Elizabeth & Brendan | Berkeley Botanical Garden | Wurster Hall | UC Berkeley Campus | Engagement Shoot

I have this special connection with Brendan and Elizabeth.  Actually, Ingrid and I both have a connection with the both of them.  I used to work with them during the CALPACT days on UC Berkeley campus.  It was surreal getting to shoot them, because now we were in this completely different situation.  I'm used to asking them to help me teach a class or something, not snuggle or kiss in front of me while I take photos of them.  I think that's what made it all the more fun! 

Ingrid and Elizabeth had the architecture major connection.  When we went inside of Wurster Hall, the architecture major building on Berkeley campus, I think they were both flooded with memories of all nighters on the 8th floor.  I just couldn't believe how messy that place was!  Well they both survived and now were able to play inside the building, instead of having to worry about making the perfect cardboard structure.  

Brendan and Elizabeth also have the biggest hearts when it comes to helping their friends out for their weddings.  I've seen them at so many weddings decorating and now I look forward to seeing them being on the receiving end of all that lovin'.  You guys rock!

Elizabeth was having fun, while Brendan became a little camera shy. 

 

Brendan pulling Elizabeth away from the big tree monster.   

Good boy meets bad girl.  

Good boy woos bad girl. 

Good boy looks like he has no idea what he's getting himself into. 

I love the lighting and feel of this pic.  And they look like they belong in some cool ad campaign. 

Dirty concrete corner, with scratchy glass and bright sunlight make for a cool picture. 

 I must confess, I didn't actually see the square composing Brendan's face when I shot this.  Sometimes, I just get lucky. 

Alex & Joshua | Golden Gate Park | De Young Museum | Treasure Island | Engagement Session

The 2008 wedding season is in full gear and we've been doing a ton of engagement sessions.  Almost all of our couples have opted to get an engagement session and we've been getting a lot of people who just get an engagement session from us even though we can't shoot their wedding.  So we'll be doing over 40 engagement sessions alone this year!  Who would have thought ten years ago that these shoots would become so popular.  Jesh de Rox in Canada is an engagement session master and he's charging over $5000 for just the engagement session alone!  So yes, the engagement session is here to stay and I believe that this segment will continue to grow as couples begin to be aware of how special these images will be to them 10, 20, 30 years from now. 

The approach to each session for me is always slightly different, but I think the underlining current is one of discovery.  Every session is a small adventure, because for the most part both parties have never ventured in this new territory before.  I've never shot the couple before and the couple has more than likely never been in a shoot like this.  This always leads to awkward, funny, anxious, silly, solemn, hilarious, tearful, joyous,  ______ (fill in the blank) moments of discovery.  This path always leads to something that has never been created or captured before and won't be repeated in the same manner ever again.  And to be able to share this with you...it's my honor and privilege. 

 Alex and Joshua, thank you for an amazing time.  You have this wellspring of joy together that inspires me.