Swan Valley Idaho is Perfect for Photos

I adore the mountains and valleys of Swan Valley. Its my favorite place to shoot somewhat close to Idaho Falls (about an hour drive.) The tall grasses, the blue mountains, the gold and green sagebrushes, and majestic sunsets, there is also a waterfall and several camping grounds, I can’t get over that valley and the way it can showcase a bride and groom in the most beautiful, heart-swooning way!

Smoky Weather in the Summer

When Logan and Rachel contacted me to do their bridal and groomal session in Swan Valley I knew we were going to be amazing together. Logan is a photographer himself and had scouted out some areas with Rachel that they wanted to have their photos at, which can be tricky because I’m a slave to the sun as a photographer. However, due to all the smoke in the air during the summer of 2021 we got hazy sun and sunset and we were able to shoot in locations that normally aren’t an option until close to sunset. It amazes me even after doing this for years how environment can change and shape photos.

The Love Story

“Rachel and I met on mutual, a dating app that is popular at our college. Both of us really disliked the whole online dating scene, and I had deleted the app 3 times previously. But we both felt that it was a way to put ourselves out there and meet people during the pandemic. Shortly after I had re-downloaded the app, Rachel and I matched. She messaged me a few days later and asked me out to go country dancing. We were both super nervous, but conversation came easily and she taught me some dance moves pretty fast. I knew she was special when our eyes met while we were dancing, she was glowing. Shortly afterwards we started dating exclusively. It didn’t take long for me to make up my mind she was the one I wanted to marry, but she wanted to be sure. She even broke up with me for a couple weeks. During our time apart we realized how much we needed each other in our lives. After being back together only two weeks I proposed, and she said yes! We were married a couple of months later and now live happily together in a tiny house out in the country.” -Logan

^But like can we just appreciate how awesome that view is. Logan and Rachel are in full sun, which is something we try to avoid as photographers. But the sun was softened by the haze and I had them focus on each other. Quick lesson for you all. 😉 The river that runs through Swan Valley is gorgeous. It comes from the Palisades Dam and I’ve seen many people fishing a kayaking it. Its one of my goals this summer to get a kayak on it.

Look at that beautiful sun!

Thank you Logan and Rachel for letting me hang out with you for a summer evening in one of my favorite places. Thank you for trusting me and letting me document your love. I will always love this session and consider it one of my favorite session. (But I say that about all my sessions. Haha.)

Also be sure to check out Rainey Creek Country Store for square ice cream.

And here is another Swan Valley engagement session I love!