Carly and Bryan Engagements
Carly contacted me for engagement photos all the way from the east coast! She was out there, but she and her fiancé were getting married around the Sacramento area. We were able to speak over the phone and arranged to have the engagement session when they would be in the area. Luckily, the weather was excellent and we were able to capture some beautiful images from the time we had together.
I often bring my Sony Zeiss 35mm lens for engagement sessions when I want a normal field of view. It’s an expensive lens, but the quality of the photos is really outstanding. The color rendering and the soft backgrounds it produces is worth the asking price! Technically, the Zeiss does have its flaws, but the gorgeous pictures that it can produce keep me coming back to it. This lens will definitely be in my kit until something comes out and outperforms it.
Both Carly and Bryan were great subjects to photograph. Though she is absolutely stunning, she was nervous to take photographs. This is something very common with folks, so I try to make the shoot fun by telling jokes or by just having fun conversations with the couple. This is the key to getting great shots! The subject has to be comfortable and relaxed. You can have the best gear in the world and the most gorgeous perfect people, but without this critical factor, the photos will not come out well!
Our session took place at the UC Davis Arboretum. The arboretum is a huge area, and I shot this engagement session at a part of the arboretum that I go to less frequently. Truth is, no matter where you go in the arboretum, you’ll always a place that provides a gorgeous backdrop. The shot above is one that is really unique for me. I almost never shoot in this little tunnel, but the water reflecting on the ceiling was something we just had to stop and capture!
When people think about taking pictures, they usually think of getting the perfect moment in one click. That’s how it happens in the movies, but to get the best shots you really have to shoot bursts. I always tell my clients that I shoto burst so that I can select the very best moment possible. In this era of photography, professionals don’t have to worry about wasting film. You just need to make sure you have a large enough SD card in the camera that can handle all the photos you end up taking. This shot of Bryan bopping Carly’s nose was taken with the camera in burst mode. This moment was the best of the bunch.
I always strive to get the shots that the couple didn’t think they needed until they saw it. Shots of them holding hands, their rings, and other artistic captures are always something I’m actively looking to photograph during the session. These photos are perfect for wedding websites, the inside of invitations, and wedding day photo decorations.
All in all we were able to capture a variety of photos…. and we had a lot of fun doing it! Engagement sessions are a great time for me because I get to experience the love the couple has for each other and also get to know the couple more before the big wedding day. I’m excited to see what they will use these shots for!
Engagement and wedding photography is a specialty of mine. If you’re looking to book a session, please contact me! I’d love to speak with you and provide you with the highest quality images at the best price!