Jennel + Byron: Hawaiian Couple Session
It's a well-known fact that there is a mass exodus in Alaska in the winter. We board planes in droves to go to Hawaii-- any island, it doesn't matter. Just get us to the land of sunshine and cheaper fruit. I, for one, have come to crave/need this yearly trip to Hawaii for a number of reasons. One reason being that I no longer match any shade of makeup that is darker than White-Out, and another being that I crave taking photos while still being able to feel my fingers. (Side note, my home is so cold, I actually can't feel my fingers while I type this back in Anchorage.)
It was absolutely serendipitous that my paths crossed with Jennel and Byron in Kauai, who were the most amazing (and accommodating!) couple to photograph. First, they rescheduled our session after the ballistic missile scare, which was definitely needed! (I think I would've been too shaky still to get a good shot!) Then, they drove TWO hours to the north side of the island for our session. It was raining in spots around the island, including the location I'd scouted for our shoot. Byron grew up on the north shore and knew a bunch of great spots, and thanks to years of surfing, was able to read the weather and guess where we'd escape the rain. It was uncanny! We ended up at Tunnels Beach. The spot we were in was pure sun, but about 100 yards down the beach, you could see the rain coming down like crazy. And then in the other direction, we had a rainbow! You can't create cooler conditions than that!
This was my first attempt at destination photography, and it reminded me of some really important things. The light was much brighter than anything I've shot in awhile, and required me to dust off some technical skills I hadn't needed back in Alaska. I also had to just trust my vision and the amazing chemistry of my couple on the spot without scouting. And I definitely walked away knowing destination shoots are something I want to do more of in the future. They might not make a ton of sense for me right now with a small kiddo, but one day, they will. (Although, if you have a destination in mind and you'd like to work with me, let's talk about it. I'm all ears!)
Thank you to Jennel and Byron! Congratulations on your engagement!
Hunter + Ashleigh: Engagement Session
I met Hunter and Ashleigh at Beluga Point on a perfect, blustery evening. Cold-ish nights in May with overcast skies are some of my favorites, and my favorite to take photos-- which makes me a bit odd, I guess. But Hunter and Ashleigh were right there with me. "We're up for anything!" Hunter said (though sweetly grabbing a big puffy coat for Ashleigh before leaving the parking lot). Ashleigh told me she'd only been in Alaska for three days and couldn't believe the beauty of the spot along Turnagain Arm.
We started off trying to find spots sheltered from the wind, but after awhile we just embraced it. Ashleigh's gorgeous long hair whipped around her, and I loved watching the tenderness in which Hunter would push the strands out of her eyes. The way they looked at each other was pure magic, and if it wasn't for my camera malfunctioning an hour and a half into the session, I could have photographed them all night! (And yes, I'll admit my husband was right. He told me I should bring my second camera as I was walking out the door. Good thing we'd already gotten so many great shots!)
Jamie & Jim's Engagement Photos
Jamie, Jim, and I met on a blustery evening while the couple was on a short trip to Anchorage from Kotzebue. We had to change locations due to the high winds, but I think we found a much better spot at McHugh Creek anyway.
Jamie and Jim are my favorite kind of couple. They are warm, easy to talk to, and have such fun together. Some of my favorite shots from their engagement session include the ones where they are making each other laugh. I asked them to do one serious shot, and it was adorable how difficult it was for them to not smile at each other.
I am so excited for their wedding in July! Congratulations Jamie & Jim!
Samantha & Richard: Engagement
I love, love, love snowy photo sessions! I was so disappointed last winter because there just weren't any opportunities to capture a winter wonderland, so it was a real treat when Samantha & Richard's engagement session ended up on a perfect snowy day.
One of the things I love about engagement sessions is how I get to see love so clearly on display. Each couple has their own chemistry, and it's fun to see how they support each other when thrown into something (sometimes uncomfortable) like getting your photo taken. Richard told me up front he was not into this whole thing, but Sam had little methods to make him laugh and smile. (I also learned that my weird sounds that work for dogs and babies also had Richard in stitches!) As we were wrapping up, the snow began to fall softly and it was the perfect end to a cozy, romantic session with this Alaskan couple and their pups. Congratulation Sam & Richard!
Mary & Jazon's Engagement Photos
I met up with Mary & Jazon at Beluga Point on one of the most beautiful days we've had this fall. The leaves were still bright orange, the sun had finally poked through the never-ending layer of clouds, and it was warm enough to gallivant for a little while without a coat. In short, the perfect day for engagement photos.
The two have such a sweet proposal story. Jazon put a lot of thought into it, and took Mary to a favorite Free Little Library in their neighborhood where he'd planted one of her favorite books... and something sparkly.
Spending an hour with them was such fun. They were such naturals in front of the camera and were so comfortable with each other. I can't wait for their beautiful summer wedding in 2016!
Melanie & Matt: An Evening in Perfect Light
On a golden August night, I meet Melanie and Matt at a local dog park where they routinely walk their dog, Lucky. Lucky lives up to his name, trotting around, happily slinging slobber across his own face, and bounding back and forth between his people. Melanie stops on the side of the forested trail and rummages in a backpack for organic carrot treats, which Lucky waits for excitedly. He’s much more interested in treats and other dogs than having his photo taken.
The light is a dream tonight. Soft filtered rays stream through trees, still clinging to their late summer leaves. Melanie and Matt walk along, and I catch a glimpse at what their normal evening routine is like. Melanie has a laugh that is loud and infectious. They talk about recent adventures and ask each other about whether or not they remembered the leash. It's their every day... but it's so perfect.
I love when I get to take photos like this. My theory is these little moments are the ones we should be trying so hard to remember. Sure, the big moments will always stand out-- but it's the dinners at home, the late night walks with a hyper dog, and the times when you didn't get dressed up that truly make up these short, wonderful lives of ours.
Another treat from this shoot? The fact I got to photograph Melanie & Matt before their wedding. This shoot, in particular, was fun because I’ve known both Matt and Melanie before this. Matt is the brother of one of my dear college friends and Melanie worked as the occasional courtroom sketch artist when I worked at KTUU. This separate life outside of each other makes it all the more interesting to see couples come together and how they interact.
The truth is, Melanie & Matt are the kind of couple that work so well together you find it hard to believe there was ever a time they weren't together. Have you ever met those people? Where it seemed like they just made sense? They are so sweet to each other, have shared so many adventures together, and seem to agree on more things than any other couple I've ever seen.
I'm so honored to be their wedding photographer-- and you'll see more from these two before you even know it! Congratulations you guys! Can't wait for the big day!
Tanya & Jeremy:: Downtown Engagement
Give me the people who can have fun anywhere, like Tanya & Jeremy. These two were a hoot to photograph! From creative lifts (and one graceful fall) to being photobombed by tourists on segways, this shoot was unlike any other.
Have you heard the saying: “If you’re bored, you’re boring?” It definitely comes off as a wee bit harsh, but I’m beginning to think there’s more and more truth in that sentiment. There aren't many people who can really make any situation awesome, and I'd say it's even rarer still to find a couple like this. But Tanya and Jeremy are the type of people who can entertain themselves anywhere, and I think their joy and love for fun and each other shines through in their Downtown Anchorage Engagement Session.
I knew from our consultation prior to the engagement session that these two would be fun. Tanya said they wanted to go downtown and eat Reindeer Hot Dogs, which is uniquely Alaskan and a first for me as a photographer.
Then, it wasn’t long before they were skipping down the streets of Anchorage—something completely unprompted, and something they say they do all the time.
Tanya & Jeremy skipping down the 4th Avenue during their Anchorage Engagement Session.
Our Segway Tour photobomb. :)
Downtown Anchorage offers some really cool spots for photos. There's the iconic buildings like the 4th Avenue Theater, beautiful flowers, the Coastal Trail (which allows for nature shots without having to move locations!), and this giant cookie cutter-looking Alaska.
Congratulations Tanya & Jeremy! I'm so happy for you two and wish a lifetime full of fun!
Love is in the Air... No, Literally!
It's not everyday that your office takes flight! Samantha & Owen's engagement has to be one of the most amazing photography experiences I've ever had. The couple shares a love for aviation and our original plan was to take photos by their plane on Lake Hood. The day before the shoot, I got a text from Sam asking if I'd be willing to go for a plane ride for their Engagement Session. Of course I would! Have I mentioned I love Alaskan couples!?
There's something really cool about doing an Engagement Session when the couple must do something together. Suddenly you get to see them in a whole new light and working as a team. And in this case, getting a plane ready to go is not a simple task. I loved how Sam and Owen settled into their familiar rhythms to get ready to go. Sam pulled on her gloves and began removing tie-downs and Owen began checking systems in the cockpit. It was clear this was something they'd done hundreds of times together, and worked through an unspoken checklist using their own form of communication.
Have I mentioned I love Alaskan Brides?!
Fueling a bush plane takes true teamwork!
Samantha's ring on the nose of the plane. Only in Alaska.
We circled Hope & Girdwood trying to spot wildlife before landing in Whittier. We saw two different mama bears and cubs frolicking on mountain sides and a Humpback whale! It was breathtaking, and what was so cool about it is Sam and Owen definitely don't take for granted how amazing these flights are. I love the adventurous Alaskan spirit.
My personal favorite from our session. Samantha has this gorgeous and genuine smile that is infectious, and I loved the effect it has on Owen in the pictures. For one sequence I told them to try to be serious, knowing it would lead to a giggly Samantha. Once Samantha was trying to keep from laughing, an adorable smirk crept over Owen's face. I love how genuine this photo feels. And we even got some blue skies in Whittier towards the end of our session!
Owen designed Samantha's ring and took inspiration from her Grandmother's ring. I couldn't stop taking photos of it in various locations because it is gorgeous!
Another tender moment caught on camera. Samantha was worried about her hair looking windblown and "crazy"-- as she put it-- and Owen was quick to help catch flyaways.
Samantha found an old rusty rail road spike and a cool rock on the beach.
She scratched their names and wedding year on it.
Thank you to Samantha and Owen for giving me such a beautiful experience and couple to work with! It was so much fun and I'm so excited for your journey as husband and wife!