Some sessions are perfect from the beginning, and some aren’t. This one wasn’t. I started the session by locking my keys in the car—along with my camera gear. The only thing I had in my hand was a Diana F+ camera with 5 shots of Polaroid film in it & a flash (the last shot in this series is from that camera). So we had some time to just hang out while waiting for someone to arrive to break in to my car. I had a great time just hanging out sans camera with these two. And to be honest, I think it actually helped the final product be what it is—stellar. So good, in fact, that I still don’t believe that these two don’t have extensive modeling backgrounds—regardless of what they tell me.

This session is also a great example of how I like to work, a nice mix of natural light & lighting with flashes. Basically doing what ever’s necessary to get the best photo.

A while back I had the great pleasure of being able to take part in a special photo shoot along with some great area wedding vendors including Rachel, the brains behind the great Apple Brides Blog. The shoot took place at one of Spokane’s truly unique wedding/reception venues, Barrister Winery. It’s a special bit of big city modern in our own little burgh. I fell in love with it instantly when I shot Joanna & Andrew’s reception there last year. If you’ve never been there, you should definitely make the trip.

As a photographer, a good understanding of using your flash creatively is helpful since one of it’s attributes is the dark ambience. All of these shots have some amount of flash in them except for the first one (and it’s black & white brother near the end of the post), the close ups of the bride which were shot near the sole window while the beautiful natural light shone on us (there was a reflector though), and the flowers on the paint palette. The last photo even used a strong flash since the light outside was fading & I really wanted a strong silhouette photo.

Unlike some editorial shoots where models are hired, Erica & Tyler are actually engaged. To even add another level of realness, Tyler is an employee at the winery. He gives a great tour of the place, by the way. Thanks to Shane Savage for his help in assisting during the shoot.

Fun with shutter speeds.

I love this portrait.

The power of a tilt/shift lens.

Flash blast.

Flowers: Angela Austin, Floral Design and Home Decor

Make-up: Shasta Hankins Freelance Make-up

Hair: Lindsey Wilson (509-362-6510) of the K Salon

Stationery: Carli Marie Design

Gowns: Storybook Bridal

Headpieces/Accessories: Finder’s Keepers

Tuxedo: Tuxedo Gallery

I have the best job in the world & the best clients in the world. Last week I had the opportunity to hang out with Justin & Nicole and get some photos in the process. These 2 are great. They’re so at ease with each other so open to whatever I wanted to try which makes for great portraits. I’m so excited for their wedding this fall. Plus both Nicole & Justin are from the western side of the state (like me) so of course they’re great (Go Huskies!).

Click the thumbnails to see the photos.

Last weekend Hallie, Lee Roy & I set out around downtown Spokane to get some portraits for their engagements. These two were so easy to take pictures of that I could have shot them for the entire day—if it didn’t get windy & cold so quickly.

One of the best parts of an engagement session is getting to know the couples whom I ‘ll be photographing on their wedding day & to get those “in front of the camera” jitters out of the way. As you can probably tell, there weren’t too many jitters and we went straight away in to getting great photos. It seemed like we were buds instantly.

I had a blast with these guys. I don’t think we stopped laughing for the entire session. In fact I’d say the only time they weren’t cracking up was when I was forcing them to show their more romantic side (of course, I didn’t have to force them too much).

I can’t wait to shoot their wedding day. I have no doubt it will be an outstanding & beautiful wedding.

Many, many thanks to H + L for trusting me with their special day.

Click the thumbnails to see the photos…