Engaged and In Love; Camping in Pachena Bay for your Engagement Photos

When Jack and Charlotte first inquired with me about wedding photography, they mentioned that having their engagement session at Pachena Bay Campground would be their ideal location. Pachena Bay is located very near Bamfield and requires a lengthy travel on gravel roads to reach. From Victoria, for them, it would take just over 200km, much of it on logging roads. For me, from Parksville, it would take 140km. As soon as I read those words, I knew that we would be a good match. I replied that I would be THRILLED to meet them in Pachena Bay, and I would be happy to camp for a couple of nights as well. There’s only one thing that I love more than photographing weddings and couples and that’s camping & hiking. To combine both of these passions together is the most satisfying and incredible thing. After meeting up with Jack at the “Coffee shop on the corner in downtown Victoria,” they decided to go with it.

Taking Engagement Photos in a Setting that has Meaning

Even though it took hours to get to the destination, travelling to Pachena Bay Campground was the perfect setting for their engagement photos. This place holds many memories for them, including a midnight swim with a bonfire and a pile of friends, taking their picture with a burnt log, and hours upon hours of beach walking and chilling. When they look back at these images, they will open the door for their past memories of Pachena Bay. It’s a great reminder of a great place, and will get them dreaming of their next visit.

Camping with your Wedding Photographer; a great way to get to know each other

During an engagement session, I ask my couples questions that tell the history of their relationship, and give prompts and games to reveal their character. I include an engagement session with every wedding package because it’s a great way to get to know each other. By camping with each other, we had a lot more opportunity to become friends and know each other in a casual way. When you both have a love and appreciation for the outdoors and camping, there’s always something to talk about. If the time permits, I definitely recommend considering this an idea.