After three engagement sessions in a row in parks that featured some lovely but traditional walk-in-the-tall-grass style photographs, it was refreshing to make pictures of a couple in a more urban landscape. Lucy is from Queens and Wally is from Brooklyn, so both wanted a slightly more gritty edge to their photographs—a style of photography I borrow heavily from my rock & roll work and one I adore.
Rather than try to figure out how to logistically traipse through the boroughs of Manhattan in a very short amount of time, the couple were willing to stay closer to their adopted home in Jersey City and let me capture them in a maze of graffiti murals and old factories. I was in heaven.
The only challenge was chasing the light. My photo geek friends know exactly what I mean. We scheduled the shoot late in the day to capture the lovely orange hues that only appear at dawn and dusk (and I am not a morning person). After running around trying to guestimate the moment the sun would peak out, we realized that we were going to have to work with the crazy clouds and try to make photos that aren’t exactly traditional engagement photos.
“Allison, could you grab my flash and hold it over your head?,” I asked my bewildered wife. “No, seriously,” I replied. “Hold it over your head, just to Lucy’s right.” After a few test shots, and some strange looks from the gorgeous couple, I nailed some my first strobist-style photos on an engagement shoot. The shot below and the few at the bottom of the post are the result, and I’m think they look pretty fabulous. Okay, maybe not as awesome as Wally and Lucy, but you know what I mean.
A big thanks to Wally, Lucy, Allison, and Wally’s mom for putting up with my inane prattling and banter. I can’t help it if I’m a touch insane when I take photographs. It’s worth it to see you guys laugh.
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A sweet little moment in front of their stoop
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Allison calls this Baroo Face. I think it’s from Cute Overload. I have no idea what she’s talking about.
Wally takes dipping to the extreme.
Only in Jersey City will you find a clean stuffed bunny just lying on the ground. Shea’s new best friend.
There’s that awesome glow…for a hot Jersey minute.
Wally thinks this looks it could be a poster from LOST. I’m thinking Carnivale.
15 comments
Awesome pics! Looking forward to seeing you guys at the wedding
Lovely lighting. Everything just POPs for me. Sweet Pics!
This session’s got it all. Fashionable couple, cute pup, great lighting, & cool compositions. Great job. Love the skyline photo where she’s wearing his jacket.
Beautiful lighting and great use of the different scenes.
This is a fantastic session. I especially love the shot with their dog and the shots with the ferris wheel in the background.
i wish it was a ferris wheel. we could’ve gotten some awesome pictures riding it. unfortunately, though, it’s just a 50-foot neon clock overlooking the hudson river.
Hmmm. I wonder if the clock would have been cooler looking if it were lit? It probably wouldn’t have had the same aura. Maybe next time.
Excellent set of image – the first one being my favourite and the one of the dog and the stuffed rabbit toy made me laugh for all the wrong reasons – did you see the little glint in the dogs eye
This session is awesome! Great strobist work! Cute dog!
I’m shots! I’m really digging the ones in front of the Colgate clock!!
George, you are a rock star! We love ‘em…especially the ones with Shea. Thanks for making us look so good!
very nice! love the fun red dress pics!
Great set. I love the diversity of the locations you choose. That first image is killer!
it takes a rock star to make me look good.
6th photo from the bottom infront of the city line (not including doubles) is just amazing – veryyyy awesome session!