Amanda and Bobby - An Engagement Session to Remember in Half Moon Bay

August 12, 2015  •  Leave a Comment

Amanda and Bobby | Engagement Session
Date | 6.28.15
Location | Ritz-Carlton Beach, Half Moon Bay, CA

 

The "Unexpected" Engagement Session

I 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 B​​obby. 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!

Engagement-Portrait-Half-Moon-Bay-Ritz-CarltonA couple enjoying the scenic bluff overlooking the ocean in Half Moon Bay, CA at the Ritz-Carlton golf course during their engagement portrait session.

 

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.

Romantic-Moment-Engagement-Portrait-Half-Moon-BayA loving couple taking a moment to enjoy each other during their engagement portrait session at the Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay, CA. Loving-Moment-Close-up-Engagement-PortraitAn engaged couple taking a moment to feel each other's love captured in this close-up black and white portrait.

 

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).

Engagement-Portrait-Half-Moon-Bay-BeachEngagement-Portrait-Half-Moon-Bay-BeachA man and his fiance enjoying an intimate moment together during their engagement portrait session on a beautiful sandy beach cove in Half Moon Bay, California. Beach was accessible from the Ritz-Carlton hotel. Beach-Engagement-Portrait-Half-Moon-Bay-CAA man and his fiance enjoying an intimate moment together during their engagement portrait session on a beautiful sandy beach cove in Half Moon Bay, California. Beach was accessible from the Ritz-Carlton hotel.

Engagement-Portrait-Sitting-on-th-Beach-Half-Moon-Bay-CAAn engaged couple pose for a picture sitting on the beach in Half Moon Bay, CA.

 

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!

Tender-Feet-and-Cold-Pacific-Ocean-Funny-MomentDuring their engagement portrait session, Bobby wasn't so sure about getting his tender feet in the cold Pacific Ocean at the beach in Half Moon Bay, CA. Engaged-Couple-Strolling-the-Beach-in-Half-Moon-Bay-CACandid engagement picture of a couple strolling the beach in Half Moon Bay, CA. Engagement-Portrait-Loving-Moment-on-the-Beach-in-SepiaA man decides to pick up his fiance during this candid moment on the beach in Half Moon Bay, CA. Photo processed with sepia toning.

Engagement-Candid-Photo-Fun-at-the-BeachA couple having fun on the beach at Half Moon Bay, CA during their engagement portrait session. Candid moment in black and white.

 

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.

Couple-Enjoying-the-Ocean-at-Half-Moon-Bay-CA-BeachEngagement session portrait of a couple standing on an outcropping of rock surrounded by crashing waves in Half Moon Bay, CA.

Engagement-Portrait-Couple-Overlooking-the-OceanAn engaged couple stand on a rock enjoying the waves of the Pacific Ocean crashing around them. Photo aken in Half Moon Bay, CA.

 

Couple-Having-Fun-at-the-BeachDuring their engagement portrait session, this girl decided to have a little fun with her fiance who was negotiating his way of a rock surrounded by the Pacific Ocean in Half Moon Bay, CA.

"Tender Foot" trying to get off the rock - LOL.

Portrait-Session-Fun-in-Half-Moon-BayDuring their engagement portrait session in Half Moon Bay, CA, a couple is trying to figure out how to get off a rock surrounded by the Pacific Ocean.

"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.

Engagement-Portrait-Half-Moon-Bay-Beach-CAAn engagement session portrait of a couple in Half Moon Bay, CA on the beach below the Ritz-Carlton hotel.

 

Our last stop was this cool wooden bridge lined with beautiful cypress trees.

Engagement-Portrait-Among-Cypress-Trees-Half-Moon-Bay-CAA couple looks into each other's eyes for this engagement portrait on a wooden bridge with cypress trees in the background. Taken in Half Moon Bay, CA. Engagement-Portrait-Among-Cypress-TreesAn engaged couple lovingly looks at each other as their portrait is taken on a wooden bridge with cypress trees in the background. Picture taken in Half Moon Bay, CA.

 

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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