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Hello and welcome to the inaugural post of the EDP Blog! If you're wondering what to expect here, don't ask me because I'm not entirely sure yet. My goal with this blog is to create monthly posts on a variety of topics, including what to expect during your photo session, helpful guides on choosing a location and wardrobe, spotlight posts highlighting some of my favorite weddings, and provide useful tips on how to have a successful and fun photo session.


So, let me channel my 2012-tumblr-blogging past self to tell you about Chloe + Zeke's desert engagement photo session and why it went SO perfectly even when everything went SO wrong.

A couple takes a smiling selfie together in the desert with a New Mexico desert landscape behind them. LGBT wedding photographer Albuquerque

Chloe + Zeke's New Mexico Desert Engagement Photo Session


When Chloe and Zeke reached out about scheduling an engagement photo session to celebrate their love, I was all in. They wanted the quintessential New Mexico desert engagement vibe: stunning views, wide open landscapes, candid moments, black-on-black outfits, and, of course, a champagne pop. SAY LESS. We found the perfect scenic engagement location in New Mexico, grabbed the champagne, and set a date in July.


If you’ve lived in New Mexico, you know Monsoon Season can be unpredictable—rain one minute, sunshine the next. It’s chaotic, but it’s also part of the charm of living in the desert. The days leading up to Chloe and Zeke’s session were hot and dry, and we were all gearing up for a beautiful summer shoot. But on the day of their desert engagement photo session, the weather had other plans.


It rained, then cleared, then rained again. A storm was forecasted to roll in just as we planned to start shooting. We debated rescheduling or postponing altogether, but ultimately decided to start earlier and trade golden-hour light for the chance to stay dry.

a queer couple dances and spins together in an open field under dramatic cloudy skies at sunset in the desert in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The Hike to the Perfect Location


One of my top tips for couples is to choose a meaningful location for your engagement photos—and Chloe and Zeke did just that. The spot they picked offered an epic New Mexico view, but it required a little effort to get there. We parked about a mile away and hiked to the trail where we planned to shoot.


When we arrived, the view was worth every step. The storm clouds lingered on the horizon, giving us a dramatic backdrop, while the wind finally calmed down. We jumped right into the session, capturing candid moments and wide-angle shots that showed off both the couple’s style and the stunning desert scenery.

A couple dances together in a desert landscape with cloudy skies. engagement photographer albuquerque. New Mexico wedding photographer LGBT.
Close-up of a hand wearing an engagement ring and displaying a small tattoo tucked in a pants pocket. LGBT wedding photographer Albuquerque.
A romantic couple in black clothing share an intimate dance pose in a desert landscape near Albuquerque, NM under cloudy skies at sunset.

Popping Champagne Under Stormy Skies


Towards the end of the session, we brought out the champagne. Chloe and Zeke popped the bottle just as the first drops of rain began to fall, but it didn’t dampen the mood. The moment was full of laughter and pure joy, and the raindrops added an unexpectedly romantic touch.


Then, just as we packed up and started the mile-long hike back to our cars, the weather turned. A sudden downpour hit, accompanied by lightning and fierce winds. Chloe and Zeke sprinted, and I cautiously made my way back, protecting my camera gear at all costs. By the time we reached the cars, we were completely drenched—but honestly? It was all part of the adventure.

A couple embraces in a desert landscape with sage brush and mountains in the distance. LGBT engagement photographer Albuquerque. ABQ photos.
A couple laughs and pops champagne in the desert. Engagement photo locations in New Mexico. Affordable albuquerque couples photographer.
A couple in black dresses pops champagne together in a desert landscape with mountains in the background. New Mexico engagement photographer
A joyful couple shares a candid moment laughing together in the desert with mountains in the background. Albuquerque engagement photographer

3 Tips for Nailing Your Engagement Photo Session


Want your engagement photos to be just as fun and memorable as Chloe and Zeke’s? Here are three tips to help you make the most of your session:


1. Choose a Meaningful Location: Pick a place that reflects your love story. Whether it’s the spot where you got engaged, a favorite hiking trail, or a stunning scenic engagement location in New Mexico, meaningful places create powerful photos. My Location Guide can help you narrow down the perfect spot and it's included for all engagement packages.


2. Coordinate Your Outfits: Chloe and Zeke’s black-on-black outfits were stylish and cohesive without feeling too matchy. Choose colors and styles that complement each other and feel true to you. I provide wardrobe guidance and color palette ideas for all my couples to help you along the way!


3. Be Yourselves: The best photos happen when couples relax and have fun. Whether you’re laughing, popping champagne, or braving a rainstorm, focus on each other and let your connection shine through.

Couple walking through a desert landscape with rolling hills and cloudy skies in the background. queer wedding photographer Albuquerque.
A black and white romantic photo of two people lying close together on a blanket. New Mexico engagement photographer. Queer photographer ABQ
Two hands reaching towards each other against a cloudy sky backdrop with a tattoo visible on one arm. Albuquerque engagement photographer.
Black and white photo of a joyful embrace between two people sharing a tender moment. Albuquerque engagement photographer. LGBT wedding abq.
Two people with dark hair in black and leopard print clothing lean in close together against a cloudy sky in the desert in Albuquerque, NM.
A joyful black and white moment shared in a desert landscape under dramatic cloudy skies. Albuquerque couples photographer. LGBT wedding abq

Ready to Plan Your Engagement Photo Session?


Chloe and Zeke’s session was unforgettable—a little wild, totally romantic, and 100% worth it. If you’re dreaming of your own stunning New Mexico engagement photo session, I’d love to help you capture it.


Click here to inquire about booking your session, and let’s create something amazing together. Rain or shine, your love story deserves to be told. 

A couple dances together in a desert landscape under moody clouds at sunset. Queer engagement photographer Albuquerque. New Mexico weddings.