If you want your engagement photos to feel natural, playful, and full of real moments, Yosemite Valley in the fall is hard to beat. Cheyenne and Jeremy’s engagement session was exactly that. It was relaxed, fun, and full of laughter.

We met up at sunrise on an early November day, right as the valley was waking up. Their session ran from 7am to 9am, which meant cool air, quiet roads, and that soft morning light Yosemite does so well. The warm fall colors were stunning, and the valley felt calm. It was the perfect setting for a couple who wanted photos that felt relaxed and true to them.

Tunnel View & Yosemite Valley Engagement Photos

We kicked things off at Tunnel View, and starting early made all the difference. With fewer people around, we had space to move, explore, and ease into the session together. Cheyenne and Jeremy were comfortable right away. Lots of laughter. Easy conversation. No pressure to pose or perform.

From there, we headed down into Yosemite Valley and let the session unfold naturally. We didn’t stay in one spot for long. We wandered through open meadows, walked along quiet paths, and stopped whenever the light looked good. Those in-between moments are where the magic really happened.

Cheyenne had told me ahead of time that she wanted lots of candids, so the entire session was built around movement and interaction. I’m a big believer that photos feel more real when couples are doing something instead of standing still. Yosemite Valley gave us endless room to explore and let those moments happen organically.

They also brought their dog along, which added even more personality to the session. Dogs naturally loosen things up and give couples something to focus on besides the camera. Plus, they’re part of the story. 

Fall in Yosemite tied everything together. The colors were warm, the crowds were lighter since it was early morning, and the valley felt calm and unhurried. That slower pace matched Cheyenne and Jeremy perfectly and made the whole session feel fun and relaxed.

Their Story Together

Cheyenne and Jeremy’s story makes the photos even sweeter. They met in high school and picked on each other while dating other people. One day, Jeremy showed up to math class dressed up for wrestling. Cheyenne grabbed his cowboy hat. The teacher joked about what that meant. Cheyenne immediately threw the hat across the room and swore they would never be together.

Fast forward to a mutual friend’s college graduation party. They both showed up. Jeremy took Cheyenne for a ride in a side by side. He puked on her shoe. Somehow, that was the moment everything changed, and they’ve been inseparable ever since. That history shows in the way they interact. They were always comfortable, teasing, and full of laughter.

How to Make Your Engagement Session Playful and Fun

Here are a few ways to make your own engagement session feel playful and fun!

Comfort and movement are key. 

Choose outfits you can actually walk, spin, and laugh in. When you’re comfortable, it shows in every photo. Outfit changes are also a great way to add variety without overcomplicating things. You can start casual and relaxed, then switch into something cozier or more styled partway through the session.

Bringing your dog adds instant personality. 

Cheyenne and Jeremy’s dog brought so much life into their photos and helped keep everything lighthearted. Dogs create movement, spark connection, and give you something to focus on besides the camera. They also help couples relax and be present. Plus, they’re part of your story, and that deserves to be documented.

A relaxed pace ensures things don’t feel forced. 

When you’re not rushing from place to place, you have time to wander, pause, and enjoy what’s around you. Early mornings or quieter days in Yosemite make a huge difference. Fewer people means more space and more freedom to move naturally and stay connected.

Fall light in Yosemite creates a calm atmosphere. 

Softer tones, warm colors, and gentle contrast make everything feel a little more intimate. The landscape does so much of the work for you. Open meadows, towering cliffs, and winding paths give you room to interact naturally while still being surrounded by an incredible backdrop.

Let your personalities lead, and your photos will feel real. 

Talk to each other. Joke around. Walk hand in hand. Laugh when something feels silly. You don’t need to know how to pose or what to do with your hands. The best photos come from real connection, and Yosemite is the kind of place that encourages you to slow down, breathe, and enjoy the moment together.

Hoping to Take Yosemite Valley Engagement Photos?

If you’re dreaming of a playful, candid engagement session in Yosemite Valley, I’d love to photograph it. I’ll guide you on timing, locations, and how to make your session feel natural and fun. Whether you want to run around the valley, bring your dog, or just soak in the views together, Yosemite is an incredible place to tell your story.

You can see more of my work here and reach out here. Let’s plan something that feels like you!