How to Add Adventure to Your Engagement Photoshoot

A couple's engagement photo at the Pulp Mill ruins in Harper's Ferry, WV

Allie Beckley Photography and I recently joined forces to offer adventure sessions that range from a totally unique local experience to jetting off somewhere new and crazy, but all have one thing in common: creating an experience. I tackle the logistics, everything from working with clients to identify the perfect location to setting up the schedule, and Allie does what she does best; capture her clients in her uniquely raw, naturalistic, artistic way.

“No one warned me that wedding planning was basically making a thousand decisions and when you think you’re done, having to make some more. We were on the fence about engagement pictures but ultimately decided to do them — it was a chance to build rapport with the photographer (BTW Allie is as awesome of a person as she is a photographer!), get used to being photographed, and practice different poses. Made a decision, done! Only we weren’t … we had to then decide where.

The fortunate part of living in the mid-Atlantic is having access to every type of locale you can imagine, so naturally I got overwhelmed and couldn’t make a decision. I didn’t even know where to start. Enter Megan of Reverie & Ramble. She asked us thoughtful questions to get a sense of the vibe we would like and off she went…

When Brittany and Ryan contacted Allie Beckley Photography to set up their engagement shoot, we knew we’d landed the perfect adventure session clients. It only took one conversation with Brittany for my brain to go into overload with all the possibilities for these outdoors loving, laid-back adventurous souls. One location I scouted was Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. The more I looked into this historic Blue Ridge Mountain town, the more confident I felt that I’d found them THE spot. Harpers Ferry offered the perfect blend of outdoorsy meets industrial which played perfectly to Brittany and Ryan’s preferred styles. Between the trails, old structures, and beautiful Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, Brittany and Ryan were sold.

Harpers Ferry is about an hour and twenty minutes from Washington, DC. The town is small, but quaint, with several charming restaurants, shops, and unlimited opportunities to learn about Harpers Ferry’s rich history. The town is also surrounded by several hiking trails, including the 2,178-mile Appalachian National Scenic Trail, which runs from Georgia to Maine. [Fun Fact: Harpers Ferry is the mid-way point if you’re hiking the entire Appalachian Trail.]

A young woman under wooden train tracks, in front of old wooden doors, and siting on brick ruins in Harper's Ferry, WV
Scouting locations at Harpers Ferry: underneath the train tracks (left), Pulp Mill ruins (center), old doorway in town (right)

I had the opportunity to head to Harpers Ferry with Allie prior to the session to snap some test shots and plan the most optimal routes to maximize our time with our clients. All Brittany and Ryan had to do was show up.

…She came back with a handful of options and made the entire process shift from overwhelming to fun! She found us a perfect site that was not only gorgeous but fit both of our personalities individually and as a couple; even made sure it would accommodate our dog! The knack for planning was evident in the attention to detail. I can’t thank Megan enough for taking care of all the details so we could focus on the fun!”
Brittany W., Bride-to-be

A couple's engagement shots are various locations in Harper's Ferry, WV
A glimpse at Brittany and Ryan's Harpers Ferry session

Interested in an Adventure Session? Visit Allie Beckley Photography to begin creating your completely customized, completely YOU session that reflects your lust for adventure.

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Megan Beckley

Megan Beckley

I’m a wandering Virginia girl with a serious thirst for travel. When I’m on the road, I’ve got one goal: create an authentic experience without breaking the bank. When I’m not traveling, I maintain my 9-5 work-life while carving out time to play tourist in my own city.

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