Kelli & Shane - Not Just Another Walk in the Park

I don't think we'll forget the first consultation meeting with Kelli & Shane for their wedding photography. The smiles, the laughter, the love, and the ring! I think we all just clicked that day. Even Riley bonded with Kelli's mother like we have never seen. So when the time came for the engagement session, I was really excited.

Grant Park in Atlanta was the setting -- not for the wonderful zoo nearby, but the nice stonework, treelined walkways, and steps with that "city" feel. We were joyous to find it uncrowded as the other session we had photographed earlier this year. So at the planned meeting spot, I saw Kelli and Shane walking towards me like they just stepped out of a fashion magazine!

Often I comment that the job of any photographer after they learn the camera inside and out is to make the client relax. Only then can the real photography began. And here were my awesome clients already relaxed. Oh, this was going to be a great day!

We strolled the park when we were startled by the siren screams. I quickly asked them to kiss in the street for the implied need for a firetruck to cool the couple.

I love this park because every few steps, I see photographs not yet made. I have also learned through experience that now is the time. There is no coming back tomorrow. So when we were talking I saw the steps to the right about 40 yards away. I explained to Kelli and Shane what I saw and wanted to try. "Of course!" they said, "Let's do it!" I think we took about 30 or so images here but this one with Lisa's editing is my favorite.

And now about the ring. I believe it's over 3 carats and it is a gorgous black diamond! Wow! I like this couple!

 

It was a beautiful fall day with two special people in love, but it was not just another walk in the park!

 

Randy & Lisa

When There is Love

Outdoor location photography is special, but it can be very challenging. The flowers are not always blooming, the grass is not always green, and the trees are sometimes just bare. Not to mention the temperature and the wind can blow the hair to no end. But through all of this, nothing seems to matter when there is love.

This was the case this week when I met Tiffany and Salvatore at Piedmont Park in Atlanta. On the drive into the city, I heard the radio saying it was 33 degrees with a 16 degree windchill. I had my doubts about getting this session in let alone even having a meeting.

But when we met, they were full of smiles and eager to go. As we discussed their wedding plans, I knew we had to work quickly, but I also I wanted them to be relaxed. I saw how the sun backlit their hair and I simply asked them to kiss. This was my first frame of the day and I knew this was going to be fun!

This was all taking place while construction workers jackhammered the concrete and ran the leafblowers. Even the loud noises could not break the connection between client and photographer on this February afternoon.

I couldn't have a session in the city without some background buildings and they didn't complain about the walk further into the park.




















I had a wonderful time in the subpar conditions, thanks to two people with great attitudes. I am so looking forward to photographing their wedding. I love my job!

Randy