Thacher State Park Engagement Photos | Chandler + Dan

For Chandler and Dan’s engagement session, we headed to higher ground – up to Thacher State Park in Voorheesville, NY.
Down near my house, winter had pretty much turned everything into mud, so I was a little nervous about what we were going to find.

But as soon as I started driving up the mountain, I saw SNOW!

Success!

Of course, that’s also when I realized that wearing sneakers may not have been my smartest decision.

Winter Engagement Photos at Thacher State Park

Thacher State Park is one of my favorite locations for engagement photos in the Capital Region because there are so many beautiful areas to explore.

For Chandler and Dan’s session, the remaining snow completely transformed the trails and gave us that beautiful winter look I had been hoping for.

We spent the session walking around the park, stopping whenever we found a spot with beautiful light—which wasn’t difficult that afternoon!

After what felt like weeks without seeing much sunshine in Upstate New York, Mother Nature apparently decided to show off for us.

The sunlight filtering through the trees created the prettiest soft, glowy light.

Exactly what I love for engagement photos.

Getting to Know Chandler + Dan

As beautiful as the location and light were, my favorite part of the session was getting to know Chandler and Dan a little better.

These two are such a sweet couple.

There’s a calmness about them when they’re together that made them incredibly easy to photograph. Nothing felt forced or overly posed. We were able to walk the trails, talk, laugh, and simply let them enjoy being together.

That’s exactly what I want from an engagement session.

I want the beautiful portraits, of course, but I also want photographs of the way you naturally interact—the little looks, genuine smiles, and moments that happen when you’re focused on each other instead of my camera.

Why Engagement Sessions Matter

Engagement sessions are one of my favorite parts of photographing weddings because they’re about so much more than getting pretty pictures before the wedding.

They’re our chance to get to know each other.

Most couples aren’t used to having a professional photographer following them around, and you definitely don’t need to know how to pose before your session.

That’s my job!

By spending this time together before the wedding, you get to see how I work and realize that being photographed can actually be fun.

I also get to learn more about the two of you—how you naturally interact, what makes you laugh, and what helps you feel comfortable.

Then, when your wedding day arrives, I’m already a familiar face.

From Thacher Park to Their Lake George Wedding

Looking back at Chandler and Dan’s engagement session now makes me smile because this snowy afternoon at Thacher State Park was just the beginning of the story I would get to photograph for them.

Later that year, Chandler and Dan celebrated their beautiful wedding at The Carriage House at Fort William Henry in Lake George.

Instead of snowy trails, we had blue skies, mountains, sailboats, and the incredible waters of Lake George behind them as they became husband and wife.

Two completely different Upstate New York settings—and I loved photographing them in both.

Chandler and Dan, thank you for trusting me to capture both of these chapters for you.

From wandering snowy trails in my very inappropriate sneakers to watching you become husband and wife overlooking Lake George, it was such a pleasure getting to know you both!

Planning Engagement Photos at Thacher State Park?

If you’re looking for an Albany NY engagement photographer, Thacher State Park is an incredible location to consider.

From snowy winter trails to lush summer greenery and beautiful fall foliage, the park offers a completely different look depending on the season.

Whether you already have a meaningful location in mind or need help choosing the perfect setting, I’d love to help you plan an engagement session that feels relaxed, romantic, and completely you.

And if we’re heading there in the snow, I promise I’ll wear better shoes next time.