Engagement sessions are the best! It’s such a great way for the couple to get comfortable under the scrutiny of a camera lens, and experience actually working with the photographer they’ve chosen to be with them on their wedding day.

This adorable couple, Caroline and Chad, are getting married in Feb. at Occasions at Laguna Village, a wonderful venue overlooking the blue Pacific. We did their engagement session over two days at two locations: an open space preserve in San Juan Capistrano, and the beach below The Montage Hotel in Laguna Beach.

I always tell clients that “magic” doesn’t typically happen in the first images shot. It takes a bit for them to get “in the groove”, trust me, and relax. And, as you know, I’m directing the poses to look anything but directed. The interaction between the couple is what turns ho hum into WOW. Enjoy!

Sometimes I see a color image and know there will be more “story value” in black and white. This is one of them.

I did a different color treatment on this one. I like it a lot.

Okay, so it may have felt a little awkward, but Caroline and Chad trusted me to create this romantic shot.

Again, they trusted me, and I’m thrilled with the genuine emotion that resulted.

Typically, heads leaning in toward each other create more visual connection between the couple.

Nothing like a real laugh between a couple. Gotta get it…fast.