Hudson Valley Engagement Photographer | A Romantic Summer Engagement Session at Ooms Conservation Area in Chatham, NY
Searching for a Hudson Valley engagement photographer and engagement photo location inspiration? Gabby and Peter's romantic summer engagement session at Ooms Public Conservation Area in Chatham, NY showcases everything couples love about engagement photography in the Hudson Valley - beautiful natural landscapes, golden light, and authentic moments that feel true to who they are. From rolling grasslands to quiet trails overlooking Sutherland Pond, Ooms is one of the Hudson Valley's hidden gems for engagement photos.
Their engagement session felt like something straight out of a novel. In fact, Gabby told me she loves Pride and Prejudice and hoped their photographs would capture some of that timeless, romantic feeling. Between the sweeping fields, gentle breeze, and the way these two look at one another, I think we accomplished exactly that.
A Love Story That Started With Ping-Pong
Gabby and Peter's story began in college over a game of ping-pong.
While their paths first crossed then, it wasn't until a Halloween party a few years later that sparks truly began to fly. As fate would have it, their relationship continued to grow during the COVID pandemic when they discovered their dorms were directly across the street from one another.
Peter proposed to Gabby in Iceland on Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach - a location every bit as adventurous and beautiful as their relationship.
Choosing Ooms Public Conservation Area
When it came time to plan their engagement session, Gabby knew exactly the type of setting she envisioned.
Both she and Peter enjoy hiking, fishing, and spending time outdoors. They wanted open fields, tall grasses, and a natural landscape that felt romantic without feeling overly styled.
After some searching, Gabby discovered Ooms Public Conservation Area in Chatham, NY.
Located in Columbia County, Ooms encompasses 180 acres of rolling grasslands surrounding Sutherland Pond, with miles of walking trails weaving through one of the most picturesque landscapes in the region.
The location was also practical.
With Gabby and Peter living between Albany and Boston, and myself based in Poughkeepsie, NY - they wanted somewhere convenient for everyone while still offering beautiful scenery.
The moment I arrived, I knew it was the perfect choice.
A Summer Day Filled With Light and Laughter
The weather could not have been more beautiful.
The sun illuminated the fields with that soft golden light photographers dream about, and the tall grasses danced gently in the breeze around us.
As a Hudson Valley Wedding and Engagement Photographer, I spend a lot of time helping couples feel comfortable in front of the camera. Most people arrive at their session feeling at least a little nervous.
What stood out immediately about Gabby and Peter was how naturally they fell into being themselves together.
They are incredibly intelligent, endlessly funny, and genuinely kind people. Their connection feels effortless.
They spent the afternoon laughing together, teasing one another, and fully embracing the experience. The result was a gallery filled with authentic moments and genuine emotion.
One of the things I remember most about this session wasn't just how comfortable they were with each other - it was how warm and welcoming they were toward me as well.
As much as I strive to create an environment where my couples feel relaxed and at ease, it's always such a gift when that warmth is returned. Spending the afternoon with these two felt less like work and more like an adventure with old friends.
Romance Inspired by Pride and Prejudice
Gabby's inspiration for the session was one of my favorite details.
She loves Pride and Prejudice and wanted their engagement photographs to evoke some of that same romantic feeling.
Not in a costume-drama way, but in the sense of capturing something timeless, emotional, and deeply connected.
The landscape at Ooms made that vision easy to bring to life.
The expansive fields, winding trails, and open skies created a feeling of quiet intimacy. There was plenty of room for movement, conversation, and simply enjoying the moment together.
Some of my favorite images from the evening were the simplest ones: walking hand in hand through the tall grass, sharing a laugh, or pausing for a quiet embrace as the wildlife flew by.
Looking Ahead to Their Wedding Day
Gabby and Peter discovered my work while searching online for photographers in the Hudson Valley.
"We started searching online for photographers in our area for our engagement photos and just really loved Caitlinn's work!"
Hearing that never gets old.
These two will be getting married at The Otesaga in Cooperstown, New York, and I am absolutely thrilled to be documenting that chapter as well.
After spending the afternoon with them at Ooms, I already know their wedding day is going to be filled with the same joy, warmth, and authenticity that made their engagement session so special.
Planning Your Own Engagement Session?
As a Hudson Valley Engagement Photographer, I believe engagement photographs should feel like an extension of your relationship. Whether that means hiking to a scenic overlook, wandering through a field at sunset, exploring a favorite town together, or simply spending time in a place that feels meaningful to you, the goal is always the same: creating photographs that feel honest, beautiful, and uniquely yours.
If you're recently engaged and looking for engagement or wedding photography in the Hudson Valley, I'd love to hear your story.
