You know a couple has to be awesome to be willing to meet up in the forest for their Payson Engagement Photos, and then follow their photographer another 30 minutes down dirt roads to get to the location. Chris and Sam were absolutely delightful! I loved getting to introduce them to one of our favorite spots in Arizona.

I left my house that day to rain on the windshield, but was so grateful to find that it wasn’t raining up around Payson when we got there. We did have some beautiful cloud cover that kept temperatures extra cool and the light soft. We started by the stream and, oh darn, I had to wade in to get the shots I wanted.

These two warmed up to pictures almost instantly. I loved how they snuggled in, laughed with each other, and just had fun with it!

After playing down by the creek for a little bit we went out to the meadow for the big wide open shots. Loved playing a bit with the fence there!

The last time I saw this tree it was completely bare before all the other trees had dropped their leaves for the fall and I was worried it had died. I was so excited to arrive this time and see that it is alive and looking incredibly healthy!

I love when little curious critters show up during ring shots! This guy loved Sam’s diamond!

I was grateful for clouds with texture for pictures! Flat clouds diffuse the light nicely, but they don’t make for as pretty of a background. Textured clouds, those filter the light AND give some visual interest! It was lovely!

After playing in the field a bit we decided to head back to the stream to finish off the session. We had to stop for a few quick pictures in the tall grass and wildflowers. How often do you find that in Arizona in June?!

We were able to play around with a few different angles than I’ve done before here because of the clouds, and I love this downstream view of them on the rocks! Want to know something else crazy? I had to desaturate the plants in these pictures because they looked so unreal and oversaturated otherwise! It’s so green there!

Here’s why I shoot with two cameras (each with a different lens on it): the above and below photos were taken with me in the exact same spot. I didn’t move my feet at all. The only difference is the lens that I used. Same spot, same basic pose, but two totally different looks because of the two different lenses.

Chris and Sam, I had a blast meeting you two and spending the early evening with you both. You are easy to be around, friendly, warm, and so genuinely in love. It’s was absolutely delightful! I can’t wait for your wedding next year!!

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