Can anyone really know when peak fall colors across Colorado will be?

Sure, we've got those handy prediction maps, and oftentimes our news outlets tell us if they'll be "early" or "late"... but those are so broad, and it's hard to really know, location-by-location when the best colors will be. But as photographers, we've often know better than the predictors you see online.

So when Amanda + Micah came to me, saying they wanted fall colors in their engagement photo session, and they wanted to stay in Colorado Springs, I knew just what to do.

Using my years of experience living in Colorado Springs, I knew the three-week range that peak season often fell in, depending on how wet or dry the year had been. Knowing other key factors the couple wanted (an easily walkable location, central to town, and an intimate feeling), I relied on one of my favorite, late peak locations: Monument Valley Park.

What if you feel "camera shy" or "awkward" in photos?

When they first inquired with me about covering their wedding, Amanda noted that they often feel "too awkward for photos." If this sounds like you, trust me, most of us feel that way.

Over coffee in that first planning meeting, I got to know the couple on a deeper level than the other photographers they had met with. We talked about their life together, how they met, and what's important to them on their wedding day. But we also talked about what their biggest values, insecurities and fears about their wedding day, and favorite traditions are. We became fast-friends, with that deeper foundation established.

This is something I strive for with all of my clients, because I really aim to capture you on your wedding day and in your engagement session, not just the day itself. Your emotions, how you're feeling, your relationship with your favorite people.

Insecurities (mostly) aside, I suggested Amanda and Micah book one of my wedding collections that includes and engagement session. Not to "book the larger package," but because I truly believe an engagement session helps to build an even stronger relationship between client and photographer, plus, I know you'll feel so good when you realize you're not "awkward" in photos after all—maybe you've just been stuck with photographer's who's only move is "Say Cheese!"

A prompt-lead engagement photo session to capture the real you.

When we arrived to Monument Valley Park for our engagement session that evening, the conditions were perfect. Comfortable weather, not too many people in the park, and peak fall colors all around.

I took Amanda and Micah by surprise by telling them that, to start, I wasn't going to pose them. We'd build into that. First thing we wanted to do, was play a couple of games. I bet they were thinking, "There's no way these will come out good!"

But of course, we got to laughing and playing. Meanwhile, it started to feel like there wasn't even a camera around. As we got the jitters out, I started adding some suggestions, or saying "hold that!" so we started to capture more traditional-style portraits, while still getting genuine giggles instead of forced smiles.

Finally, when we felt truly comfortable, Amanda changed into her more formal outfit, and while we kept playing and laughing, we got truly gorgeous portraits for the couple.

A thank you, Amanda + Micah.

Amanda and Micah, it was an absolute joy getting to know you during your engagement session and planning your wedding. Fun-loving and truly authentic couples like you make my work sing! I can't wait to celebrate your wedding with you in the spring!