An engagement portrait session is more than just taking pictures. It’s about making art. An engagement session is about connection; capturing the connection a couple shares and building the connection between client and photographer. It’s about understanding who they are as people and connecting with them as individuals. And, of course, it’s about making beautiful images. That’s exactly what I did with Israel and Brittany. I met up with them in the Phoenix, Arizona desert to connect with them and capture their engagement portraits.

Israel and Brittany are a stunning couple. The two of them were so at ease with each other as we wandered through the desert, chasing the light and enjoying one another’s company. I collaborated them in the same way I might collaborate with a model or an art director. Rather than trying to coax poses out of them, the day evolved organically. We let light and conversation guide us around the desert just outside of Phoenix. We captured moments filled with laughter, quiet intimacy, and love. I always aspire to capture real moments, and we did it in every image.

Phoenix Arizona Desert Engagement Portrait Session

The beauty of the Arizona desert is so unique. Within one session, we experienced a wide range of temperatures and backdrops. In the afternoon, the sun beat down warm and golden. When it began to set, both the light and the temperatures cooled, changing the mood and the look of the images. Together, we looked for interesting backdrops and landscapes, hiking high up into the hills for the best vantage points. The desert has so many different personalities that kept the three of us constantly inspired.

I really enjoyed connecting with these two. The conversation flowed easily and we had a great time throughout the session. As we spent more time together, I got to see more of who Brittany and Israel are, and how they interact. They’re a very loving couple, effortlessly connecting in pictures even when they weren’t touching. There’s energy between the two of them and it was easy to document. They’re very much in love. Israel is smitten with Brittany. Natural, easy intimacy like this makes for gorgeous photographs.

I hope you enjoy these portraits. It was a true pleasure collaborating with this couple.