Debra Says…… (About an Engagement Session)
We met Fabiola and Rich near their Orange County home for their engagement photo session. What a cool, fun couple! Confession time. I love these engagement photo shoots. It is an interesting phase in a couples lives. They are no longer dating, but not married. Let’s face it, weddings may start out to be about the couple, but they end up being about everyone else. Usually there are social and religious customs that dictate a wedding.(which is special and sacred) As much fun as wedding planning can be, it is a bit stressful too. The engagement photo session is just about the couple. Capturing them in this in-between time is beautiful to me. It is a chance to see them, as few people get to see them, and to record those moments forever. Fabi and Rich chose a couple of different spots for their session, including the Montage in Laguna Beach. They were relaxed in spite of the chilly wind. They were laughing and smiling and just, adorable. Chris likes to get to know the couple more during these sessions, and they get to know him. That is important, since at your wedding, your photographer will stick to you all day, it should be someone you feel comfortable with. I am lucky to get to witness these moments. Thank you Fabi and Rich, see you at your wedding! xo Debra
Debra Says…… (About a Family Shoot)
Last week we went to Laguna so Chris could do a family photo shoot. I got to go along as the ILS (Intelligent Light Stand). We found a new location that had nice rocks and easy access. The family was so adorably California, that the little bit of New Jersey left in me, started to hurt. The two little sisters were 5 and 2. That is a really fun age for kids. Getting both girls to look at the camera was the trick. The little one was amazed by the waves and the birds, and her big sister. The older sister, Lauren, was a natural at posing and at coaxing her sister to look at the camera. Singing “Dora the Explorer” seemed to help get everyone smiling, including grouchy old me. It is always fun for me to watch Chris work. He has a plan, but is flexible, adapting to the area and to the subjects of the photo shoot. Quick too, which is handy since the tide was coming in and trying to get all the gear. (although he did check the surf report and it was supposed to be low tide at the time of the shoot) We moved around the area taking over 300 photos in different spots and poses. The whole time Chris was coaxing the kids, and making the parents smile. As bossy as Chris can be (and that is really bossy) it seemed more like he was having fun than working. There was a real connection with the family. I occasionally get to snap a photo of him doing his thing. It makes me smile, because he looks happy, in a bossy sort of way.
