funky engagement session on film and digital at frank lloyd wright’s taliesin west
A Funky Engagement Session on Film and Digital at Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin West
Every once in a while, a bride and groom come to me with all the creative freedom in the world and we get to do something super rare for their engagement photos.
The location. The outfits. The light. AH, my mid century modern dream come true. And it just happened to align perfectly with their vibe, too? I’m in heaven.
From the moment we started walking around the property, every corner felt like it was asking to be photographed differently. The architecture has so much personality that it almost becomes another character in the gallery. One minute you're working with sharp geometric lines and warm desert stone, and the next you're surrounded by rich colors, dramatic shadows, or reflections that completely change the mood.
It made me want to keep experimenting, and looking for where the reflections were coming in from outside.
When shooting indoors like this, there’s a sweet spot that starts earlier than golden hour, but later than mid day. You still want the sun to be at an angle so that the light seeps in through the windows, but not too late that it’s gone within a blink of an eye!
Once the light softened up outside, and we had got the majority of our inside looks captured, we worked our way outside to explore more of the historic property.
One of my favorite things about engagement sessions is that they leave room to play. There's no timeline waiting on us, no guests wondering where the couple disappeared to, and no pressure to move on to the next event. We can slow down, notice interesting light, and chase ideas that probably wouldn't happen on a wedding day.
It also allows my couples to learn what’s comfortable (or not) when it comes to PDA and posing! But without the pressure of a “next event” breathing down our necks. That’s a huge reason I don’t cap my engagement sessions strictly at 45 minutes or 1 hour. Sure, we might be happy and done about that time naturally, but if we’re using the time to experiment and try new things, sometimes that requires more time!
Alright… I left something out earlier.
Technically, we arrived a little earlier than those first indoor shots, because I knew I wanted to start in THIS RED ROOM! How crazy is this!!! One of my favorite spots was the bright red theater tucked inside Taliesin West. It almost feels like stepping into another world. The bold monochromatic space, dramatic curtains, and repeating lines make it incredibly striking, but it's also one of those places that's deceptively difficult to photograph.
The bold monochromatic space, dramatic curtains, and repeating lines make it incredibly striking, but it's also one of those places that's deceptively difficult to photograph.
When everything around you is the same vibrant color, it's easy for skin tones to pick up unwanted color casts. The bright ceiling creates a completely different quality of light than the deep red walls, and there isn't much neutral color anywhere in the room to balance things out. Add in the contrast between the bright highlights overhead and the darker corners, and it becomes a space that asks you to slow down and really pay attention.
But honestly, that's part of the fun.
I love locations that challenge me creatively. Instead of fighting the room, I wanted to lean into it. The bold color became part of the story. Their white outfits and flowing veil created contrast against the red, and suddenly the room wasn't just a backdrop. It became another character in the gallery.
Flim vs Digital
+
Flim vs Digital +
Can you spot the difference?
I also finished off the last few frames of a roll of 35mm film during this session. It wasn't a full film gallery at all, but it was the perfect opportunity to slow down for a handful of images.
Film and digital ask something different of both me and my couples. Digital gives us the freedom to experiment. We can play with movement, try an idea, adjust, and keep creating. Film, on the other hand, asks for intention. Every frame costs something, so I'm more deliberate about when I press the shutter.
I love that balance.
Digital lets me chase creativity without hesitation. Film reminds me to trust my instincts. Together, they create a gallery that feels both spontaneous and thoughtful.
Eventually, the daylight clock ran out.
What started as an afternoon of exploring Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture turned into something much less structured and much more meaningful. We wandered outside, followed the paths, stopped when something caught our eye, and let the conversation stretch longer than we planned. There was no rushing to the next location or checking the time every few minutes. We simply stayed until the last bit of sunlight disappeared and the day quietly gave way to evening.
That’s exactly what I love about engagement sessions. They aren’t about creating a perfectly posed version of your relationship. They’re about making space for the way you naturally interact, the places that feel like you, and the little in-between moments you’ll want to remember years from now.
Ready to plan your own?
Book your engagement session and let’s make room for the moments you’ll want to keep. If you’re looking for an engagement session that feels less like a photoshoot and more like a chapter of your story, I’d love to help you create it.