This September we were extremely lucky to have had the chance to visit Alberta for the 2nd time this year. This time were were set to photograph Lauren & Fraser’s Lake Louise engagement photo shoot. In true Rowell Photography fashion, we rented a car, and picked up our sleepy clients at 5am to head out to the mountains to catch the first light of day. Typically engagement photo shoots don’t happen this early in the morning, but when you visit Rocky Mountains at the beginning of autumn, on a Sunday its imperative that you start early. We drove out to Moraine lake, where the water is jade blue, and the scene is somewhat familiar. If you are old enough to remember that Lake Moraine was once the scene on the back of the $20.00 Canadian bill.
We hiked to the top or the moraine for a jaw dropping view. We took photos that will forever blow my mind. While up high above the lake, and totally overwhelmed by the beauty of the 360 degrees of scenery all around me, I clumsily dropped a new lens. Luckily only broke the lens hood, and managed to complete the photo shoot with no issues. When we had originally arrived at Moraine Lake there were 6 people in the parking lot, thats it. When we left almost an hour later, there were at least 500 people there. Police were even directing traffic into the park area due to the influx of tourists. The distance between Lake Louise and Moraine Lake is quite short, but cars lined the road the entire way. Upon our arrival at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, the tourists were again in full swing. With selfie sticks and cameras, you could barely see the lake. We opted for a few indoor photos, and then left the giant crowds behind for a much quieter setting. My favourite; Lake Minnewanka. Lauren & Fraser were dream clients, willing to pose for any idea or photo we wanted, and hop in and out of the car for photos any chance they got. We finally ventured back into Calgary, to a tiny, hand painted swing in a big old tree. Fraser proposed to Lauren in that spot, just down the street from his parents home. So it made perfect sense to end our adventure in the spot where it all began.
We are very excited for Lauren & Fraser’s Muskoka wedding next year. Thank you to Lauren & Fraser for inviting us to Alberta to photograph your gorgeous Moraine Lake engagement session.
Cheers
& Ryan
