Candid Summer Engagement Session at Bighorn Lookout in Kananaskis
A Picture-Perfect Setting for an Engagement Shoot
Located in the heart of Kananaskis, Bighorn Lookout is one of the most breathtaking places for an engagement session. As a Calgary photographer I’m so lucky to have the mountains of Kananaskis, Banff and Canmore at my disposal. I love working with couples here because it provides both the stunning views of the mountains and the wide open meadows that you just can’t find in the city. This location offers panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, wildflower meadows, and clear blue skies, making it a photographer’s dream.
For Alannah & Alex’s summer engagement session in Kananaskis, we arrived at the lookout on a perfect sunny evening. The lighting was soft and golden, casting a romantic glow over the couple as they hugged, laughed, and explored the scenic beauty together. The wild flowers were in bloom which added depth and texture to their photos. As we moved around the meadow, I encouraged the Alannah & Alex to be themselves — to walk hand-in-hand, share a quiet moment, or simply admire at the stunning mountain scenery. It was so clear that they were completely at ease, which made for some truly beautiful, candid shots.
Why I Always Encourage an Engagement Session
Engagement sessions are an important part of your wedding photography experience. It’s not just about getting stunning photos for your save-the-dates or invitations — it’s about building a relationship with your wedding photographer, feeling comfortable in front of the camera, and having a chance to capture candid moments. Especially in places as grand as Kananaskis and its stunning mountain scenery, having the opportunity to get to know your photographer and how they work can make all the difference when it’s time to capture your wedding day.
One of the main reasons a mountain engagement session in Kananaskis is so special is that it helps you relax and get used to being photographed and you’ll get some epic photos as well. If you're nervous or unsure about being in front of the camera, this is the perfect time to practice. I always recommend my couples to enjoy the experience, take their time, and focus on each other rather than on posing. This creates the most genuine and candid moments, which will come in handy on your wedding day when you want those natural, intimate photos.
Getting Comfortable for Candid Wedding Day Photos
One of the most rewarding parts of any engagement session is that it sets the stage for your wedding day. On the big day, couples often feel pressure to perform, but the experience of working together with your photographer during an engagement session makes a huge difference. You’ll feel much more confident, knowing how your photographer works and how to move naturally in front of the camera. This is especially true for mountain engagement sessions, where the vast and majestic backdrop can feel a bit intimidating at first.
A relaxed engagement shoot provides the perfect opportunity to get comfortable with your photographer and your surroundings. When you feel at ease, your emotions shine through, and that’s when the most candid and authentic moments happen. By the time your wedding day rolls around, you’ll be able to enjoy each other’s company without worrying about how you look — you’ll already have a solid understanding of how to engage with each other naturally and comfortably, and your photographer will know exactly how to capture those perfect, unposed moments. I aways recommend choosing a location that is different from your wedding photos so you have variety. I love taking a trip out to Kananaskis for the evening so you can get those amazing views and mountain photos that you just cant find in the city.
Hiring Me For Your Kananaskis Engagement Session
As a wedding and engagement photographer, it’s my job to make sure that the photography experience is enjoyable and stress-free. That means guiding you through your session with ease, but also giving you the freedom to be yourselves. An engagement session is all about capturing your love story, and I truly believe that the mountains, the wide-open skies, and the sense of adventure that Kananaskis offers can create the perfect canvas for your personal story. We are so lucky to have it right in our backyard and I know some amazing locations to soak up that mountain beauty.
Whether you’re having a mountain-themed wedding or simply want to commemorate your love in one of the most beautiful spots on Earth, a Kananaskis engagement session is an investment in timeless memories. Not only will you have gorgeous images to share for years to come, but you’ll also feel more comfortable and confident when the cameras come out on your wedding day. I’m all about documentary style photography, capturing you and your day naturally as it unfolds, but in order to make that happen you have to feel comfortable. I know that most couples aren’t used to being in front of the camera and can be a bit shy. After your engagement session I promise you’ll feel relieved and even excited for the photo portion of your wedding day.
If you’re considering a mountain engagement session or want to learn more about booking a Kananaskis engagement photographer, I would love to chat and help you plan your perfect photo experience. There’s nothing quite like the magic of the mountains to celebrate your love — and I can’t wait to help you capture it!
