Emily and Chris’ adventure couples session at Labrador Mountain in Truxton, NY was one of those days that reminds me exactly why I love this job.

I photographed their wedding back in 2022, and we’ve stayed in touch ever since. From the beginning, working with them never felt transactional. It was easy, natural, and built on a real connection that has only grown over time. So when they reached out about doing an adventure session on the slopes, I was genuinely excited. These are the kinds of sessions I wish more couples leaned into.

Labrador Mountain was the perfect backdrop for them. Chris is an experienced skier, and Emily is a snowboarder in her very first season. You would never know it though. She was carving down the mountain with so much confidence and style, it honestly looked like she had been riding for years. On top of that, she works as a “lifty” at Labrador, so the mountain is already such a big part of her everyday life. That connection made the whole session feel even more meaningful.

What I loved most about this shoot is how naturally it reflected who they are together. No stiff posing, no forced moments. Just the two of them doing what they actually love doing on a winter day in Central New York. We rode the lifts together, stopped at different points on the mountain, and hit the slopes a few times to capture real movement and energy. Snow flying, wind in their faces, laughter in between runs. It felt alive in a way that studio or traditional sessions just can’t replicate.

Sessions like this are a reminder that the best photos don’t always come from perfect conditions or perfect posing. They come from real experiences. From couples showing up as themselves and inviting me into a piece of their world for a little while.
Emily and Chris made that incredibly easy. Their energy is light, fun, and completely unforced. You can tell they genuinely enjoy being together, and that always translates through the camera.

If there’s one takeaway from this session, it’s this: your photos don’t have to be separate from your life. The best ones happen when you bring your actual life into them. Whether that’s skiing, snowboarding, hiking, or just grabbing coffee at your favorite spot, those are the moments that tell your story the most honestly.

Emily and Chris, thank you again for trusting me not just with your wedding, but with continuing to document your life together. These kinds of sessions are always something I’ll look forward to.