Botanical Gardens Engagement Session

To me, the best part about being a photographer is getting to know my subjects through the lens; learning their quirks, seeing how they interact with others and with me, and capturing a side of them they wouldn't normally show to the camera. When Autumn called me last month inquiring about my engagement sessions, I was thrilled because she heard about my photography through her brother whose wedding I'm photographing next month. This means that not only do I get to photograph both siblings getting to know the family that much better, but I get to photograph Autumn and Kenneth in multiple settings (their e-session and her brother's wedding) capturing even more important memories for them. 

Although the first time I actually met Autumn and Kenneth face to face was on location for our shoot, it did not take long at all for us to fall into conversation about each other, asking about each other's histories, families and especially proposal stories! The latter was Autumn's favorite to share: "I want to remember how hard he tried to make things perfect when he proposed and bought my ring. He looked everywhere and consulted with my mother and sister for several weeks after asking permission from my father. I love to hear the story over and over; I always get chills." These two are so obviously in love that all I had to do was suggest a certain location and then get them talking to or about each other, and magic happened. 

As I'm putting the finishing touches on their photo book, I can't help but smile at how much fun we had as they waltzed on the bridge, as they tickled each other, and as they kissed for the camera and then realized that a troupe of dancers was watching causing them to burst into giggles. While I don't really have a favorite genre to shoot, engagement sessions are right up near the top because I get to capture the genuine love and character of a couple in a relaxed setting.