GREAT SAND DUNES NATIONAL PARK ENGAGEMENT SESSION

Alex + Terese National Park Engagement Session | Info on National Park Photo Sessions

A Great Sand Dunes engagement session is an unforgettable experience, and I had the privilege of photographing Terese and Alex during their early morning adventure in this one one of a kind national park. It was their first time visiting the Great Sand Dunes National Park, and we couldn’t have asked for a more perfect morning to explore. Even though the days were warm, the water was still flowing, the sunrise still peeked over the mountains and the sand was cool.

One of the reasons I always recommend a Great Sand Dunes engagement session at sunrise is how quiet it is on early mornings. With little to no people around, you’re able to enjoy the dunes without distractions. While a few campers might still be in their sleeping bags at sunrise, it’s mostly just us and a few people trekking their way to Star Dune. The highest point in the sand box. The early morning air is crisp, which is best for bringing your dog along, as we did with Terese and Alex’s pup. Plus, there’s nothing quite like the sun peeking over the mountains and warming your face as the day begins. If you’re lucky and witness the perfect sunrise and low clouds and not a ton of wind whipping sand in your face, you’ve found the unicorn!

The park’s landscape is one of the many different views that Colorado has to offer.

During our session, we spent time hiking up and down the dunes. Running down the sandy slopes is a thrilling experience (though not as soft as it looks!). Terese and Alex embraced the fun, tackling each other in the sand, creating sand angels, and laughing through it all. There’s something about the wide-open space of the dunes that feels like a giant playground. There’s so much joy in getting to be a big kid here and I loved capturing these authentic moments with them.

As much as I’m excited for their destination wedding in Hawaii (which I’m definitely a little jealous of), I’m beyond grateful I was able to photograph Terese and Alex here at the Great Sand Dunes. The park’s landscape is one of the many different views that Colorado has to offer. Have you seen Rocky Mountain National Park? Or Black Canyon of The Gunnison National Park? Or Mesa Verde?! We are truly blessed here in this state. Every visit here feels new, and no two sessions are ever the same.

For anyone considering a Great Sand Dunes engagement session, I can’t recommend it enough. Whether you’re celebrating your love or simply capturing the beauty of nature, it’s an experience you’ll cherish fuheva! Just make sure to bring plenty of water, and remember to embrace the sand—you’ll be spending a lot of time in it and it’s bound to get in unmentionable places!

SIDE NOTE (funny story)

Leading up to this session, I wasn’t able to get to the sand dunes until close to dinner time the day before their session. We didn’t have a permit to camp and you’re technically not allowed to camp in your car within the NP. I figured, I’ll get a few hours of sleep if I’m lucky. What are the chances… We (my husband and dog) decided to sleep in the back of our Pathfinder to catch a few hours of zzzz’s.

As soon as we fell asleep, two park rangers come blazing in with high beams and spotlights like we’re El Chapo. My dog starts going crazy and my husband jumps out of the SUV in his underwear, confronted by the rangers. He explains we’re just getting two hours of sleep before we have to be up and they let us crash and go about our sleepless night. It was comical, but those guys don’t mess around. So if you’re thinking of just camping in your car, because there is no more camping left on the grounds…don’t. You will be ambushed.

Let’s plan your Sand Dunes adventure!