Algonkian Park in Sterling has more activities available than you can do in a weekend. A golf course, soccer and baseball fields, the Potomac River, a water park, and lots of nature trails to hike. This was where Dianne, Kent and I spent an afternoon exploring and making some great images.
I wish Annapolis wasn’t so far away from Sterling! It is my favorite spot for an engagement shoot (besides a National’s game!). Leona, Adam, and I spent a gorgeous afternoon exploring the old streets and waterfront. Any time spent with Leona is going to be a fun adventure and she kept Adam and I on our toes and laughing. Leona and Adam have a great chemistry together and I very excited to shoot their wedding next spring.
Who knew there are wooded parks in the middle of Washington, D.C.? Lori and Andrew told me they had a great little spot near their home. I love it when my clients suggest an unusual location for an engagement shoot that they are familiar and comfortable with. It was natural for Andrew to bring his guitar as they are both very much into music. We got a lot of fun, casual, loving shots in a wonderful location.
I am lucky when I do engagement shoots for the simple reason that the couple are usually in that stage of a relationship where they can’t get enough of each other. (Except that one time in LA when the bride announced upon arriving 45 minutes late that the engagement shoot was off and so was the wedding!! But that story is for another day….) The point I am getting at is that most of my couples are in deep love for each other. However, once in a while I get a couple where the chemistry is so good that it is fun to watch them together. I shot Alison and Seamus around the Lincoln Memorial (FYI – The reflecting pool is being rebuilt and is drained.) and I was amazed as he constantly had her laughing her head off. I very much enjoyed shooting these guys, but I am not sure they realized that I was even there!!!
Engagement shoot Lincoln Memorial Washington DC
Laura and Chris wanted to do their engagement shoot at an outdoor, beautiful, and interested location. When I suggested Oatlands Plantation in Leesburg, Laura was excited as she was familiar with the location from her previous job. Oatlands is a great spot because they have magnificent gardens and a diverse landscape. With one outfit change, Laura Chris and I spent afternoon exploring the property. We came away with some sweet, beautiful, and fun images.
Blame it on global warming. Blame it on the chemistry between Charlotte and Aldo. Wow was it hot. Who left the oven door open hot?! Old Town Alexandria is on the waters edge. That should have helped. Nope. Hot. Good thing these two were lost in each other and not paying attention to the heat (or me). Good times. Hot times, but good times. Great photos.
I was very excited when Jenn and Jason suggested Middleburg for their engagement shoot. I love exploring new locations while getting to know my clients. Middleburg is a cute little town with a lot of great spots for photography. As we walked around
town together I was able to observe how great these two get along. If there is such a term, Jenn and Jason are “Crazy in Love”!
I spent an afternoon exploring Cleveland Park with Kristen and Drew. I always wonder going into an engagement shoot; 1) Will the couple be naturally comfortable in front of the camera , and 2) will the couple be willing to try out some of my ideas. The answers were YES and YES. We had a fun time and got some great images.
I always encourage my clients to choose a location for their engagement shoot that holds personal meaning. Someplace that they are familiar with or that is special to them. When Anna and Mike told me to meet them at the corner of 14th and I in DC my only response was “huh”?!?! (It is a very nondescript street corner in the middle of downtown). What was their plan? As it turns out……..that corner was not only where they first met, but also the spot that Mike got down on one knee and proposed. My appreciation for their choice grew more and more as we walked around Mike’s old neighborhood dodging raindrops. We discovered some great locations, had fun, and for the most part stayed dry. Trust your clients. Great lesson learned.
The Cherry Blossom Festival in DC is one of the most unique and beautiful events in the country. But it can also be a giant pain in the rear end. Massive crowds, traffic and a lack of parking can diminish the experience. Spending an hour shooting Adrianna and Oliver made it all worth while! These two could not be more comfortable in front of the camera and they could not be more in love. They made my job easy by simply forgetting that I was there and enjoying each other. It was an amazing experience.
