Smith Rock Adventure Climbing Session
Smith Rock State Park is one of the highlights of Central Oregon’s High Desert. Located in Terrebonne, about a 45 minute drive from Bend, Smith Rock is a magical place to rock climb, hike, adventure, photograph and the perfect backdrop for a wedding ceremony. Hanna and Derek, my clients from last year decided to have a ‘Day After Climbing Session’ at sunrise after they tied the knot at Smith Rock (more on their incredible intimate ceremony soon).
Smith Rock Adventure Session
I am not much of a morning person (this I credit to working the 4:30/ 5 am opening shift at Starbucks during my college days) but if I have the chance to photograph a session at sunrise I AM ALL IN. Every bit of it is worth setting the alarm early and driving to the destination in the dark. Surprisingly, this was my first time to Smith Rock at dawn and ding dang, it was stunning!!
We hustled down to Rope De Dope Trail, one of apparently several thousand climbs (says so on the state park website) in the park. Hanna and Derek quickly changed into their wedding attire. It was a COLD morning but these two were pros. They were equipped with their Rock Star energy drinks and all the gear they needed to climb.
Photographing adventurous couples in their element is one of my favorite things about being a photographer. It opens my eyes to new things (and new people). I am not a climber, but documenting this couple climb made me want to learn how to climb one day. ‘Day After’ sessions don’t have to be the day after your wedding day, but are the perfect time to get more photographs with your significant other, without time constraints of a wedding day. Think of it as another opportunity to get some good use out of your wedding attire while creating amazing, relaxed portraits.
Gwen Shoemaker is a seasoned professional photographer with 14 years of experience capturing the beauty of human beings all around the world. From Iceland to Antarctica, and Colorado to Bend, Oregon, Gwen’s passion for love and adventure has led her to specialize in wedding photography. Known for her ability to capture moments of raw emotion, she’s been humorously described by a client as an “emotion vulture,” always ready to swoop in and capture the perfect moment. Gwen’s love for travel and new experiences began when she studied abroad in rural Spain at the age of 17 and has since taken her to 15 different countries. Interestingly, it was in the least populated continent, Antarctica, where she found her true love. Gwen seeks to work with clients who share her love for the universe, are madly in love with their partners, and are full of joie de vivre.
