Taft Point Yosemite National Park Couple Session
YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK! If you're a photographer who loves the outdoors, Yosemite is undoubtedly one of the most iconic and breathtaking places to shoot. For me, it had been at the top of my bucket list for years. And when I say years... I mean YEARS! Constantly seeing stunning images from this incredible location, watching documentaries like Free Solo, and hearing about its legendary beauty only fueled my desire to experience and capture it myself.
But every time I tried to plan a trip, something got in the way. One year, wildfires closed parts of the park, and then the pandemic hit, putting everything on hold. But in 2021, I knew it was finally time to make it happen. With the knowledge that two of the most iconic viewpoints—Taft Point and Glacier Point—would be closing for over a year starting in 2022, I wasn’t going to let anything stop me. So, I blocked off my calendar months in advance, secured permits, and convinced some friends to join me on this long-awaited adventure.
The moment we arrived, it felt surreal. Driving through the famous tunnel and seeing the view that’s graced countless screensavers and postcards in real life was nothing short of magical. The whole car erupted in screams of excitement while Dolly Parton’s Jolene played in the background. It was a moment I’ll never forget!
We spent our first day in the park hiking and scouting locations for my upcoming shoot. Everywhere we turned, there was another jaw-dropping view, another perfect backdrop. Yosemite’s beauty is simply unmatched. But just as we thought everything was going smoothly, we got back into service range and received some concerning news—wildfires near Tahoe were causing air quality concerns, and we feared the park might close. For a moment, it felt like my Yosemite dream was slipping away again. But thankfully, the park remained open, and we were able to continue our trip as planned.
The following day was finally the moment I had been waiting for—shooting in Yosemite! I met up with Kathryn and David, a wonderful couple who were just as excited about this adventure as I was. We started the session at Tunnel View, one of the most famous viewpoints in the park. It offers a panoramic scene of El Capitan, Half Dome, and Bridalveil Fall all in one frame. It’s the kind of view that immediately reminds you why Yosemite is one of the most beloved places in the world.
After soaking in Tunnel View, we made our way into the valley. The valley floor is breathtaking in its own way—towering granite cliffs surround lush meadows, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. We ran through the golden fields, found pockets of light filtering through the trees, and captured the raw, unfiltered magic of this place.
As the sun started to dip lower in the sky, we made our way to our final and most anticipated location—Taft Point. Getting there required about a mile-long hike, but every step was worth it. The trail itself felt like something out of a fairy tale, winding through towering trees and moss-covered rocks. We couldn’t help but stop multiple times along the way to take in the beauty and capture some spontaneous moments.
When we finally reached the edge of Taft Point, it was everything I had dreamed of and more. The cliffs drop off dramatically, creating a stunning, almost surreal setting. The view stretched endlessly, with the last light of the day painting the sky in soft hues of pink and orange. There was an undeniable stillness, a quiet that felt almost sacred.
Kathryn and David soaked in the moment, holding each other close, letting the wind wrap around them as the sun slipped behind the mountains. I stood there, camera in hand, in absolute awe of what I was witnessing. This is what photography is all about—capturing love in the most breathtaking, organic way possible.
As the light faded, we started the hike back, using only the soft glow of our phones and the stars above to guide us. We were exhausted but completely exhilarated. This session wasn’t just about taking photos—it was about experiencing something truly special, creating a memory that would last forever.
Yosemite had been on my list for so long, and it exceeded every expectation. The towering cliffs, the golden meadows, the way the light moves through the park—it’s a place that feels like it belongs in a storybook.
If you’re dreaming of an adventurous engagement session or elopement in a place that feels like pure magic, Yosemite is it. And if you need someone to capture it in a way that feels effortless, cinematic, and true to you—let’s make it happen.
