BRANDI + JONATHAN
GRAND TETONS ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS outside THE PARK
Schwabacker’s Landing, Mormon Row, Snake River Overlook + Million Dollar Cowboy
Adventure Engagement Session in Wyoming’s best National Park
Breaking the Norm outside the Grand Tetons
Looking for engagement photo ideas that break away from the traditional? Look no further! In this article, we explore the breathtaking beauty of the Grand Tetons National Park as the backdrop for unforgettable engagement photos.
You don't even need to enter the park to capture the stunning natural scenery of the Grand Tetons for your engagement photos. Towering mountain peaks, shimmering rivers, and golden fields provide the perfect elements for unique and eye-catching photos that capture the essence of your love story.
Brandi + Jonathan's Grand Tetons Engagement Session
Imagine intimate moments against the backdrop of the majestic Teton Range at Schwabacker's Landing, or strolling hand in hand along the dirt roads at Mormon Row with the sun setting behind you. The natural beauty of Snake River lends itself to romantic and awe-inspiring images that will leave a lasting impression.
Whether you're an adventurous couple seeking an epic mountain backdrop or simply want to add a touch of nature to your engagement photos, the Grand Tetons National Park offers endless possibilities. So, embrace the extraordinary and create memories that will be cherished for a lifetime.
Brandi and Jonathan had always dreamed of having their engagement photos taken in a location that held a special place in their hearts. They are having their wedding here in New York but they have been traveling for six years in their RV, working from home. As you can imagine, they have visited many breathtaking destinations, but it was the Grand Tetons area that truly captured their hearts.
Their favorite place to travel
The park's rugged beauty and majestic landscapes made it the perfect backdrop for their engagement session. We spent some time planning and choosing our locations together and then I flew out to Jackson, WY to meet up with them the day before the shoot. We shared drinks and laughs and it truly felt like seeing two old friends. We went to bed with plans to meet for breakfast the next morning before our sunset session.
Mormon Row and the Antelope Flats for Engagement Photos
Unique Teton’s Photo Locations
Brandi + Jonathan picked me up in Jackson and we headed North to start our session at Mormon Row. Mormon Row and the Antelope Flats are two iconic locations just outside the Grand Tetons National Park that offer a stunning view of the Grand Tetons. Mormon Row is a historic district with preserved homesteads that date back to the early 1900s. The rustic barns and picturesque landscapes can make for nice shots. Antelope Flats, on the other hand, is known for its wide-open spaces and abundant wildlife. Here, you can capture the beauty of the Grand Tetons as they rise majestically in the background, while herds of bison and pronghorn roam freely in the foreground.
The combination of the natural beauty and wildlife makes for truly unforgettable engagement photos and this is where I yelled "stooooop" and we all hopped out of the car. The fields were on our West side and were lit up golden with the filtered sunlight and it was exactly what I was looking for to start our session. I like to give my couples time to warm up and so I always start in a wide location and give them some space. I call it "working out the awkwards" and it helps to get my couples more relaxed. Brandi and Jonathan didn't even need it. They have been living in an RV together for 6 years so they are really good at just being together. And honestly, that's all it takes to make great images- just being together.
Schwabacker's Landing for Engagement Photos
Schwabacker's Landing is another popular spot just outside the Grand Teton National Park that offers stunning views of the Teton Range. This location is particularly beloved by photographers for its calm and reflective waters, which perfectly mirror the towering peaks and create a sense of tranquility.
For engagement photos, Schwabacker's Landing provides a serene and intimate setting. We strolled
Stunning views of the Teton’s outside the park
along the wooden boardwalk as the sun was setting behind the mountains, casting a warm glow on the landscape. It was really packed and there were at least two other photographers there with couples. I always try to be mindful of others when I'm working. We're all sharing space and no on is more important than anyone else. Everyone there was so kind and we all gave each other space and time. I love the images we made there- we hit it at a perfect time of day!
Great Locations for Teton’s Engagement photos on the side of the road
Stopping along the drive where the light calls to me
Having a planned path to take is a great way to be prepared during your session, but also allowing time to stop where the light calls to your photographer is essential for great variety in your images. I always plan extra time for this during every session. I like to have a starting place and and ending place and letting whatever happens in between, be up to the light!
As we left Schwabacker’s Landing and headed North towards Snake River Overlook, there were some amazing open flats where the light was shining just right for me. Jonathan pulled the SUV over whenever I asked and we explored and played in the sage brush and light of the Tetons.
Finding our way into the Snake River for adventurous Engagement Photos!
For those looking to add a touch of adventure to their engagement photos, finding your way into the Snake River can create truly unique and memorable images. The crystal-clear water, surrounded by native vegetation, offers a unique setting for your photos. My motto? Just do the damn thing!
Imagine wading into the river hand in hand with your partner, the cool water gently flowing around your feet. How far you go is up to you but once you're in... might as well go all the way in! The natural beauty of the river combined with the love and joy between you and your loved one will create captivating images that tell a beautiful story.
Snake River Overlook at Sunset
Snake River Overlook is an iconic viewpoint made famous by Ansel Adams' photographs. Located just outside the Grand Teton National Park, this overlook offers a panoramic view of the Snake River winding its way through the valley, with the majestic Teton Range towering in the background.
For engagement photos, Snake River Overlook provides a dramatic and awe-
Snake River at Sunset for Photos
inspiring setting. The vastness of the landscape, combined with the grandeur of the mountains, creates a sense of awe and wonder. I chose sunset in particular so that the river would light up and be contrasted against the dark landscape. We found a stone wall at the overlook and made some great silhouettes and moody images with the last of the light we were given. It was magical.
Importance of choosing a unique location at the Grand Tetons
Sunrise or Sunset?
When it comes to engagement photos, choosing the right location can make all the difference. The area outside the Grand Tetons Nation Park offer a variety of stunning vistas that can be enjoyed at different times of the day. One of the most magical times to capture the beauty of the park is during sunrise or sunset.
The soft, golden light during these times creates a romantic and ethereal atmosphere that adds an extra touch of magic to your photos. Whether you choose
to have atmosphere that adds an extra touch of magic to your photos. Whether you choose to have your engagement session at sunrise or sunset, you can be sure that the Grand Tetons will provide a breathtaking backdrop that will make your photos truly unforgettable. I did a lot of research about which area are lit up or in shadow and how that would effect the way I like my light. I also had to consider which time would be more crowded. A lot of these locations have very small paths which make privacy almost impossible. Based on those factors, and our locations, I chose sunset for our engagement session.
Night Photos Outside the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar in Jackson Hole, WY
For a change of pace, consider adding some night shots to your engagement session. Just outside the Grand Tetons National Park, in the charming town of Jackson Hole, you'll find the iconic Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. This Western-themed bar provides a unique and lively backdrop for your nighttime engagement photos.
Keeping the busy street in mind, I asked Brandi and Jonathan to walk towards the neon sign, observing the colorful lights illuminating their bodies to determine how I wanted to use it. The whole vibe is a party and drinking and live music so I treated it like a party and pulled out a flash. I used the same concept as I do during receptions and we made some really fun late night images.
Upper Teton View Campground for Starry Sky Night Photos
I really wanted to capture the magic of the night sky for Brandi and Jonathan, but I knew we needed to get away from the city lights. They told me they had the RV parked at the Upper Teton View Campground and I knew it would be the perfect location. This campground, located just outside the Grand Teton National Park,
winds you up a gravel road to the campground which offers unobstructed views of the starry sky, free from light pollution.
We experimented with old antique lanterns, painting light with flashlights and long exposures until we got THE shot and called it a night.
Final Thoughts on Brandi + Jonathan’s Grand Tetons Engagement Session
Choosing a unique location for your Engagement Photos
Choosing a unique location for your engagement photos can elevate them from ordinary to extraordinary. The Grand Tetons National Park, with its majestic mountains and stunning landscapes, offers endless possibilities for creating unforgettable images.
Beyond the cool locations though, it was such a great way for the three of us to get to know each other better. When I arrive at their wedding now, we really will be old friends and that will make the day flow so nicely.
Whether you choose to venture into the park or explore the areas just outside, the Grand Tetons will provide a backdrop that perfectly captures the essence of your love story. From the tranquility of Schwabacker's Landing to the iconic views of Snake River Overlook, each location offers its own unique charm and beauty.
So, break away from the traditional and embrace the extraordinary. Choose a location that speaks to your heart and allows you to create memories that will be cherished for a lifetime. The Grand Tetons National Park is waiting to be the backdrop for your unforgettable engagement photos.
“BOOK HER. BEST decision EVER!!!
Sam was the best person we could’ve had alongside us during our special day. Her business sense, efficiency, direction, artistic vision, and her impeccable energy - 1000/10. She did my complex French bustle on my dress, dealt with funky family dynamics, kept us on time, was practically a wedding planner, and did everything with the highest level of detail and intent. Her communication leading up to the wedding was a game changer. We had a coordinator but Sam ultimately is the one who came up with the complex schedule that we ended up using. She felt like a true friend the entire day and night. I HATE pictures of myself and being in front of the camera but I’ve never felt more comfortable than I was with Sam. I could write a book about my experience with Sam. I am convinced she is the best photographer and woman in the world. Don’t second guess booking her for even a second!!!!”
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