Hailey & Connor

Engagement Photos | Yaddo Gardens | Saratoga Springs, NY  

Patience, empathy and natural chemistry can overcome the craziest of conditions!

The weather during this engagement shoot were far from ideal. Dark overcast clouds, heavy rain that wouldn’t seem to let up, and a slight chill in the air from the crazy weather we’ve been having in New York lately. Through it all though, I think Hailey and Connor are one of the most determined and gusty couples I have met in recent memory!

Connor had been feeling a little ill before our session and a little during it. However you wouldn’t have been able to tell one bit by looking at these photos! I have been taking photos for years and it’s difficult enough for a professional model to remain composed under any of these circumstances, but a everyday person? Both of them were complete naturals. Hailey had brought her umbrella with her just in case but we ended up not using it once! Neither was phased by the increase of rain during our shoot and easily kept their smiles going while walking through the slippery grass and mud (with heels too!)

Maybe this shouldn’t have come as a surprise honestly. Despite Connors calm demeanor, he has an interest in riding motorcycles, they even ride together! As for Hailey, even though she matched the aesthetic I had asked for down to a T (great job Hailey!) underneath those soft smiles is a lot of grit and amazing tattoos that tell a story!

One thing that also amazed me was how in tune with each other they were. Even during quiet moments they were able to fill in the gaps with just a simple facial exchange, or tap of the shoulder that indicated what the other needed at the moment. Which really tells you how much these two know each other inside and out!

This was a session we all really had to work hard for, but I couldn’t be happier with the results. There’s so many more stories to be told with this couple and I can’t wait to capture their wedding this coming August! Regardless of what is thrown their way, Hailey and Connor have proven they have the courage to handle it!

Thank you for reading!

-Raf