Lake O’Hara Hiking Engagement with Banff Elopement Photographers

Lake O’Hara Engagement Photographers with Adventurous Couple

J & R initially contacted us about their wedding plans in Banff to explore if we would be a good fit for their celebrations. We set up a zoom chat and it wasn’t long before we were talking about the possibility of an engagement session in the mountains. With some uncertainty around available time around some very busy work schedules, J took a chance and posed a curious question:

“Have you photographed up at Lake O’Hara before?”

And it just so happened that we have. We photographed a beautiful elopement there before, as well as over 10 visits in the past 2 Summers, we’ve explored every corner of the trail networks. We simply love the area, with the restrictions on the number of visitors it really is a slice of paradise. With a matched curiosity we started talking about dates and their concern over the fact that we likely wouldn’t be able to book a campsite on the same day as theirs.

Being avid hikers and knowing this was well within our daily limit for hiking distance, we set up the plans and arranged to meet these two adventurous souls out at Lake O’Hara campground for their engagement photos.

Sunset at Opabin Plateau for Engagement Photos

We met J & R on a beautiful Summer’s day and had arranged to hike together to Opabin Prospect to watch the sunset. We hiked the 11kms up the road and met at camp to set off for the evening adventure together. With J & R carrying their outfits with them, we set a relaxed pace to keep us from getting too sweaty and were greeted with a cool refreshing breeze at the plateau. The hike flew by as we shared stories and got to know each other before enjoying the reward of the amazing views from the top.

backcountry hiking engagement photos at Lake O’Hara

To add to the incredible views, we were the only souls in sight. We took the time to show J & R the photo locations we would be using and to get comfortable moving around on the rocky outcrops up there. These two were instantly at home, enjoying the views in each other’s company. As the evening light started to turn, the conditions continually improved and paved the way for some intimate portraits in this amazing place. Before the sun completely dropped behind the mountains we stepped back and put the cameras away to let these two have some privacy to soak up the views and savour those memories.

With everything packed up, we hiked back to camp together and said our farewells. J & R heading to camp for the night to enjoy another day at Lake O’Hara and for us, the peaceful 11kms night hike back to the car to bring our evening to a close. A trip to Lake O’Hara is always memorable and to be invited along to share this with J & R was very special. We can’t wait to catch up again in Banff for their wedding and witness these two make things official...congrats!

If, like these two adventurers, you would love to get your engagement or elopement photos somewhere extra special that you didn’t think a photography team would be able, and willing to hike to, then get in touch and let’s get planning. This is our area of expertise and we’re ready to hit the trails with you, no matter how far!

Kahli & Leo

Wild Alpine Image Co.