Donnell Vista Engagement | Melissa & Mike
Melissa and Mike are back for engagement shoot number two! If you didn’t read their last blog post with the Sonora and Sonoma mix-up, I suggest you do so. You can read it here: https://www.nichilton.com/blog/point-reyes-and-cypress-tree-tunnel-engagement-melissa-mike
I definitely would say our mix-up last time was worth it, but we knew this time we had to stay closer to Sonora, NOT Sonoma. After tossing some options around on the day of the shoot I stumbled into this place called Donnell Vista. Roughly an hour from Sonora, this hidden gem overlooks Donnell Lake. The majestic views combined with hardly any visitors made this a perfect location for an engagement shoot.
Melissa had asked me if we could incorporate her and Mike’s dogs into the photos. I, of course, said yes because who doesn’t love dogs? The logistics of dogs never really crosses my mind until we are shooting. Sometimes dogs pay attention and sit still and sometimes they don’t. I can say that we were almost going to give up on the dog photos and then Mike found a ball in their RV. The problem was solved. Those dogs worshiped that ball so getting them to look at me was easy at that point.
The clouds and the sun provided such dynamic skies all afternoon. It also softened the light and lowered the temperature. There were no complaints there.
The view of the lake really was one that you could just sit and admire. If you are afraid of heights, maybe stand a bit further back and enjoy. I’m quite afraid of heights, but I knew it would be worth the effort.
Melissa really wanted to lean against a rock. I wasn’t entirely sure what she meant so I had her grab Mike and demonstrate. I thought it was adorable and I genuinely liked it.
This is the same spot that I shot the black and white photo at the top of the page, but about an hour later. When I saw the color in the sky I knew we had to go back. To be honest though, the sky is insane yes, but I think I still like that black and white photo more. What about you?
Thank you Melissa and Mike for adventuring with me again, I am glad we didn’t freeze this time. I can’t believe we have only a little over a month until your wedding! I am so excited!
Thank you to my girlfriend Taylor for being my assistant all day and exploring with us!
-Nic
ABOUT ME: Hi! My name is Nic Hilton. I am a destination wedding photographer based in Los Angeles. I shoot many weddings in the Mammoth Lakes area as well as Southern California but I am available to travel worldwide! Contact Me today because I would love to tell your story.