Golden Hour Portraits on Whitetop Mountain, Virginia

I am all for having portraits taken for fun. Whether it’s a milestone birthday, an annual present to yourself, a celebration of graduation from high school or college, or just a freaking breakup. Portrait sessions are truly SO MUCH FUN. You can make it feel like a shoot for VOGUE or channel your inner forest goddess (or both like Bailey did!). We made our way to the top of Whitetop Mountain for her sunset portraits and it was such a fun session for the both of us!

Bailey and I planned her gorgeous glamour session for mid-April to avoid the blistering cold on top of Whitetop Mountain. Unfortunately the joke was on us, because the day we chose was absolutely beautiful but a cold snap brought in temperatures in the mid-thirties before the wind chill. It was cold, we had blankets and coats and a nice warm car to run to in between shots and locations. The possible hypothermia was a struggle (and a little terrifying), but it was all pretty worth it in the end!

I’ll also be the first to say that I love Roan Mountain, but Whitetop Mountain absolutely blew me away. It’s truly the perfect spot for panoramic views of the Appalachian Mountains without any sort of trek to the top. Every time I visit I’m floored by how magical the views are! Just take a look at those layers! Bailey looks as if she stepped onto the set of Pride & Prejudice (the Kiera Knightley version circa 2005)!

Looking for more iconic mountain top photos? You need to see Logan & Matthew’s Sunset Engagement on Roan Mountain!