Tips & Tricks for White Sands National Park Photo Session or Elopement
WHITE SANDS NATIONAL PARK ATTRACTS COUPLES FROM ALL OVER THE UNITED STATES. SOMETHING ABOUT THE SIMPLICITY OF THE WHITE DUNES MIXED WITH THE OVERWHELMING COTTON CANDY SUNSETS THAT OFTEN GRACE THE SKY ABOVE, I SUPPOSE IS THE REASON BEHIND ITS AWH FACTOR. A MAJORITY OF THE COUPLES WHO CONTACT US ARE FROM OUT OF STATE, ODDLY ENOUGH. SO WE HAVE LOTS OF EXPERIENCE AND RECOMMENDATIONS WHEN IT COMES TO HELPING OUR COUPLES PLAN THE PERFECT GETAWAY.
FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE STEPS TO HELP INSURE YOUR NEXT VISIT TO THE NATIONAL PARK GOES OFF WITHOUT A HITCH.
TIP #1 BOOK YOUR SESSION OR ELOPEMENT IN ADVANCE.
Many photographers, including ourselves don’t actually live next door to White Sands. Molly Morgan Photography is located 3 hours north. We need time to plan our trip. That’s not to say we won’t be available on short notice, but it is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to booking your date.
TIP #2 MARCH IS A HARD MONTH AT WHITE SANDS
New Mexico is subject to some pretty wild spring winds. These storms most often pay us a visit in the month of March. If you don’t like the idea of getting sand blasted and your hair blowing crazy in the wind, I strongly advise against a March session or elopement. Every other month is fair game! Even the Winter months can be very pleasant here in New Mexico. June-August are the hottest months, but still very bearable. Just plan according in bring some water to your session if you’re not used to the elevation and warm climate.
TIP #3 CELL SERVICE CAN BE SKETCHY
Cell service is a hit or miss at the White Sands National Park. Whenever we have an upcoming session, we’re sure to plan ahead and get information on what our clients will be driving (as well as sharing what we will be driving). We meet outside the entrance at the visitor center and then follow each other into the main gate.
If you’re planning on meeting friends or family, it’s easiest to wait for everyone outside the entrance and again, follow each other in. JUST TRUST US!
TIP #4 SHOES ARE POINTLESS
We love shoes, really we do, just not at White Sands. You’ll notice in a majority of our photos, our clients aren’t wearing shoes. There’s a reason —- plain and simple, they’re pointless.
We climb some big sand dunes during sessions and shoes are harder to manage. You’ll be stopping often to empty the sand out, again trust us. Plus it feels GREAT to feel the sand between your toes. We’re big fans of grounding with the earth…It’s good for our health, and we care about your health ;)
TIP #5 CLOUDY DAYS ARE OUR FAVORITE
Cloudy days are when we get the most beautiful cotton candy colored skies. Don’t be afraid of the clouds. Even storm clouds can be epic for photos. Unless we're facing an absolute downpour, you can expect our session to happen (sprinkle or shine)
TIP #6 PLAN AT-LEAST 2 OUTFITS
We love a good outfit change. We recommend your first outfit being the more casual. The last outfit being more dressy. Please avoid neon colors. The colors that photograph the best at white sands are earthy tones.
TIP #7 THE BEST TIME OF DAY FOR VISITING/PHOTOS IS EITHER SUNRISE OR SUNSET.
The sun directly overhead can lead to pretty harsh shadows. That’s why we recommend that your session or elopement take place at sunrise or sunset. The lighting is more flattering in the evening.
