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You know you haven't blogged in awhile when...
a) you have to literally sit for 5+ minutes and try to remember your log in password
b) you are posting images from an engagement session...and the last post you made is the same couple
c) since you last blogged, a new month has started
Or, in my case, d) all of the above. Awesome.
I'm just going to gloss over my absence. Because this is my blog. And I can do that. :)
Let's digress so I don't allow myself to give...uh, myself....a guilt trip. (Do I sound like I have multiple personalities? Because I sure do feel like it. And so do I. And me too.)
Valerie and Ricky are the epitome of fabulousness wrapped up into one photogenic, tall (I had serious long leg envy when I was around Valerie), easygoing nutshell. While I was processing their engagement photos, I had a huge smile on my face. And I'm well aware that I looked somewhat idiotic to anyone who passed by, but I'm ok with that. Because I just couldn't contain my giddiness.
Check it out for yourself. And don't worry if you find yourself smiling uncontrollably. People only stare at you for the first few minutes.
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43
We shot Valerie and Ricky's early a.m. engagement session (well, 9:00 is early for me ;)) in beautiful Mt. Dora. I'm not lying when I say that Valerie and Ricky are the most laid back people ever. We hung out. We laughed. We sweated through the Florida heat. We chatted about our dogs. There were times that I literally forgot I had a camera in my hands - it just didn't feel like work. And that is a beautiful thing.
Fortunately, there were also moments that I did remember the bulky, black contraption slung around my shoulder. :) Thanks to Valerie and Ricky's fabulousness, Ben and I were able to grab some awesome shots. I'm super eager to process the rest so I can blog an even bigger post! :) For now, enjoy the peek:
My view...
...and Ben's. :)
Valerie and Ricky's family bought them these rocking chairs as an engagement present. I can't begin to express how much I love when couples bring personal elements to a shoot. It adds bits of personality. :)
Valerie's gold heels were a show-stealer. ;)
I'm going to go all photography geek for a second and talk about how much I adore our 50mm 1.4 lens. Every time it dials in just right (like it did in the image below), I fall in love all over again. Props to Ben for grabbing this one - I absolutely love the simplicity of it.
"Private Party." :) Hands down, my favorite from the day. I was literally on Ben's shoulders to get this shot. And I didn't break his neck. Success.
Looking-straight-at-the-camera images are great, but they usually don't jump out at me too often. However, this photo could change my mind. It makes me smile every time I look at it.
I mean, how could you not like them?! :)
Runner up in the favorite-of-the-day contest.
*Stay tuned for more in the near future!*
Nana:
Love these pictures --they seem so relaxed!
(06.20.09)
Bri:
What a sweet couple. I love the last photo and the one with them in their feet up and you from behind the chairs - great perspective :)
(06.26.09)
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valerie & ricky : sneak peek!
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30
I like a challenge.
Ben has become a fairly serious runner over the last year or so, and recently, he's been trying to persuade me to join him. It needs to be noted that I have despised running for as long as I can remember. My lungs burn, my breathing freaks out, and I sweat - profusely. How can this be described as enjoyable? I think I'd rather pour sand in my eyes.
So needless to say, I've been trying to avoid Ben's proposition at all costs. However, since we share a bedroom, it's a little difficult.
After he hassled me long enough, I agreed to give the 10-week plan a go under these conditions - if I liked it, I'd continue to do it (without him saying "I told you so"). If I hated it, he'd never ask me again. That seems fair.
Well, it's week 3 and I'm feeling a little sheepish. Turns out, running is actually a great challenge. Pushing myself on the pavement, feeling my body improve day-by-day, accomplishing goals - yeah, ok. It's pretty sweet. But don't tell Ben I said that. :)
In a similar way, photography is challenging - it challenges my creativity, my nerves, and my confidence.
Rebecca and Chris' engagement shoot took place in downtown Orlando. This particular spot was specifically requested by our couple, so we happily obliged. Ben and I are extremely familiar with Church Street Station, and the layout of downtown as we've done many shoots in the area.
So much like my running plan, we had to push ourselves. We were forced to not rest in our comfort zone, but to find freshness amid a well-known atmosphere.
Rebecca and Chris helped make our job easy. :) They are laid back, engaging, and undeniably crazy about each other. Gaining inspiration from our clients is extremely motivating, so we were thrilled to discover that Rebecca and Chris were down for anything we asked of them.
We've already posted their sneak peek, but here's a more detailed look into their shoot:
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Yesterday, Ben and I had the privilege of photographing Rebecca and Chris' engagement session in downtown Orlando. I'm so excited to post a bigger entry with details about this awesome couple, but for now, enjoy the sneak peek below!
These two know how to work the camera. Seriously.
I love the following two images. The curled bars are classy and romantic. :)
Random milk crates? Fabulous.
Quick outfit change, then off to one of my favorite walls in Orlando. :)
Rebecca, our cameras love you.
My favorite from the day. <3.
Anonymous:
wow that couple look great.....no wonder he is my son!!! hahaa great job to the photographer.
(05.04.09)
Dee:
Wow, the pictures look so AMAZING!! I love love love the milk crates, your creativity ROCKS!! I can't wait to see the rest.. You guys are Awesome. Big Thank You!!
(05.05.09)
liz:
oh my my my ....they look great my sister looks really pretty and chris looks like he was more excited than rebeca.... i love all the pictures cant wait to see more!
(05.05.09)
Maddy:
Love the pictures!!!! My favorite is the images thrue the bars, VERY ROMANTIC!!!! & the B & W image is AMAZING!!! But am predictable all who know me, wiould know those would be my top pic because am a HELPLESS ROMANTIC!!!
(05.05.09)
Eileen Nazario:
Love it, love it....Great pictures!! Great memories!!
(06.04.09)
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In my blog posts, I hesitate to utilize music to illustrate a relationship. Not because I don't feel like music plays a crucial part in love (because in my world, with Ben, it totally does), but because I'm afraid that I will start relying too heavily on someone else's words to describe something that is unique and special. While music and lyrics continuously inspire me, I never want to use them as a crutch.
That being said, I do think that music can enhance a description. :)
When I think of Erin and Spencer's relationship, I can hear the following tune playing in my head. The words, the melody, the feel - everything about it is completely fitting for the love shared between this couple:
Everything's Right
by: Matt Wertz
Windows down as the night blows in
Tap a beat on the wheel as the tires spin
Until we're there crank the radio
We'll join in with the songs we know
Hey, everything's right, said everything's right tonight
Hey, everything's right, said everything's right tonight
Smiles light up as we walk in
Old conversations begin again
Nostalgia's thick as the August air
Takes us back to a time when we didn't care, we didn't care
Hey, everything's right, said everything's right tonight
Hey, everything's right, said everything's right tonight
While this song may not be your "typical" anthem of love, it's refreshing. It's inviting, comforting, carefree, affectionate, and mellow. This song, to me, is Erin and Spencer. Individually, they are two of the most good-natured, approachable people in the world. Together, well, "everything's right." :)
Erin and Spencer, we're officially 22 days away from your wedding and we couldn't be more excited! You guys completely rock our world, and we can't wait to see you again soon!
Nicole:
Wow. I LOVE these pictures. I will definitely very seriously consider giving you a call when I get engaged/married. You are VERY talented! I am so glad I stumbled upon your work!
(07.08.09)
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erin & spencer : engaged!
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Um... you were in Mt. Dora, just mere BLOCKS from my house, and you didn't call me :( I will only forgive you because the photos are beautiful. I think I'm going to try out some of your spots. ;)
(07.09.09)