty are a bit higher on your list of destinations. And if you’re looking for an adventure buddy to experience it alongside you and memorialize it for years to come…I’m your gal. Head to the link below to start a conversation with me!
