A couple's photoshoot at Beaver's Bend State Park: A hidden gem in Southeast Oklahoma. This adventurous couple meet's me here for a fin mix of pet portraits, maternity photos and a couple's adventure shoot.
I think we can all agree that the internet's ability to connect people across the world is one of its greatest powers. It never ceases to amaze me just how many wonderful people I meet through social media.
Unbeknownst to me, Christian had been following my work for several years because of a mutual friend. One day she left a comment on a post I had made, saying how she wished we could meet up for a shoot in Texas, where her and her boyfriend Marc were located. She had no idea that traveling was a big part of my work! After a few messages back and forth, we started putting together a game plan for a grand adventure and some fun couples photos.
When I asked what their idea of a good time spent together was, she said camping, hiking and riding dirt bikes were at the top of the list. Both of them are also prior military and completely understood my borderline unpredictable life as a military spouse. By the time we hung up, it didn't feel much like a client consult- it felt more like I had just hung up from a conversation with an old friend.
Her and Marc are professional K9 Handlers and work detection dogs together, which is actually how they met!
Home for them was the Dallas/Forth Worth area, but they were open to traveling a few hours away from home, for the right spot. Most of the places I found were located in Texas, but during my search I came across a place called Beavers Bend State Park, located in the very Southeastern corner of Oklahoma. I was immediately excited by the scenery I saw. The pine and dogwood forests and year-round rivers and streams looked like a perfect fit for this nature-loving couple.
I knew it was meant to be when Christian said that it was one of their top picks too! So we picked a date and made it official. I couldn't wait to explore this awesome little slice of paradise with them.
I had arrived a few hours before them and found some great spots across the park for us to check out. Even in the dead of winter, this location did not disappoint. We lucked out with warm (almost too warm and humid!) weather and the rain held out the entire afternoon!
During our phone call, Christian had told me that she was also 6 months pregnant with their baby girl! The goal for our session was to not only capture the fun, silly, adventurous love between these two, but to also celebrate this part of their journey with their little girl.
Of course, we couldn't leave the dogs out of the fun!
Towards the end of the day as the sun was setting we took all four of their pups down the the river for some fun. Talk about a good looking pack! I had fun watching their different personalities in this new environment and laughed as they all had their own interpretation of fun in the water.
The one promise I made this beautiful momma-to-be was that I would not make her get neked and prance around the wilderness for her maternity shots.
During our phone consult we'd discussed taking some maternity photos during their couple’s shoot, but she wasn’t interested in any of those belly-baring photos with elaborate dresses and her being at the center of attention. After traipsing through the Oklahoma wilderness together til the sun went down, we'd had some fun, built some trust and her final request was to try and get some belly photos before we parted ways.
I think my answer was probably something like “Hell yes we can!”
It was 30 minutes past sunset in the mountains at this point. I had no idea if I would be able to make decent photos with the shred of blue light we had left, but I told her we’d do our best.
Ive taken some dreamy golden hour maternity photos with some beautiful mommas in lovely dresses, but I think these spontaneous, dark and grainy shots are my favorite Ive ever done. This is real. This is a woman’s body enduring an incredible process before our very eyes. She didn’t need anything more than her goddess self to showcase her strength and beauty in her journey. I am so so happy she asked me to capture these moments of their little family together before we parted ways. These are the kind of photos I live for. It was a perfect way to end our time together. We sat around in the headlights of the trucks and talked for a while before parting ways. Christian told me that her family was actually from the same area that Dylan and I were currently stationed in Utah, so we decided the next time our paths crossed we'd get together for beers and do some more catching up. Meeting awesome people like these two is probably one of my favorite parts of what I do!
Here's a few more of my favorite captures from our time together.
-
Let do it! My adventure sessions are all-inclusive and completely customizable to make your dream shoot a reality. Whether you know exactly where you want to go, or you need some help picking just the right spot, I've got you. Use this contact form to send me a little more information about yourself, and what you have in mind (example: A couples session, a photoshoot for you and your pet, or maybe just a fun personal branding session for your own business!) I will reach out within 72 hours of receiving your email to start planning with you!
Local sessions starting at $385.
