We had to reschedule this shoot at least 3 times due to weather; wind, rain, smoke, + fires, but it kinda feels like every reschedule was leading us to this day and this season. The drastic swing of light from start to finish was some of the richest light I’ve ever played with, leading to so much goodness…I can’t stop flipping through.

Emma and Adam’s first time in front of the camera together? Can you tell? Ha. These two naturally melted into one another, every movement and interaction was gold. I always like to think of each session with each couple as a collaboration, both parties open to trying new things and letting go of expectations. These two were 100 percent willing to try all the silly things I asked them to do without without questioning me or looking at me funny.

I don’t know who needs to hear this today, but you are worthy of creating good art. You don’t need to work off a Pinterest Board, you don’t need to make a list of what needs to get done, you don’t need to wait until you’re a certain amount of years into your career or until the right opportunity comes along.

When I first started taking photos, I worried that I wasn’t as creative as others, I relied heavily on creating a plan for a shoot, studying Pinterest poses for ideas, and struggled to sit in silence with my couples, always needing to run my mouth from start to finish, fearing the silence. But this rigid regimen cut deep into my creativity, it was diabilitating as it left no room for my brain to day dream and imagine something new for my perpetually new clients.

Now of course I find great value in talking to my couples, giving them guidance and direction, especially while we are getting starting. But over time I’ve found value in stepping away, and letting the real them playout, not knowing exactly what that will look like. I still joke and chat it up, but the talk is filled with questions about them rather than endless direction alone. It’s a good balance between creating a welcoming and enjoyable environment, while also letting them fall into exactly who they are; which btw is the most beautiful, vulnerable and heartwarming experience. By doing so I am essentially creating something sacred and new, just for them.

So next time you feel like you need to have a creative plan, you don’t. Just take it slow, observe, let your creative mind meet you exactly where you are. Don’t fear a moment of analysis or reflection. Take a step back and honor the creative process (and in the case of photography, honor your clients individuality because no Pinterest pose will ever live up to that.)

Emma and Adam are animal lovers, sourdoughs bakers, homeowners, and (hello!) total fashionistas. Throughout our session, I enjoyed just observing their chemistry, finding what ways they connected most naturally, and learning more about their lives. Such a fun shoot, and as always, I feel like I’ve made new friends.

Now go take a look! 🙂