Amanda and Bobby - An Engagement Session to Remember in Half Moon BayAmanda and Bobby | Engagement Session
The "Unexpected" Engagement SessionI first met Amanda when she was the head coach of my daughter's ice hockey team a couple of years ago. Bobby was also a hockey coach for another girls team at the same rink, and that is where they first met. When Amanda asked if I was available to photograph her wedding, I couldn't have been more excited! We met to discuss the details, and decided to do an Engagement Session so Amanda and Bobby would have current pictures that were separate from their wedding day. Honestly, I thought the location was a "no-brainer" - the ice rink of course! But to my surprise, Amanda told me she wanted something different, something no one would expect. I LOVED that because most people are used to seeing these two in their hockey coaching attire at the rink (including me). Amanda told me a great story about when Bobby took her on a surprise date to Half Moon Bay, CA, and I have to say, I was impressed to learn the softer, more romantic side of Bobby. We decided right then and there it HAD to be Half Moon Bay! We set out early the morning of our shoot to beat all the other San Francisco Bay Area people trying to escape the oppressive inland heat. Typical of Half Moon Bay, we had cool weather with perfect overcast skies. Many people think overcast is bad for pictures and sunny is better, but when you're at the beach, direct midday sun can be really harsh and unflattering so I was very happy - great light and no fog!
Before our session, I scoured the internet looking for the perfect stretch of beach with lots of options, and decided on The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay. We began shooting on an incredibly scenic bluff overlooking the ocean. It didn't take long before Amanda and Bobby created their own amazing moments for me to capture. It's always those spontaneous, unposed moments that make my heart sing.
We walked down to the gorgeous beach which had a perfect curved cove in the background. Because Bobby is about a foot taller than Amanda, I was looking for natural props that would even out their height a bit. Once the logistical elements were in place, I let Amanda and Bobby just enjoy each other and their surroundings (with a little direction from me).
Next, I asked Amanda and Bobby to take a leisurely stroll on the beach. Bobby may seem like a tough guy at the ice rink, but once his tender feet hit that cold pacific ocean, I saw a whole new side of Bobby. Too funny!
As we walked down to the other end of the beach, we came across this cool outcropping of rock and decided to get a few wider angle shots of Amanda and Bobby surrounded by the powerful ocean.
"Tender Foot" trying to get off the rock - LOL.
"You caught me!"
Eventually, the sun began peaking out through the clouds so I decided to try a different location on the beach, adding some extra fill light with off-camera flash.
Our last stop was this cool wooden bridge lined with beautiful cypress trees.
After all our hard work was done, we celebrated with lunch at Sam's Chowder House (YUM!). I had SO much fun getting to know these two on a more personal level. It was great seeing this whole other side of Amanda and Bobby, and it was clear just how much they care for each other. Next weekend, I'll be photographing their wedding day and I couldn't be more happy for them. (Bobby - keep your shoes on!)
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Keywords:
Engagement Portraits
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