Amanda + Caleb | Colorado Paint Mines Engagement
Colorado is full of mountains but we have lots of other things too, like the Paint Mines! If you want something a bit different and still adventurous for pictures, this is the place. Amanda and Caleb had their engagement and elopement just a couple of months apart this Winter. I recently blogged their mountain elopement here but wanted to blog their engagement sesh too!
The Paint Mines are located in Calhan, which seems pretty random and in the middle of nowhere. That’s why I like this gem. It’s a beautiful little “hike” (if you’d even call it that) from the parking lot. It looks small from the lot, but once you get to walking, it’s like a little desert dream.
Be careful not to damage the sandstone, yourself, or your clothes while you’re here though. The rough texture can brush over your skin and leave a chalk substance on your clothing. No worries - it’s easy to wash off! A + C came to me wanting some help with outfit choices. I always am available to help and give details on the area where we are shooting. My guides like the pdf I email out and Pinterest board here can be helpful. Places like the Colorado Paint Mines are best not to have cream colors that can blend too well or black that can easily get chalky. But maybe you are going for a minimal look and trust yourself not to touch any of the sandstone. This is why it’s best to have a photographer that wants to be involved with you and your best interest. ;)
A + C look so good together and were the most bubbly of folks
I saw the wind blowing with the light hitting the tall grass and I knew I wanted to snap a gif.
The color change of Paint Mines is like walking through a rainbow or something. First it’s white and then you find spots of orange, red, purple, and pinks.
The caves are some of my favorite spots, especially for couple photos. I think it’s so romantic to have a quiet spot for yourselves to cuddle up. Although we couldn’t help but laugh when Caleb’s breath on Amanda’s glasses kept fogging them up!
It was actually Amanda’s idea to go run up on the hill and watch the sun go down. I’m always down to listen to your ideas because this is YOUR time. :)
Walking back:
Amanda - the clothes really compliment the dirt and stone
Me - they said thank you ;-)
Seriously underestimated the amount of dad jokes and silly voices one could make on a shoot this day. It’s nice when you find goobers to relate to.