Spearfish Canyon Engagement Session: Sydny + Chris

The Black Hills is truly the perfect backdrop for an engagement session. One of the benefits of having my studio at the entrance to Spearfish Canyon means that I have quick access to some of the best photo locations. And Spearfish canyon never disappoints. The creek in the canyon is famous for its blue coloration in the winter. It’s unique in that it freezes from the bottom up so after a deep freeze and when it begins to thaw a bit, the ice and water create a spectacular blue hue. We had about a 2-week window with sub-zero temps so conditions were perfect for Chris & Sydny’s engagement session once it started to warm up again. And the famous “blue creek” color just so happens to be my favorite color AND it fits my brand colors perfectly. I couldn’t NOT shoot here. (I may have taken all of my sessions here that day!)

Sydny and Chris are actually both photographers, too! I took Sydny’s senior photos a few years back and her family has trusted me to their family photos since then. Having so many creatives together at the session, I knew we were bound to get some pretty amazing images. And since these two got engaged while skiing, it was fitting to have plenty of snow at their shoot. Sydny actually texted me right away when they were engaged to check on my availability, and these two chose their date based on my openings. I can’t tell you what an honor that is. 

At the end of their session we trekked up the canyon while chasing the sunlight to one of my favorite little ponds. Sometimes the snow is 3 feet deep here, but we lucked out and it was manageable to hike down to the pond. It was cold and windy, but it was so worth it! And Sydny & Chris have so much energy, they were naturals to pose and I’m even more excited for their wedding day now. Sydny & Chris – I can’t tell you how honored I am to be your photographer! Especially since you both are artists yourselves. So excited for your fall wedding!