Megan and Jenna travelled all the way from Massachusets to visit Banff for the first time. Megan reached out to me a few months prior and said she planned to propose to Jenna after a hike at Lake Louise. Of course Jenna said yes, and I met up with them the following evening to do an engagement session at Lake Minnewanka. It was a smoky day in the mountains, which can happen during the summer months, but the smoke added to the images. These two had never done a photo session together, but they did a great job!

I encourage all couples to do an engagement session, and it's included in my wedding packages. Why? It's a great opportunity for us to get to know each other and for you to feel more comfortable in front of the camera. You'll get a feel for how I work with couples, and it can be a fun way to have a date night together.

Here are some tips for planning an engagement session in Banff National Park:

• Shoot at golden hour. This is the hour before sunset, and when the light is best. If you're early risers, you can also do morning golden hour, which is the hour after sunset. The time of golden hour will vary depending on the season, but be prepared to shoot later in the evening if you're planning a summer engagement session. 
• Bring a couple of outfits. The weather can change quickly in the mountains, and having multiple outfit choices will add some variety to your photos.
• Wear comfortable shoes. You'll likely be walking over some uneven terrain, and you need to be able to move.
• Be open to suggestions when it comes to location. Banff has some very famous photo spots, like Lake Louise or Moraine Lake, but their popularity means they're very crowded. Discuss locations with your photographer and be open to their suggestions. There are some fantastic spots that are less crowded but just as beautiful.