They.

They rushed into the little Starbucks coffeeshop at Barnes and Noble, flushed with a little bit of nervousness, but their faces held huge smiles.  Throughout our meeting that day, I kept noticing how they looked at each other, deferred to each other when a question was asked or a decision needed to be made.  They are a pair.  They know each other.  Really know.  He looks at her like he’s proud of her.  She looks at him, and every time she can’t help but smile.  And it’s refreshing.

Kristy and Al, it was an absolute privilege for Kara and I to meet you and ‘shoot’ you.  We are honored to be a part of capturing your memories, and can’t wait to photograph your wedding at the Riverview this July!

I had to include this one.  Look at that smile! -  Kristy is a kindergarten teacher.  Children are so influenced by their school teachers; all 3 of our kids just love their teachers this year. Don’t you think Kristy would be one of the best teachers ever?  Some pretty lucky kiddos at her school!

So, I mentioned that my sister Kara came with me.  She’s been enjoying photography of late, and it’s been fun talking shop together, and emailing our latest photography finds.  She agreed to help me out this summer, and I’m so excited to have her with me now and then.  Throughout this post, I’m going to show some of her shots– and highlight the added perspective of having a second shooter.  For example, this is what I was getting in my camera– a wind-blowing-her-hair, relaxed shot of Kristy with Al looking on…

35mm – f1.4 – 1/1000 sec – ISO 200

…while Kara was seeing this – a great, composed, natural profile of Kristy, sans Al:

60mm – f2.8- 1/640 sec – ISO 200.

See what I mean?  ‘Love it.  And then I can catch Kara at work.  It was windy that day:

Another example of our two different perspectives.  I went for the straight-on/frame-this-for-my-desk shot, which I like, with the buildings and the pretty bokeh from the tree.  But- Kara went for the negative space/creativity-at-its-best shot at the same moment.  And that shot of hers is one of my absolute, number 1 favorites from the day.

Another example.  On the right, I was going for a really shallow depth-of-field, with the post/ring focused, and Kristy and Al bokehed out in the background.

At the same time, Kara was working her macro lens to its fullest:

‘Love the colors and the relaxed nature of this one.  It says ‘Cape Cod’ to me.  Shocking, I know, as you can see here, that I would actually think about the Cape.

35mm – f1.4- 1/2500 sec – ISO 100

So I got caught at work a couple times, too.  Do I always arch my back like that when I’m shooting?  Good question.  I have no idea.

Do I always grin like a goofball when I’m shooting?  ‘Not sure.  But I think so. Ugh.

35mm – f1.4 – 1/1000sec.   ISO 100

‘Had to feature those eyelashes:

35mm – f1.4 – 1/1000sec.   ISO 100

Okay, it’s hard to choose a favorite.  But this comes close.  I know it’s not perfect, and no one’s looking at me, but that’s what I love.  It’s one of those “in-between” lifestyle moments.  I like the smiles, Kristy laughing and just about to fix her windblown hair, and Al calmly enjoying sitting next to his future bride.  A little life moment.

35mm – f1.4 – 1/1600sec.   ISO 100

And just two frames later:

35mm – f2.8 – 1/320sec -  ISO 100

This last shot is Kara’s- taken around the same time I was grabbing the image above.  See what I mean about little moments, the way he looks at her?  I’ll say it again: it’s refreshing.

All the best to you both, Kristy and Al!

And thanks to Kara for helping a sister out.  Readers, feel free to make her day & leave Kara some comment love on her skills during this shoot!

*Note:  I’ve had some people email from time to time and ask me to post on the blog about settings/exposures/specs of my photos.  I’ve hesitated to do so in the past, not because I want to keep secrets– but because I don’t want to give the wrong impression, that I’m an expert.  ‘Cuz I’m not. There are tons and tons of photographers who are so much better than I- and who are technically gifted beyond what I can ever attain or imagine.  I just love to take pictures.   :)  So I will add little ‘specs’ from time to time, and hope it helps anyone who is interested in photography, because I have been mentored and helped by many others!  Thanks for the feedback, and if I forget to add specs now and then, please remind me. I hope you find it helpful.  Thanks!