You could already smell the heat rolling in when we met up on Saturday morning. It was 8 a.m., the streets were quiet, and downtown Lancaster had that early summer stillness that makes everything feel kind of golden. Ben and Emma were ready to roll. No warm-up, no awkward start. They just dropped into the moment, and we got right to it.


We started on the 300 block and walked through some of my favorite alleys (yeah, I like alleys), across to Musser Park, and back again. We spent about two hours wandering the city, talking, laughing, and making photos that felt like them. That’s honestly my favorite kind of engagement session. Nothing forced or stiff, just the three of us exploring a familiar place and seeing what shows up.


The light got intense quickly, but we made it work. Found shade when we needed it, played with contrast when we could. These two made it easy. I never had to remind them to stay close or check in with each other. They were already there. Relaxed, connected, and totally at ease in front of the camera.


One of the best things about photographing couples in downtown Lancaster is how different every session ends up feeling. Same streets, same buildings, completely different energy depending on who shows up. With Ben and Emma, it was calm, simple, and real. The kind of connection that doesn’t need much help.


They were heading to a wedding later that day, and I’m already looking forward to seeing them again for their own next May. If their wedding has even half the good vibes of this morning, it’s going to be an awesome day.

A couple shares an intimate dance against a rustic brick wall backdrop in sunny weather.
Black and white photo of couple in formal attire playfully running together in front of brick wall.
A romantic black and white portrait of a couple sharing an intimate moment together.
Romantic couple sharing an intimate moment under sunlit tree branches at golden hour.
A couple walking together on a brick sidewalk in warm summer clothing on a sunny afternoon.
Black and white photo of a couple lying on a picnic blanket leaning in for a romantic kiss outdoors.
A happy couple embracing outdoors against a brick wall background, smiling warmly at the camera.
A series of black and white photographs showing a person in dark clothing reclining against a concrete wall outdoors.
A couple embraces on a city sidewalk next to decorative iron railings and brick buildings.
A woman in a white dress twirls and dances against a rustic brick wall in natural sunlight.
Black and white photo collage showing romantic couple having playful interaction at a balcony.
Romantic couple embraces outdoors against brick wall, with woman in floral dress and man in polo shirt.
Black and white photo of couple sharing intimate moment on staircase against white brick wall.
A romantic couple sits together against a brick wall on a sunny afternoon sharing an intimate moment.
A couple in a romantic outdoor setting with a person wearing a blue and white patterned dress sitting close together.
A couple in casual attire share an intimate moment against a wooden wall background.


If you're planning engagement photos and want something that feels relaxed and real, downtown Lancaster is one of my favorite places to make that happen. And if you're into keeping things simple and true to who you are, reach out. I’d love to hear what you're dreaming up.