

As a Rapid City engagement photographer, I get to explore some pretty incredible spots in the Black Hills with my couples, and this winter engagement session at Falling Rock was such a fun one. Even though it was winter, we lucked out with warmer-than-usual temperatures and the softest golden hour light, which made the entire evening feel relaxed, romantic, and easy.
Savanah and Sam were total naturals from the start. Their session was a perfect mix of fun and romance, and it is one of those evenings that reminds me how special engagement sessions really are.



Savanah and Sam have been together for five years, and their connection is one of those that feels both sweet and effortless. They are incredibly kind, sociable, and comfortable together, which always translates beautifully on camera. Even if there were a few nerves at the very beginning, those disappeared quickly once we started moving and exploring.
They got engaged on June 22, 2025, and Sam put so much intention into the proposal. He had Savanah’s ring custom made with nine stones, a detail that is especially meaningful because the number nine has always been important to her. It is little details like that that make their story feel uniquely theirs.



I send my couples a short location guide when planning their engagement session, and Savanah and Sam chose Falling Rock right away. This spot is one of my go-to locations near Rapid City, especially for couples who want dramatic scenery without a long hike or a lot of travel time.
One of the reasons I love Falling Rock is how much variety you can get in such close proximity. We were able to move between a few different areas and get completely different looks without spending much time walking between spots. It is also very easy to access, which makes sessions here feel laid-back and stress-free. The only thing to keep in mind is that parking can be a little limited in one of the areas, especially during busier times.



Savanah and Sam chose neutral and brighter neutral outfits, which worked perfectly for this location. Falling Rock has darker, moodier tones in the landscape, and lighter neutrals help couples stand out just enough without pulling attention away from the scenery.
One of my favorite details from this session was Savanah’s sweater. It was a gift from her grandmother, who specifically asked her to wear it for engagement photos. The sweater had the sweetest white bow details and added such a personal, meaningful touch to the session. Sam paired his look with a quarter zip and jeans, keeping everything timeless and relaxed.



One thing I hear often from couples is that they are worried about feeling awkward in front of the camera. Savanah and Sam are a great example of how quickly that fades. I focus on movement and natural interaction, which helps couples feel comfortable within the first few minutes. From there, everything flows easily and the session starts to feel more like a fun evening together than a photoshoot.
At the end of their session, I scrolled through a few images with them, and they were already in love with what they saw. Those moments never get old for me.





If you are dreaming of your own engagement session in the Black Hills, I would love to help you plan it. You can inquire for an engagement session with me, or explore more galleries from Falling Rock to see how this location looks throughout different seasons.
Black Hills Photographer
I’m a Rapid City-based wedding and portrait photographer capturing love stories throughout the Black Hills and beyond. My work blends an intentional eye with a heart rooted in Christ — always seeking beauty in stillness, meaning in the in-between, and honesty in every frame. I believe marriage is sacred, and your story deserves to be told with grace, care, and a touch of poetry.
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