Bear Joins Yosemite Elopement Photo Shoot, RivCo Photographer Shares The Story

LAKE ELSINORE, CA —Lake Elsinore photographer Ariel Smartt captured a black bear cruising by her latest Yosemite elopement photo shoot. She told us about the breathtaking moment that is capturing national attention.

Her work often begins after the adventurous couple says "I do."

At the end of May, the Smartt Duo Photography team and a couple from Florida met in Yosemite to capture breathtaking elopement photos with the stunning vista of this National Park in the background.

That day, hikers had informed them of a black bear sighted in the area. With that in mind, she and fellow camera operator Jennifer Quick were guiding their couple for a sunset photo shoot at the famous Taft Point to end the fairytale elopement session. But as they traversed the Yosemite Taft Trail toward that vista, they noticed a foraging black bear, which drew everyone to a halt.

This was not just a moment; it was THE moment, Smartt told Patch.

First, considering her bride and groom, Smartt asked if they wanted to stay and shoot the magical forest scene with the bear in the background, giving them ample opportunity to leave the area for their sunset cliff photo shoot.

The couple, she said, was all in.

Stephen Joseph, 37, and Kelly Joseph, 32, of Davie, Florida, are an adventurous pair, Smartt said. The bear was a good distance away.

In several of the photos, she focused on the bear, leaving the couple to interact as if oblivious to each other.

"(The bear) was off the Taft Trail, on the other side, foraging for food in the downed trees," she said. "We stayed on the trail and kept our distance."

That day, the Yosemite forest was busy with hikers, and the bear paid no attention to any of them.

"This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take those pictures," she said. "Photographing elopement photos with a black bear was definitely on my bucket list."

Since Smartt began specializing in Yosemite and other unusual elopement shoots, she's hoped to spot a black bear. On that day in late May, she raised the camera for the magical shot, and the adventurous couple went with the moment.

Kelly Joseph said they wanted to "stay and make the most of it." The bear remained in the area as they snapped photos for about ten minutes. All agreed this was a magical experience.

Along with Yosemite, you can find Smartt and Jennifer Quick working in Riverside County.

Her keen eye and lens tell the full story of your most magical day, no matter where in the world you may be, or whether or not a bear lopes by in the background.

Learn more about Smartt Duo Photography online at www.smarttduophotography.com or on Instagram @smarttduophotography.