Sylvia + Pat

Yesterday I had my first engagement shoot. My friend Sylvia and her fiance Pat were nice enough to agree to model for me on my first attempt with an engagement session. I learned a lot from the afternoon, just from playing with the light, their positioning, and the rapport and connection that needs to happen between photographer and clients.

Sylvia and I met at my first "real-world" job and trained me on everything I know about the marketing systems. She had just started dating Pat when I met her. She sat in the cubicle across from me, and in our downtime, we'd chat, take trips to Yumi Yogurt, and make the usual run to Kinko's during convention season. She has since left the company to go back to school, but we've stayed in contact and give her the updates on company happenings.

We ended up going to the San Jose Municipal Rose Garden, which is a beautiful location with lush green gardens and roses of every variety. Sylvia and Pat were such good sports, putting up with me directing them, telling them to turn their heads, and basically having a camera in their faces for a good hour and a half. I got some good shots, but I know I have a long way to go though. Practice practice practice!




I stood on a park bench to get this one. I like the angle!




Again, standing on a bench, trying not to make Sylvia laugh.


This was my first play on using shadows.






I like the sunflare quality of this one.