Pandapas Pond Engagement Session | Sarah and Dylan | Blacksburg, Virginia Engagement Photographer

I met up with Sarah and Dylan on a bright, sunny afternoon at Pandapas Pond this past fall. I love shooting photos here in the fall because it’s one of my favorite places to capture the colors of the leaves changing. Sarah and I grew up in the same hometown and went to high school together, so we’ve known each other for years. Within minutes of meeting Dylan, it was scary how easily it was for me to tell he was a perfect match for her. These two are clearly so happy together, and made this engagement session an absolute joy to shoot. They both have the best sense of humor, and together their happiness is so contagious.

Tip for all my fellow photographers: snakes like to hang out around water (duh). I ran into a dead copperhead snake trying to get a good angle for this photo. This might have been a completely different story if this had taken place in the middle of the summer. Always be aware of the environment you’re shooting in, and pay attention to where you’re stepping!

Ring shots are always my favorites because you have to get a little creative and work with what you’ve got around you.. I found this random tree stump with the perfectly-sized spot in the wood that I could prop up the engagement ring on. I added in some of the leaves laying around on the ground to give it some more color and contrast.

These were easily my favorite shots of the day.

I’ve always wanted to get a good silhouette shot with the moon, but timing that correctly is super tricky and usually doesn’t work out. These shots just ended up being a lucky happenstance, after noticing the moon rising behind them.

Sarah and Dylan, I had a blast getting to take your engagement photos for you! I’m so excited for the wedding this summer!