Fort Ransom State Park Engagement Session

Bailey & Derek left it up to me to pick their location for their engagement session! I always love bringing couples to Fort Ransom for several reasons. The first reason is because I am from Minnesota originally and North Dakota is rather....flat lands, so when I found Fort Ransom it was a hidden gem for me! Second, there are so many great opportunity through out Fort Ransom & the state park!


We met in Fort Ransom, just when you come down the hill where the old Museum is. We park and started there! These pictures are from the old Museum! I seriously adore all the character that these bring out in photos :) Little Side note, Bailey made her hat at a Bar hat party, I AM SMITTEN!


The Montana Bride in North Dakota


Bailey is originally from Montana so I had to give her a little mountain vibe within our flat state! I knew the lay of the land pretty well and knew that I could make something seem more woodsy and mountain feeling. We walked down the road a little where there was a small red barn that's built into the side of the valley, which all my Fort Natives know exactly what barn I am talking about! We had a hoot of a time doing the "drunken walk" and watching Porky their dog explore.

Fort Ransom State Park - Engagement photos!


Following the mountain view in the valley of not the mountains (haha) we went over to the state park! If you haven't been out to Fort Ransom State Park you're missing out. This park is BEAUTIFUL all year round, this session was a January session, which usually isn't very fruitful for scenic routes because it's usually white snow, with white skies covered in white washes landscape ---- But just look at what we have here:

Q&A

Typically my wedding couples book me in their favorite season if they're planning a wedding a year out. (which is typically how far out of I book weddings)! Lots of couples book me then we book their engagement session right away; some wait a few months for the fall or preferred season!

How far out should couples book?

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Golden Hour Western Engagement Session

It would only appear that this session was taken at golden hour, just before sunset over the valley. WRONG-OOOO. This session was indeed at 3 o'clock in the afternoon because our schedules aligned really well at that time (They had other commitments following the session in the area so it worked out perfectly!). I chose to start at the museum knowing that I would have less direct sun there being it is tucked into the valley where the sun disappears into the shadows long before it's set, then we headed off to the openness of the prairie for our more rustic western styled photography that fit in perfectly with their outfits >>> (Still obsessed with Bailey's outfit!). This is why I can appreciate the Fort Ransom area though, the valley creates such a opportunity for diverse scenery and wide spread of sunny golden hour feels as the sun tucks behind the trees or dips beyond the ridges. :) Give me all the Fort Ransom western couples, I'll be okay on that hill. <3


Xo -

Testimonials

"We loved working with Christina for our engagement and wedding!! She quickly became a friend and now is a part of the family! We got several compliments from family and friends about how amazing she was to work with and we would highly recommend to anyone looking for a photographer!" - Krista & Marcus

Elegant Barn Wedding in Hatton

wedding couple over looking the valley in Hatton, ND
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How to find TOP North Dakota Engagement Locations

There are so many components that come to mind when looking for a location. Here is a list of my main focuses as a photographer when I suggest certain locations!


  1. Engagement location -
  2. Where is the sun facing?
  3. Is there enough space?
  4. Does this area let enough light in all times of the day?
  5. What is the backup plan for weather?
  6. Vision of couples photos -
  7. Does this location give you your ideal backdrops?
  8. Is there lots of traffic / hikers / obstacles ?
  9. Which way does the sun come?
  10. Indoor / Pubs / Date Nights -
  11. Is there natural light?
  12. Is there white walls? (this allows us to make bright images)
  13. Is there enough space? Are we going to be moving tables?
  14. Dream & comfort -
  15. Where is your favorite date night at?
  16. How can we make your engagement session feel like a cinematic feel?
  17. What makes you feel at ease? Is it riding horse through the hills? Is it doing morning chores in the barn with the sun coming in? How about running grocery errands and picking up coffee at your favorite bean house? Let's make that come to life.


The biggest suggestion I have for you is to find out as a couple where do you like to spend your time? What about that location makes you to both feel connected? Let's channel that energy and make your engagement session feel like a movie.