Last month, I trekked out to the White Cliffs of Conoy for an adventure engagement session with Erica and Forrest. We were expecting some killer views, but I don’t think we expected it to be quite this beautiful! The photos are spectacular, especially because we had plenty of space and privacy and a killer sunset in the background.

Outdoor engagement sessions are so much fun. The White Cliffs of Conoy in particular are such a wonderful place to take photos, so I wanted to give a little behind-the-scenes of this awesome session and some more info on outdoor photoshoots in Pennsylvania.

What are the White Cliffs of Conoy?

The White Cliffs of Conoy are large white rock formations that line the Susquehanna River in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. For reference, they’re a little less than two hours away from the Philadelphia area. You access them by a short paved path along the river. It’s an easy, scenic walk, (plus, there’s plenty of parking). The hilly landscape provides incredible opportunities to hike and explore. Taking a short hike to the cliffs makes it just enough adventure for any newly engaged couples looking to enjoy an epic sunset… with a third wheel (me!).

History of the White Cliffs of Conoy

Not only are the White Cliffs of Conoy beautiful, they also have in interesting history. Actually, since learning about this place, I’ve become obsessed with its strange lore. The White Cliffs of Conoy did not form naturally; instead, they’re byproducts of a once-booming quarry that opened in the mid-1800s. The cliffs are composed of excess limestone and dolomite that built up by the river, which is why they’re white.

The quarry hit its peak during World War I and is now abandoned. However, along the trail leading to the crumbly white cliffs, you can see the ruins of the old mining factory. You can also see the remains of a few other buildings. These buildings used to compose the company town of Billmyer, a town built around the limestone industry. While it once housed about a thousand people, it’s now a ghost town.

A Natural Backdrop

With only remnants left of Billmyer, nature is now reclaiming what was once stolen from it. The Susquehanna washes up on the cliffs, forming beautifully organic curves and drops. The river itself is full of life, including catfish, trout, and crayfish. You’ll likely see hawks and falcons frequenting the area, and in the fall and winter, this is a great place to spot bald eagles.

Though the wildlife and the views compete for most epic part of the photos (that’s an award, right?), what makes this area so special for me is the irony. Despite the name and the romantic light, the cliffs are manmade accidents: industrial waste, but make it gorgeous. No matter how many times I made Forrest lean against the walls, I was always surprised at how dusty and crumbly the land is. Eventually, these beautiful cliffs will be gone, and the river will be just as it was before we tinkered with it. Call me weird but that seems like a beautiful, unusual juxtaposition — something I’d love to photograph again and again. 

How to prepare for an outdoor engagement session in Pennsylvania

The White Cliffs of Conoy are one of many natural spots in Pennsylvania that make for gorgeous engagement photos. In fact, there are tons of scenic locations just an hour or two drive from Delaware County and the Philadelphia area. Brey Photo offers personalized, exclusive locations based on my extensive knowledge of Southeastern Pennsylvania. No matter what your vision for your session is, I have the perfect spot for you.

That being said, here are a few tips if you’re planning an outdoor engagement session in Pennsylvania.

Take advantage of the seasons

One thing I love about Pennsylvania is that each season is truly unique. We get a full range of temperatures, weather, landscapes, colors, and more every year. This means that no matter which season you’re taking your engagement photos in, they’re going to be special and beautiful!

My first tip for outdoor engagement sessions is to know and be prepared for your season. Spring and summer are great for exploring gardens, flower fields, or creeks. In the fall, the changing leaves are the perfect backdrop for colorful and romantic photos. If we get snow in the winter (fingers crossed!), that’s the perfect time for a chilly walk through the woods. I definitely recommend committing to the season and weather you’re experiencing and using it to make your session your own.

Pack smart

On that note, unique seasons mean you’ll have to uniquely prepare for your session. Before your session, I’ll let you know everything you need for your specific experience. However, I wanted to give a quick overview of the basics you might want for your outdoor engagement photos.

• Proper clothing. Dress cute and smart! Of course, you want to look nice for your session, but if it’s chilly and you’re not wearing comfortable clothing, you won’t have a good time.
• Comfortable shoes. On that same note, you might be going on a quick hike or trekking across some terrain to take your photos. When choosing shoes, wear safe, comfortable ones that make you feel and look good.
• Water. This one is simple but so necessary! Engagement sessions can be hard work. Make sure you have water and even a few snacks if you think you’ll need them.
• Makeup for touchups. After taking photos outside for a while, it’s quite possible that some blush or lipstick has moved out of place. Though you might feel you won’t need it, it’s better to have and not use than need and not have.
• Hairbrush and/or hairspray. It’s definitely possible (and actually likely) that your hair is going to move out of place. Throw a small hairbrush into your bag for quick touchups in between shots.
• Something special. Feel free to bring special items or accessories to add to your photos. Forrest and Erica brought adorable Mr. and Mrs. coozies which made for some really fun pictures.

Southeastern Pennsylvania Engagement Photography

I love going on adventure engagement sessions. Outdoor engagement photos are a great way to get creative, connect with nature, and have fun with your partner. And the White Cliffs of Conoy have been one of my favorite photo spots! Seeing an industrial ghost town alongside the scenic Susquehanna is such a unique experience. The duality of the two really make you appreciate the power of nature.

If you’re looking to take outdoor engagement photos at the White Cliffs of Conoy or anywhere in Southeastern Pennsylvania, click here to send me a note and we can connect!