There are many outdoor sports that I enjoy, but rock climbing is one of the oldest. Though I had not gone climbing in a while, I still knew how to best prepare for this rock climbing engagement session. I realized that in order to get shots of the couple actually on the wall I would also need to be up there with them! See how we captured all of the beauty and fun of this couple’s rock climbing adventure.
How to Photograph A Rock Climbing Adventure
I heavily relied upon Kenna and Hayden’s intimate knowledge of the area to figure out the perfect spots for their adventure session. They knew best when the rock face would be in the shade and when we would have a chance at playing with the sun bursts over the edges.
Hayden climbed the route setting up a top rope and I ascended until I was high enough for the right perspective so I wasn’t just shooting beneath them. The two climbed another route beside me so that they could be just a few feet away.
The November weather was nice but there were a lot of clouds which made for softer light rather than the dramatic blacks and bursts of light I had originally envisioned. I ended up making some different choices compared to how I usually edit photos to account for this. I played around with the editing until I finally struck a vibe and went for it!
It can be slightly challenging to shoot a rock climbing adventure since one person is usually climbing while the other is belaying. This can make it tough to get close enough together while on the wall. For these engagement photos, we made sure to move the couple close together to show off the intimacy of their relationship.
Where to Go For an Engagement Rock Climbing Adventure
The couple’s chosen engagement photo location is a really cool climbing spot found in Page, Arizona, a place not known for rock climbing adventures. It was particularly interesting to find this limestone climbing opportunity since most climbing in the area is on Navajo sandstone.
The majority of visitors to the area go to Lake Powell for couples portraits (or proposals!) and even fly fishing at nearby Lees Ferry! But, any type of couple will find so many things to do in the area!
Hayden grew up there so he knew of this more secretive place which had a lot of the rock climbing routes already set by him and his brother. The destination does require a bit of a sandy drive so I recommend sand boards and a 4×4 off-roading vehicle to be safe.
On the drive out we also photographed a bunch of photos in a nearby field that had the right light and a fantastic background. I was so excited to capture this different look and lighting which worked for the entire set at this secondary location.
Kenna and Hayden knew to bring a change of clothes for their Arizona rock climbing since we would be spending the majority of the time rigging and on the wall. That’s why I wanted to make sure we made these field photos happen beforehand in their nicer engagement outfits.
While Hayden is generally more closed off, I took it as a challenge to get his laughter and true emotion to show through in the photos. Everything about their time flowed so organically as I prompted them to talk about things that made them laugh and smile.
When The Engagement Photoshoot Adventure Fits The Couple
I loved working with Kenna and Hayden. An avid skier and outdoorswoman, Kenna moved to Page when a ski injury forced her to slow down. While her leg healed, she figured why not trade the slopes for the stillness of Lake Powell. Paddling became her new therapy, and Page quickly began to feel like home.
Kenna rented a place with a very cute landlord and little did she know it would turn into so much more. It took barely a week before a spark between them became undeniable. As a local, Hayden knew every hidden corner and adventure and as an avid rock climber, he introduced Kenna to the vertical world.
Before long, Kenna’s knee was healed and the two of them were climbing, exploring, and eventually backcountry skiing together. Her first love came full circle with someone new by her side.
One day, while they were out on another rock climbing adventure, Kenna pulled herself over the top of a route and found something unexpected: an engagement ring hanging from a carabiner. Hayden called up from below, asking the question that would change everything and Kenna, of course, said yes.
Their story started with a healing detour and turned into a lifelong adventure.
Vendors
Destination | Page, Arizona
Photographer | Terri Attridge Photography
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