Returning to Kaaterskill Falls to Photograph Engagement Portraits

By Jonathan Ment

I met Jarold and Genesis for the first time in March. It was going to be a big day for them!. He would be asking for her hand in marriage.

On bended knee he produced the ring and she was completely surprised.

Jarold had created an incredible ruse here, working on her the entire weekend leading up to this point. Since he knew I’d be waiting when they reached the observation deck overlooking the upper falls, time was a factor and she knew it – but she didn’t know why.

“I thought we were going to adopt a puppy,” she told me later,adding that she had even googled available pups in the area.

I was of course waiting for them, inconspicuously enjoying the scenery and photographing the falls.

Well, six months later (no puppy yet, but they’re still considering it) these two were back at the falls – this time for a walk to the bottom with Jonathan Ment, Photographer – who did not need to remain incognito.

We talked about that snowy day in March along the way. They’d stayed the night before between Hunter Windham, It was a weekend getaway for them that would never be forgotten.

We talked about the surprise party Jarold had waiting for her when they drove home after the that brief trip to the mountains.

We talked about the history of the region, the old hotel industry and the Hudson River School, a movement in American landscape painting born in the Catskills from Palenville to Haines Falls, Hudson, Hunter and beyond.

Somewhat new to the area, they asked about the region and we laughed about the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel which sometimes features the southern Catskills a bit closer to NYC.

It was a truly enjoyable conversation and an easy ‘hike’ down to the base of the falls.

There, early in the morning as it was – hoping to beat rain that never came, we encountered clear skies and for a time had the place largely to ourselves.

It must seem strange to the chipmunks and squirrels this scene of a photographer crouching among the rocks while two beautiful people pretend not to notice him.

I loved the casual, comfortable way Jarold and Genesis were dressed in complimentary colors and corresponding white sneakers.

As we walked, I had one of my cameras in hand, ready for possibilities along the way, it’s obvious to the folks around us who offer ‘congratulations.’

What a positive vibe. Fun to be a part of. Fun to bring to Kaaterskill Falls.

Turns out this would be a shorter visit than in March. An early morning drive to meet me and back again to their home near the city. I felt honored that they both enjoyed the first session so much they wanted to have me capture this important series – and that they loved the location we settled on enough to return a second time. #lifeinthecatskills !

Sometimes couples and I become fast friends of a sort following an engagement shoot, and sometimes it is purely business, after confirmation that the photos were received and loved. The best outcome is when I receive a request to photograph the couple again; save the date, invitations, or the big day itself.

While I offer prints, albums and other photo gifts and keepsakes, It’s not always that I get to really know the photos I’ve created for clients are printed or displayed.

This time was different.

Genesis had a created a beautiful vignette of photos each printed, matted and framed, from their proposal session and showed me a photo of it hanging in a corner of their home.

I was truly moved. I always hear how much people love my photography but it’s rare that I get to see it!

How do you see your photos? Want to talk about your plans? Ready for more photos to share your news or planning the wedding and need to know this part of it is expertly handled with no fuss or muss?

You can email or text: 845 430 4030. Or dial that phone to chat and I look forward to hearing from you!

Thanks as always for reading and reaching out for your photography needs,

Jonathan Ment Photography