Zach + Robyn | Sunrise Engagement at The Crack, Killarney Ontario

Some sessions are just extra memorable—and not just because they involve a 3AM alarm and headlamps. Zach and Robyn’s sunrise engagement at The Crack in Killarney, Ontario was the kind of session that felt more like a morning spent with friends than a photo shoot.

We met at the trailhead well before sunrise, the stars still out and the air crisp. Zach and Robyn had hiked this trail before, so they knew what we were in for. It’s not a short hike—about 6km of trail with a good climb near the end—but they were completely game for it, and so was their dog, Ollie.

Hiking in the dark adds a different kind of energy to the experience. There’s a quiet focus, punctuated by the crunch of boots on rock, the millions of stars lighting the sky and the occasional flashlight check. There was laughter, good conversation, and a strong sense excitement to catch the sun rise in such perfect location.

We reached the top just in time for that golden moment where everything starts to glow. The view over Killarney’s lakes and ridges was as stunning as ever—layers of color stretching into the distance.

With the sun rising behind them, Zach and Robyn settled into the quiet of the moment. No big poses or forced smiles—just the two of them being themselves, and it showed in every frame. Ollie was right in the mix, as usual, checking out every lookout spot and sneaking into more than a few photos.

On the way back down, we took our time. One of the smaller lakes along the trail was too tempting to pass up, so we stopped for a break. Zach and Robyn skipped rocks across the glassy water while Ollie chased sticks and splashed along the shore. It was one of those unexpected moments that turned into one of the best parts of the morning.

The light through the trees, the stillness of the water, and the sound of laughter made it feel more like a camping trip than a photo session. The descent gave us a whole new appreciation for the trail—especially now that we could actually see it. It’s rugged and beautiful, with those classic Killarney rocks and roots that keep you on your toes. We chatted about their favorite hikes, future travel plans, and their wedding coming the following Summer in Muskoka (Blog post of that coming soon!)

By the time we made it back to the trail entrance, the parking lot was starting to fill up with day hikers just beginning their trek. A few hikers gave us confused looks, probably wondering why we were already heading out, cameras packed away and a very happy (and slightly damp) dog in tow.

We shared a few final laughs, swapped thank-yous, and said our goodbyes—Zach and Robyn heading off for well-earned breakfast, and me with a memory card full of moments I couldn’t wait to go through when I got back to the Killarney Mountain Lodge.

Some shoots feel like a job. This one felt like a morning adventure with new friends.