Caitlin & Cody


In one of my most recent blogs I talk about my AMAZING trip to Las Vegas. If you haven’t read that blog yet, click here. As a destination elopement photographer, there are several locations that are seen as my “bucket list locations”. One of those being Yosemite National Park. Luckily for me, the stars aligned and the universe told me to get my butt on over there and that’s exactly what I did. A beautiful Yosemite national park engagement to get you feelin all the feels. 


Caitlyn and Cody are quite literally one of the sweetest couples I’ve ever met. I actually met Caitlin back in 2020 and believe it or not she is actually a wedding photographer too, so we were able to bond pretty quickly. Cue the song it’s a small world after all - lol. For this Yosemite National Park engagement we wanted to keep things very light hearted and playful. 


YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK ENGAGEMENT


Located in the sunny state of California, Yosemite National Park is the ultimate destination location. Sitting on nearly 1200 square miles, this National park is filled with deep valleys, waterfalls, meadows and ancient sequoia trees. If you’re planning on visiting Yosemite National park, you must stay up to date with all of their rules and regulations. We are not out here to be collecting any fines! If you are entering the park during their peak season (may through June) and the hours of 6am to 4pm, a reservation will be needed. Furthermore you are going to need to pay an entrance fee which ensures that you can enter into a Yosemite National park with a vehicle. For non commercial vehicles under 15 people it is $35. For more information on their entrance and permit fees, click here! 


Of course since we were in sunny California, the weather was HOT. You know what though? That’s okay because I truly don’t mind the heat that much. Since it was so hot we spent a good chunk of time during this engagement session facing away from the sun. We got some beautiful backlit portraits that are seriously making me melt all over again while writing this. 


Like I mentioned before, the theme was to be very playful and youthful and i believe we achieved that. Caitlin and Cody’s connection in front of the camera was just so intense and emotional while still pulling in from their youthfulness. It was just perfect and I couldn’t be more happy with how these photos turned out.


WILDERNESS PREPARATION TIP


While out and about galavanting through Yosemite National Park, Caitlin, Cody and I saw a stray black bear. When out and about, especially in a large outdoor area such as Yosemite National Park, it's important to be prepared. When going outdoors for a session, making sure that you are equipped with the knowledge of handling wildlife will save you a ton... literally.


1.) Stay Calm - Do not panic and stay perfectly still if you come across a bear. Most of the time bears want to be left alone, so making sure you are as still and quiet as possible which will deflect from any attention you may draw to yourself.


2.) Make Yourself Look as Large As Possible - Moving to higher ground will give the impression that you are larger than the bear. This may in turn cause them to be less likely to approach you.


3.) Do NOT Run - Whatever you do, don't run. Running will immediately draw attention to you and may trick the bear into thinking you are prey running away. Leave quietly and as quickly as possible.


4.) Carry Bear Repellent - Bear repellent is the absolute last resort, but should be carried at all times whenever you're surrounded by wild life and nature.


To read more about how to be best prepared for witnessing a bear or preventing a bear attack, just click here!


If you loved reading about this Yosemite National Park Engagement, then you're going to want to read this Las Vegas Desert Engagement!


Photos By Gayle does more than just take photos of people. Rather, it is capturing moments of LOVE and HAPPINESS. Singing to the skies, dancing in a field, smiles that hurt because they’re so big. There is nothing else I would rather be doing than photographing these unique details that make you and your significant other a couple. If these Caitlin & Cody's session puts a spark in you, you know where to click <——— right there!

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I am a Destination Elopement Photographer who specializes in weddings, engagements, elopements, and boudoir. I love to travel to new places so if you are looking for a photographer for any of these events, please contact me here and I will be more than happy to get you started on some beautiful photos of your own!