Thumb Butte // Prescott, Arizona // Couple Session // Emily & Austin

Emily and Austin were ready for whatever! They met me in a parking lot, hopped in the mustard yellow 1979 FJ40 I managed to borrow for the shoot, and away we went! 

Prescott is a small town, and because of this we instantly learn all the interesting spots to go when we first get our licenses. Thumb Butte, for instance, is a prominent landmark in Prescott.  It is a little mountain that is, yes, you guessed it, shaped like a thumb. As a child, a teacher once told me that Thumb Butte was formed one year when a giant, who went underground to hibernate, stuck his thumb out to see if spring was here yet. It was not! So his thumb froze into place and has been stuck there ever since. Regardless of this silly story, Thumb Butte is a gorgeous spot in our little hometown. There is an incredible lookout on the back side, if you are willing to drive about 20 minutes on a VERY bumpy dirt road. 

Emily and Austin trusted me entirely and put up with riding in the very old car on the very bumpy road. It was also in the middle of a snowy season in Prescott.  And though it was completely sunny when I left for the session, as we were driving up the mountain it started to snow the closer we drove to the clouds. By the time we got there it was a full blown blizzard! 

I had planned on a wintery, yet sunny, shoot with the gorgeous yellow of the car giving us a pop of color. But we had much more fun toughing it out in the snow and having a little afternoon adventure. They snuggled in the back of the car with blankets and beers. Then, as soon as they had warmed one another up, I forced them out into the snow and they braved the storm.

The results were gorgeous!  Next time I shoot this cute couple, I hope we will have clearer weather. In the meantime, I have no regrets about shooting in the snow and making a little winter magic.