Engagement Session with Marisa & Brian

Marisa contacted me a couple of weeks ago for engagement photos and this past weekend we got together with her fiancé Brian for our session. Thankfully, the weather recently as been gorgeous with beautiful light for warm toned pictures. We hit up the UC Davis Arboretum and I began snapping away!

I don’t usually have a set route or places to shoot around the Arboretum whenever I go there. I typically use my eyes to spot the best location at any given moment. So my strategy with my clients is just to walk around and stop whenever a great photo opportunity presents itself for us. We began our session at a couple of nice benches at the garden. The sun was just above some high trees giving us some nice lighting.

For this shoot I primarily went with the versatile 24-70 2.8 GM lens from Sony. A lot of event shooters love this lens for its versatility. I admit, it’s a very good lens, but it’s not my favorite. I actually surprised myself by using it so much this weekend. This lens gets you the wides and the close up shots without having to dig into your bag to switch to another piece of glass. I had a few other lens choices available, but this one just stayed on the camera!

The Arboretum is constantly changing depending on the season. The spot above is usually completely shaded with leaves from the trees, but today it was wide open. And that’s why I really love the Arboretum. I can take couples here for shoots and get different looks even while shooting at similar locations. I like to call this shot my ‘creeper’ shot because it looks like someone is getting a look at an intimate moment with the couple.

As with all my shoots, I provide every single frame taken to the client so they have it. I also hand select the best photos and deliver them with a little editing. Engagement shoots are important for save-the-date cards and announcements, so I try to get the photos back as soon as possible. I was able to get the engagement photos back to Brian and Marisa in just two days! Talk about speed!

I’d love to work with more engaged couples! If you’re getting married or know anyone who is, tell them to contact me! I’d love to get them the special images that they deserve!

Luke ChengComment