There’s something magical about the Black Hills in the spring, especially when you have the kindest couple in front of your lens. I had the sweetest time with Mercades + Josh during their engagement session. We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful afternoon to explore two hidden gems in Rapid City: Falling Rock and Graffiti Rock.
Mercades + Josh’s Spring Engagement Session at Falling Rock
A dreamy evening session in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
We started the evening at Falling Rock, where the lighting was glowy and beautiful. Mercades + Josh have this calm, joyful energy that made the whole shoot feel like hanging out with old friends.
Taking our time to get to know each other before the wedding.
As we wandered from one spot to the next, they were laughing, sharing little moments, and taking in the views together. Nothing about this session was rushed. There was an official start time, but we never established a set end time. This is what I love about engagement sessions included in our wedding collections. I get to take my time with my couples. If they aren’t comfortable in front of the camera, I keep them moving and focused on each other until they hardly remember there is a lens pointed in their direction.
The key to comfortable wedding portraits
These engagement sessions build trust. The couple learns how I work, and I get to see how the couple interacts with each other in front of the camera. Are they uncomfortable in poses? I’ll switch to prompts. Are they more serious and prefer romantic photos? I’ll switch them to posed prompts with more instructions. This gives me exactly what I need to plan their wedding portraits, because no couple is the same.
The views from Graffiti Rock
Not far from Falling Rock is Graffiti Rock. In fact, it’s just across the canyon. It’s one of those spots that feels tucked away, like a hidden gem you’d only stumble across if you knew where to look. That’s a common theme in the Black Hills. Sometimes, you have to follow that adventurous streak and go down that next trail. This is often where the best views are.
A dramatic landscape portrait of the couple
As the session drew to a close, I told the couple about an image I’d been picturing. They happily agreed, and I’m glad they did. I’ll admit, I was a little off on my prediction on where they’d have to go. After a quick phone call and a bit of instruction, they found their way to the platform. Mercades worried on the call that they were “keeping me too long,” but I didn’t mind. In fact, I encouraged them to take the time to get this fun shot. And let me tell you, the pictures did not disappoint.
It was a little comical when I had to mime what I wanted the couple to do from across the way. I twirled myself around, dipped myself, and did a couple of other movements we’d done earlier in the session. They’re beautiful, and I’m so thankful they trusted my vision. Three of these shots even ended up in their guest book for their wedding!
Why couples love Falling Rock for engagement sessions.
Falling Rock is perfect for those located in Rapid City who want the beauty of the Hills without having to wander too far into them. While I’m always up for an adventure, I completely understand that time is valuable. The trail is short, taking less than 3 minutes to get there, and the views are as good as anything you will get deeper in the Hills. This site also has cell phone reception, so I’m easily accessible if my couples have a hard time finding the location.
Who I wouldn’t recommend Falling Rock for.
I wouldn’t recommend Falling Rock for families with younger children. The trail is easy enough, but the location is on a cliff’s edge. It takes constant vigilance with the little ones to keep them from wandering too close to the edge.
I also wouldn’t recommend Falling Rock if you’re very scared of heights. Like I said above, the location is right at the cliff’s edge, which is what makes this location so stunning. If you are terrified of heights, this is not the location for you.
Thank you, Mercades + Josh, for trusting me to take your engagement photos! I’m so excited to be a part of your wedding day later this year. It’s going to be so much fun!!
If you like this post, you might also like:
Wind Cave National Park Engagement Session
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