Boy what a night & a much needed session after a long week behind me and ahead of me! I had the absolute joy of photographing one of my 2024 brides, Lindsey, and her fiancé Kaleb, for their engagement session just north of Kanopolis Lake in central Kansas. I knew a little about what to expect going into the session because I had just photographed Lindsey’s younger sister, Laney, in the exact same pasture for her senior portraits a week before. Knowing the lay of the land helped me hit the ground running and it did not disappoint.

I arrived just before 6:45 to prep my gear, and I was once again reminded how special this area is. I dont get down that area often, but when I do I am always in awe of the scenery and rolling hills. If you’ve never been north of Kanopolis Lake. It’s a hidden gem. It reminds me of the Flint Hills, but even better, with rolling hills and lots of trees (and I’m absolutely a tree girl).

I arrived and was greeted by Lindsey and Kaleb, and even Lindseys parents just like the week before – they chauffeur us around and its so helpful! Lindsey wore a classic black dress that was simple but stunning, and Kaleb looked sharp in his outfit. We started at the top of the hill where I placed them on a flat rock so we could take in the wide-open views behind them. The soft hills, golden light, and subtle greenery made the perfect canvas for their love story.

After warming them up with a few traditional poses, I remembered a hillside from the week before that felt just right for a romantic shoot. We hopped in the truck and made our way over. That hillside delivered: playful movement, genuine connection, and quiet moments in the tall grass. One of my favorite poses lately is having the bride sit between her fiancé’s legs, snuggling back into him. It always creates an intimate, cozy vibe.To get some romance feels, I usually have the groom hold out his hand while the bride traces her name in his palm. It sounds simple, but it gets them laughing, flirting, and totally relaxed. If it “fails,” it turns into one of the best giggle shots. Win-win.

We stopped at the bottom of the hill to snap a few in a creek bed I had captured Laney in just the week before. I loved the contrast of the red/brown rocks against a white or cream colored top and that was just what Lindsey had planned for me! Her second outfit was everything I love about western lifestyle photography – casual, classic, and perfectly girly. She wore jeans, boots, and a white top that tied in the back, and I was obsessed. There’s just something about simple style that I love so much! Also, the cutest jeans I had ever seen. I am still on the hunt for my own pair! We walked around and played and I had them do one of my favorite poses to get some laughs and loviness between them. I call it my “dad close your eyes pose” (pictures below ;). We hopped back in the car to work out way up to the top of the hill where I knew we could see the storm rolling in just perfectly.

On our way to the top of the pasture, I hollered at Lindsey dad to stop as I saw the most perfect giant rock out in the distance. I opened the car and said yep, lets do it! We couldn’t resist, it was just too perfect not to use. But then, we felt the first few raindrops, so we quickly loaded up and headed to the top.

Just in time, too, the sky was moody and golden, with the perfect shelf of clouds creating a dramatic backdrop. Earlier, I had picked a tiny flower and gave it to Kaleb to tuck behind Lindsey’s ear. It was such a sweet, unscripted moment and made for one of my favorite shots of the evening.

We ended the session with lots of movement and candid moments… walking, laughing, and soaking in the sunset. The dark clouds behind them added just the right amount of mood, and I left feeling completely fulfilled as an artist. The rain drops started to warn us about what was to come so we grabbed a few droplet soaked photos and headed back to our vehicles to end the session!

I cannot wait for Lindsey and Kaleb’s wedding in December. Getting to know the Gerlach family has been so heartwarming and amazing! From Cassidy’s modeling portraits when I first started photography, to Laney’s senior session, and now Lindsey’s engagement and upcoming wedding—I truly feel like I’ve found lifelong friends in this family and I am so grateful for the greatest clients.

A word from Lindsey & Kaleb – “Justine has been so amazing to work with. Before our engagement session I was super nervous that Kaleb and I would be super awkward in front of the camera but immediately Justine made us both feel comfortable and relaxed. She made the session lighthearted and happy !! I would 100% recommend OTP to others. Before I was even engaged I knew I wanted to use Justine as my photographer and she has blown me away with her professionalism and her beautiful picture skills. I am so happy I chose her for my big day!”

Interested in booking your own engagement session in Kansas or beyond? Whether it’s a western-style shoot in the pasture or something totally your own, I’d love to dream up something beautiful with you.