What if it was more than just a session...

From Michael's very first message I knew the session was going to be an adventure.

The photos were a surprise for her birthday so we devised a plan and I sent him a day, time, and coordinates. During the time I was using to scout the area, I came around a corner to the most vibrant and picturesque sunflower field I had ever seen. I spent what little time I had to try and track down the owner of the land but as I drove away with no connection, I decided if they were willing to take a chance we had to come to the field. But the question was... were they going to be down for it? Was it too much work, or too much unknown?

What made Michael and Caroline a dream to work with was their trust from the very first moment. "I've never had my photo taken professionally before" Caroline said as they walked ahead of me to a tree swing at our first stop. It's true that having your photo taken can be an uncomfortable experience--we are, all of us, insecure in our own ways. How do I stand, and how does my hair look, and for the love of my sanity what do I do with my hands? Photography, I'm finding more in every session, is not just a thing we do for the end product but can be an experience we have. My goal was for Michael and Caroline to enjoy their anniversary, to laugh and play and reminisce on their life together. I asked them questions about the first time they met and when they had their first kiss, I sent them off ahead of me with instructions to bump noses and to play tug of war and to chase each other playfully. If you are dancing in a field you don't have to worry about what to do with your hands because they are preoccupied in the hands of the person you love, if you're laughing at a joke you don't have to wonder if your smile looks real because it is. It felt like they were out on a date that there happened to be photo evidence of and I found myself dragging the session out far longer than expected or necessary because we were all just having a great time.

I drove home on a cloud, and a smile remained permanently on my face the entire editing process. In reflection I noticed a few key factors that made our time together memorable for them as a couple/clients, and made it a dream for me as a creative:

Be Down for Anything

"We are down for anything" is one thing to say, it's another to really mean it. To be willing to kick off your heals or dirty your clothes, to still show up in the rain or heat. Michael and Caroline were ready for anything. I often tell clients that "photographers are weird" (usually in a moment I am rolling on the ground or asking them to laugh at a tree) because we will ask you to do and say things that seem... odd. But if you want those Pinterest-worthy candid shots you have to trust that what is being asked of you will yield a desirable result. You're hiring a professional--are you willing to trust them? Michael and Caroline were willing and ready to do things that made them feel foolish (you try asking a grown ex-military man to dance in a field of flowers) They were willing to sit in the grass, walk barefoot on tough ground, and change clothes on the side of the road. The results were stunning memories they will cherish forever.

Make it About More Than the Photos

My favorite aspect of Michael and Caroline's session was that they were going home having had a wonderful experience--the photos from it would be a bonus. There was a tree swing, exploring, hiking, and laughter that set it apart as an actual date. So much so they were in no hurry for it to be over and if you've ever seen a man in a photo session you know that is no easy feat. But it was fun. As a photographer we aren't only capturing your photo, we are trying to capture the essence of who you are as individuals and as a couple. Let your photographer craft an experience for you that you'll hold onto as dearly as you will the photos themselves. I knew Michael and Caroline were adventurous, they trusted me to plan the adventure, and magic happened because of that trust.

Don't Try to Be Perfect

I'm not sure why we think dressing to the Nines will be a pleasant experience for photos. Your feet hurt, you can't lift your arms or kick out your legs, your makeup is melting off, the list goes on. For the photos you can enjoy taking and enjoy viewing you can just dress.. as yourself. Maybe it is your comfort outfit, or one you just bought but love, maybe its the dress with pockets, or the old matching vans. Someday I will publish a style guide to help clients figure out the "perfect ootd" but for now my biggest recommendation is this: when you prioritize comfort over perfection your confidence is boosted and you get to enjoy the photos in more ways than one.