Winter Couples Session at the Ice Stacks — Ally & Kaleb
If you’re searching for inspiration for a winter couples session in Utah or looking to photograph the rare and stunning Utah Lake ice stacks, Ally and Kaleb’s session is the perfect example of how magical (and adventurous!) this location can be when conditions line up just right.
A Full-Circle Session With Two People From Home
Ally and Kaleb both grew up with me in Washington — a few years younger than me, actually. At one point, I was even Ally’s camp counselor, which made photographing this session feel incredibly full-circle and special. Seeing them now, grown, in love, and building a life together in Utah made this shoot extra meaningful.
Catching the Last of the Utah Lake Ice Stacks
The ice stacks at Utah Lake are unpredictable and only appear during very specific winter conditions. This year, we caught them right at the tail end as the weather started warming up. We were so worried they would melt before we got there. Because the temperatures had already been rising, a lot of the ice had become thin. We had to carefully search for a safe path to get out to the stacks — and I cannot emphasize this enough:
**Use extreme caution when visiting the Utah Lake ice stacks. Much of the ice becomes unstable and dangerous as temperatures warm.**
For this session, I had to stick to certain spots and test the ice constantly to avoid breaking through. It turned into a full-on winter adventure — definitely not for the faint of heart — but the photos were absolutely worth it.
Why the Ice Stacks Make Such Unique Winter Photos
When conditions are right, the Utah Lake ice stacks look like something from another planet. Jagged layers of shattered blue ice pile up along the shoreline, creating crystal-clear textures, dramatic frozen formations, soft winter light reflecting off every edge. It’s a rare, short-lived phenomenon, which makes sessions here feel one-of-a-kind.
For Ally and Kaleb, the ice stacks were the dreamiest backdrop — glowing blues, soft white tones, and that quiet, icy winter stillness that feels almost unreal.
Their Utah Lake Winter Couples Session
Once we found a safe area, the evening turned into magic. The ice was glowing. The lake was calm. And Ally and Kaleb slipped so naturally into being themselves — laughing, holding each other close, and embracing every part of the adventure. The freezing air, the crunch of the ice, the last bit of winter light — it all created the perfect atmosphere for a winter couples session. Their connection feels warm, steady, and soft even in the coldest setting.
Thinking About a Utah Winter Photo Session?
If you love dramatic, minimalist, or adventurous winter locations, Utah Lake is a stunning option — when conditions allow. But safety always comes first.
Tips for Photographing the Utah Lake Ice Stacks:
- Only visit during stable, cold conditions
- Avoid thin ice or areas with visible water beneath
- Visit during golden hour for the most beautiful winter light
- Wear warm layers with traction
- Go with someone who knows the area or stay close to the shoreline
If you want help planning a winter couples session in Utah or are curious about photographing the ice stacks safely, I’d love to help guide you!
Ally and Kaleb — photographing you both was such an honor and such a sweet reminder of home. From Washington summers to Utah winter ice, your story has come full circle, and I’m so grateful I got to capture this moment for you.
