Alabama Hills California Couple Session
Alabama Hills had been on my radar for a while. I first came across this incredible landscape on Instagram, and I immediately knew I wanted to shoot there one day. But with so many breathtaking locations on my list, I never took the time to figure out exactly where it was. I saved a photo, admired it from afar, and moved on—until the perfect opportunity presented itself.
While planning a trip to Death Valley National Park with some friends, I dove into research to map out our adventure. To my surprise, I discovered that Alabama Hills was just about an hour from Death Valley. Instantly, I knew we had to make it part of our journey. I pitched the idea to my friends, and without hesitation, they were all in. That’s when Ethan & Sydney came into the picture.
Ethan & Sydney were friends of a friend who was coming on the trip, and they had recently moved to California. They shared our love for adventure and were more than willing to meet us in the middle of the state to model for this dream shoot. Everything aligned perfectly, and soon we were set to capture something truly special.
We met up before sunset, taking in the vast, rugged beauty of the landscape. If you’ve never been to Alabama Hills, it’s unlike anything else—the towering rock formations, the endless desert, and the dramatic backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountains create an otherworldly setting. The golden light spilling over the rocks made every moment feel cinematic, and Ethan & Sydney were completely in sync, their love effortlessly unfolding in front of the camera.
One of the best parts of this session was how quiet and untouched the location felt. Aside from a few campers setting up for the night and the occasional off-road vehicle kicking up dust in the distance, we had the space almost entirely to ourselves. If you scroll down to the shots with the long road and mountains in the background, you can actually see the haze from a passing Jeep—a little frustrating in the moment but undeniably cool in the final images.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the energy shifted. Twilight set in, painting the sky in deep blues and purples, and the stars slowly began to appear. We decided to push the session further, using the headlights from our Jeep to illuminate Ethan & Sydney as they danced under a canopy of endless stars. It was pure magic—an intimate, unscripted moment that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of adventure and romance.
This session reminded me why I love what I do. It wasn’t just about capturing stunning portraits; it was about creating an experience—one that Ethan & Sydney would remember just as vividly as I would. Engagement sessions, elopements, or even just a couples’ adventure shoot should feel like an extension of who you are. They should tell a story, not just document a moment.
If you’re dreaming of an adventurous session in a location that speaks to your soul, let’s make it happen. Whether it’s Alabama Hills, Yosemite, or the coast of Big Sur, I’m all about creating something unique, effortless, and true to you. Let’s go chase golden light and capture something unforgettable together.
