I am so excited to share some engagement pictures I shot at White Sands National Park today! I love being an Arizona photographer since there are so many amazing locations within driving distance. If you’ve never been able to visit White Sands National Park, you should most definitely put it at the top of your travel bucket list. It is simply amazing!
White Sands Engagement Pictures
These engagement pictures at the White Sands National Park may be some of my favorite images. Ever since I started my photography business, I have been dying to shoot there! Once my best friend got engaged, I just knew I had to capture her and her fiance there! It took a little bit more preparation and time but I am so happy with the final results!
White Sands National Park is located between the cities of Alomogordo, New Mexico and Las Cruces, Mexico. It took us just over six hours to make the drive from Phoenix. While it isn’t the most exciting drive I’ve ever made, the final destination made it 100% worth it! We opted to make a weekend out of the shoot and stayed the night in Las Cruces.
One of the coolest things about the white sand dunes is the gypsum sand (you can read more here) We found the gypsum sand cooler and easier to work on than other sand dunes. It is absolutely beautiful, too! I love the sparkle it added to our images. Not to mention, it offers a perfect neutral backdrop that just makes my subjects (clients) pop! I could go on an on about how much I love a good neutral backdrop, but I’ll save that for another day 😉
We arrived at the sand dunes about 90 minutes before sunset. I wish we had gotten there a little before that to enjoy ourselves a little more! There were lots of people in the park but there was plenty of space. We scouted some areas of the park and I can only imagine the limitless possibilities for photographers there.
Katherine and Devan were simply wonderful to work with. As I mentioned previously, Katherine is my best friend. She and I met over 10 years ago while in college and became fast friends. We have stayed in touch over the years and nothing makes me happier than to see her be loved by Devan. I am so grateful each day that they found one another. I’ve been cheering her on for a long time and I cannot wait for them to get married later this month!
What to Wear for Engagement Pictures
Knowing what to wear for engagement pictures isn’t always easy! I know that because of my own personal experience. I was totally lost on what to wear and what not to wear for my own engagement photos. Here are some quick tips so that you can pick the best outfits:
- Bring two sets of outfits: one dressier, one more casual
- When choosing your color palette, think of your home decor (or future home decor): which colors will look best on your walls?
- Think of your wedding colors. You will most likely want to display these photos at your wedding! Choosing colors that are similar or compliment your wedding colors will help tie everything together.
- Take pictures of you in your outfits at least a week beforehand. Ask a friend or family member to take some quick shots of you in your outfits. Try a variety of poses. Do you feel comfortable moving around? Are the clothes you chose flattering?
- Choose a dress that has some movement. I always advise my clients to wear dresses that you can swish or that would blow in the wind. You will thank me later. Movement adds so much to your photos.
Arizona Wedding Photographer
I love working with couples and am always so excited when a bride reaches out to me. I know you’ve likely been dreaming of your wedding day for your whole life and want to make sure I capture it just as you’d like! All of my wedding packages include a complimentary engagement and bridal/first look session.* I would absolutely love to capture you and your love! Please click here to send me an inquiry!
Without further ado, here are some of my favorite images from Katherine and Devan’s engagement session at the White Sands National Park!
xoxo,
Nicole
*A travel fee may be assessed if shoot is outside a 30 miles radius of Tempe, Arizona.
