Brooklyn and Jesse knew they wanted their engagement session to reflect the heart of their relationship — a love that grew from years of friendship, and a shared joy in spending time outdoors together. In the weeks leading up to their shoot, we bounced around a few location ideas, but ultimately landed on Griffith Woods, a familiar favorite with a fresh take. A few days before, I sent them some inspo photos of a quiet area we’d never used before, paired with a new go-to spot along the riverbank. They were totally game and when I told them it would mean a 2 km walk to get there.

Why Griffith Woods Was the Perfect Backdrop

We love this park for so many reasons. Its size alone offers countless backdrops, each with a different vibe. From forest trails to the rusted bridge to the wide-open river’s edge, it’s easy to find a quiet, tucked-away spot where you won’t be interrupted. Even when we do cross paths with others, everyone’s always been friendly and respectful. One of my favorite things about Griffith Woods is how the light shifts throughout the day. In the middle of the afternoon, the trees offer plenty of open shade, while down by the riverbanks, we wait for the magic of golden hour to make everything shimmer.

We started this session tucked into the trees, letting our couple ease their way into the shoot. As the sun dropped lower, we made our way to the riverbed where the light opened up and everything turned golden. It was the perfect setting to capture both the fun and romantic sides of their relationship.

Two Looks, One Session

One option we offer our couples is a portable changing tent, which makes it easy to switch outfits right on location. Brooklyn started in a simple white dress that set the tone for some beautifully romantic images. Midway through the session, she changed into jeans and a mock turtleneck, giving her the freedom to move more easily and lean into the fun, playful side of the shoot. That quick outfit change added so much variety to their gallery with hardly any extra effort.

Engagement Photo Tips Inspired by Brooklyn & Jesse’s Session

1. Embrace the Journey (Literally!)
Don’t be afraid of a bit of a walk. Some of the most beautiful and quiet locations—like the one we used in Griffith Woods—require a short hike, but the payoff is worth it. Wear comfortable shoes for getting there, then swap into your shoot shoes once we arrive.

2. Plan for Light, Not Just Location
We timed this session to land on the riverbed right as golden hour hit—and it made all the difference. Choosing when to shoot is just as important as where. Trust your photographer to help you plan around the best light. You can easily find out what time golden hour starts in Calgary here.

3. Balance Your Outfits with Your Environment
Brooklyn’s white dress popped beautifully against the warm greens of the forest, while her second look felt totally at home among the river rocks and soft golden light. When choosing outfits, think about how the colors and styles will complement your location.

4. Movement Adds Magic
Playful prompts like running, spinning, and piggy-back rides added energy to their images. If you’re up for it, moving together creates authentic moments and helps shake off any nerves.

Whether you’ve been together forever or are just starting your journey, your engagement session should feel like you. If you’re dreaming of an experience that blends natural beauty, real connection, and golden hour magic, I’d love to help make that happen. Let’s start a conversation about your session here.