Mt Chocorua Adventure Session | New Hampshire Elopement Photographer

Are you're interested in either eloping or having an adventure session on Mount Chocorua, or maybe any mountain range in New Hampshire and New England? AMAZING! I am so happy you want to get outdoors and be active to get some truly rad photos of you and your partner.

In this blog we'll dive in to what the Mount Chocorua hike is like, how to prepare for your adventure, and more information about the adventure session experience with photos from a real Mount Chocorua adventure session.

Summit of Mount Chocorua

Mount Chocorua Hike Specifics:

• Which hike/trail: Champney Brook Trail. Lots of switchbacks with some scrambling at the end.

• Distance: 7.4 out and back

• Route info: https://sectionhiker.com/hike-mt-chocorua/

• Time to the top: Average 2-3.5 hours. Last time I hiked it it took us 2 hours & 40 minutes - stopping at the falls for some photos and a snack break

• Difficulty: Strenuous

• Pets: dogs allowed

• Views along the way: Pitcher Falls & Champney Falls with small pools en route (stream varies). Just before the summit is a jut out/drop off which is a great photo op spot.

• Summit: rock surface - above the trees. 360 view. Spacious

Directions to Mount Chocorua Trail head

- Champney Falls parking lot is on the Kancamagus Highway (Rt. 112) 10 miles west of its junction with Route 16 (junction in Conway, NH). If coming from I-93, take exit 32 to Route 112 East (Kancamagus Highway) for 24.6 miles.

- Google map directions from Boston : https://goo.gl/maps/KhZYQvnyo8vRF3Eg7 

- Parking: There is a small parking lot. Overflow street parking permitted. - Parking fee: $3 honor system as of August 2019. Prepare for more. 

Who is an adventure session for?

An adventure session is perfect for couples who share a love for the outdoors and need engagement photos, if you're planning to propose (!!), or if you just want some kick ass photos of you and your partner in an epic location.

How to prepare to hike Mount Chocorua:

1. Mount Chocorua is a very strenuous hike. To get conditioned, my advice is to start with your cardiovascular endurance and add in lower body strength.

2. Be prepared for sudden changes in weather and any injuries.

3. Choose an appropriate season both for optimal weather and photos. Summer is best to avoid snow (obviously).

4. Hiking Gear:

• Breathable clothing, hiking shoes, extra layers

• headlamp & first aid kit (just in case)

• Snacks & Lunch

• Water- about three liters

• Extra socks & poncho if it rains

• Bug spray & Sunscreen

How to prepare for your photo session on Mount Chocora:

Best time of day for photos on Mount Chocorua.

Ordinarily, an hour before sunset is great lighting for sea level photos. When you're on top of a mountain, the sun lingers longer so closer to actual sunset is the best lighting. However, if you stay at the summit until sunset, you'll be hiking back down at dusk. On the flip side, you could always begin the hike before sunrise, and arrive at the summit for the first rays of light. You'd have to get up pretty dang early to make that work though!

Photoshoot necessities:

• Photo outfit(s). Need some help? Check out this style guide.

• Hair brush and/or makeup 

• Wet wipes

• Champagne

• Smiles for miles 

About 5 minutes down mountain from the summit.

Who is an adventure session for?

An adventure session is perfect for couples who share a love for the outdoors and need engagement photos, if you're planning to propose (!!), or if you just want some kick ass photos of you and your partner in an epic location.

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* related blog* : Top 10 New Hampshire Elopement Locations

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Pitcher Falls (low stream - just a trickle)

Near Champney Falls & shallow pools

Kelsey & Roberto chose to do an adventure session for their engagement photos. They both love adventure and hiking, but wanted to do a traditional wedding rather than eloping. So an adventure session is the next best option! Kelsey chose to wear a white dress other than her wedding dress, but it is totally an option to change into your wedding attire at the top of the mountain. In fact, I encourage it! You deserve epic photos for your love. Let's live a life out loud!

Interested in hiring Tamara Merri Photography to document your adventure session, elopement, or micro-wedding? Contact me!

Tamara with Kelsey & Roberto

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