Jessica and Bob

Jessica and Bob are getting married in September, so we went to the beach on Monday to do an engagement shoot. We had originally scheduled their session for a few weeks ago, but the wind was blowing way too hard to try to get decent portraits. But Monday was gorgeous. In town the temperatures were in the 70’s, the sun was shinning, there was a very gentle breeze and the sky was a beautiful Carolina blue. What more could you ask for? We drove out to the beach and as soon as we crossed the drawbridge we realized that conditions weren’t quite as perfect as we’d hoped. The flags were whipping – letting us know that the gentle breeze had become more like gale force winds!

Since we were already at the beach, we decided to make the best of it and go ahead with the shoot. Bob and Jessica were so easy to work with. I’ve known and loved Jessica for quite a few years, but have only met Bob once or twice. He was so much fun – and did whatever I asked of him. What made me really fall in love with him though was watching him with Jessica. He was so kind, considerate and affectionate – as was Jessica. Seeing them together Monday made me look forward to shooting their wedding even more. And it made me remember how much I enjoy engagement sessions. I’m a long way from completing the edit on their session, but here are a few of my favorites . . . so far.

Dhani

What a gorgeous weekend we’ve had. Temps are back in the 70’s with beautiful blue skies; what more could I ask? Well, I’d love to have a few white, puffy clouds. I love the depth that those puffy clouds give the sky when I’m shooting at the beach. Those of you who saw The Aviator probably remember Howard Hughes waiting for weeks, if not months, for the perfect conditions to shoot his dogfight sequences. He liked clouds, too. I’m not quite that obsessed – I shoot when I can. And, I can’t complain when I have such a beautiful day and a beautiful model. Dhani is a senior who wanted pictures done on the beach. Since the beach is about my favorite place to shoot, I was looking forward to this session even before I saw her. Dhani was a dream to shoot. Even though she told me she was nervous, she certainly seemed very relaxed and natural in front of the camera. We finally left the beach when it was too dark to shoot another frame. I have only glanced at this session – but can’t wait to get back to editing. I think I’ve captured some gorgeous shots.

Bryleigh & Reid

Yesterday I had the pleasure of taking a few pictures of Bryleigh and Reid. What cuties they are – and full of personality! I’ve known their mom since she was in elementary school, and it’s still hard for me to believe that she is all grown up with a family of her own. It was so much fun watching the children run and play, and see them interact with each other and their parents. I had to be really fast with the camera. These two weren’t still for a second – but they were very cooperative and well-behaved. I haven’t even looked at all of the pictures from this session but thought I’d post a sneak preview.

Sara

It’s Spring Break . . . so it should be warm enough to do some beach shoots. Or, so one would think. Sara, her mother and I found out otherwise last night! We got to the beach about an hour before sunset – which is always the best time to shoot. It was a little windy, but wind is always a factor on the beach. At first, the cold didn’t bother us (though the sand was very cool on our bare feet). But, as the sun started to set we all got a little chilly. By the time we finished we were freezing! But Sara was a trooper. She did her best not to look cold, but I think her teeth were chattering a bit at one point. Here’s a sneak preview of Sara’s session.

Heather

After a long, cold winter it’s nice to be outside taking pictures again.

One of my first portrait shoots of the season was a bridal portrait for Heather. Thankfully, the weather cooperated and we were able to get her portraits done a couple of weeks ago so she would have prints back for today’s wedding. Heather looked absolutely gorgeous and was a joy to work with. Here are a couple of my favorites from Heather’s shoot.

Another graduation . . .

It is so hard to believe that another graduation is just around the corner. When I first started teaching, 30 years seemed like an eternity. But now that I’m completing my 28th year as a community college instructor, 30 years seems like the blink of an eye. Each spring, we take pictures of our graduating class just a few weeks before graduation. It is one of the many signs that another year is quickly coming to a close. Although we know it’s time for these students to leave the nest and fly on their own, it’s a little hard to give them that last little push. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to work with such bright, energetic, and caring professionals. Congratulations to the Dental Hygiene Class of 2007!

My turn in front of the camera . . .

I am in the process of updating my website. The picture in the “about me” section is old . . . very old. So, I decided to get my friends Karen and Lynn (aka Thelma and Louise) to take some head shots of me today. I’ve been taking pictures of them with their families for several years – but this was the first time they had taken pictures of me. And I must say, they enjoyed it a little too much! I told them I wasn’t too picky about my picture – I just wanted to look young, thin, and fun. Karen’s response was that all of their pictures show people who look young, thin and fun – so no problem. I should mention that Karen and Lynn shoot youth sports – and do a wonderful job. So, their average client is about 8, skinny as a rail, and happy to pose with a soccer ball on their knee. I, on the other hand, haven’t seen young in several decades. Nor have I ever, ever been thin. And being in front of the camera instead of behind it isn’t my idea of fun.

I set my camera settings the way I wanted them (because everyone knows I’m a control freak) and handed the camera off to Lynn. Karen’s job was to keep me entertained – which she certainly did. I tried several expressions but found I can’t really pull off a serious look. Especially when Karen is making me laugh – which she does without even trying. Some people have really great serious looks. When I try – I just look mean and angry.

And for all of you who hate to have your portraits made – but do it anyway so you’ll have a record for your children and grandchildren . . . I now feel your pain. I can’t say I enjoyed today’s shoot, but I’m so glad I did it. Since I’m always the one behind the camera, there were no pictures of me. Now there are – thanks to my very good friends.

Karen and Lynn did a wonderful job. Now I have to choose which picture to use on the website. So, I’m asking for your help. Use the comment section to vote and tell me which head shot you like the best. And check my website www.elisebeall.com in a couple of weeks to see the updates.