I LOVE this time of year. The air has a freshness to it that makes me just want to snuggle in with Andy and watch the world go by. The changing leaves move me with their beauty, even though I’ve seen the same symphony year after year. I love the taste of freshly picked apples. I love carving pumpkins and getting my favorite sweaters out of winter storage. This is a time for sitting by the fire and reading a good book. Soon, we will gather with family & friends for a bountiful feast. And though the leaves will wither and die, love blossoms on as this is our busiest time of year for shooting love sessions for our fabulous couples getting married next summer.

Two weeks ago, we got together with college sweethearts Meg & Brian for their fall love session. We met them at Bourne Farm, one of our favorite local spots that just oozes so many of the things I love best about fall. It’s actually where Andy & I said “I do,” eight years ago…hard to believe it’s been that long already and yet, I can barely remember my life before him.

Meg & Brian are getting married next June at the Winslow Estate in Orleans. We haven’t shot a wedding there yet, but the property looks AMAZING, and Meg & Brian are super sweet, so we’re very excited!

Brian let us know right away that he is not a big fan of having his picture taken, which we found ironic, since he’s easy on the eyes. But, I get it. I admit, I am also camera shy. I am WAAAAY happier on this side of the lens.

One of the main reasons we offer complimentary engagement sessions with all of our album packages is exactly for people like Brian and me. Being photographed by someone you don’t really know can be intimidating and uncomfortable. For me, I become super aware of myself and feel self conscious. And, I’m sure I’m not alone. As photographers, Andy & I like to put those feelings on the table right away and work through them with our couples before their big day.

Our sessions are really low key and hopefully a lot of fun. Generally, by the end of our time together, everyone is feeling more relaxed and comfortable, both with Andy & me and with the idea of being photographed. And, if you’re feeling comfortable and trust the person (or in our case, persons) taking your picture, you’re going to be more relaxed and that always means better, more natural photos.

While Brian may have been a bit nervous about our session, Meg, was completely the opposite. A total ham and as the subject of much of her sister’s photography, she was instantly at ease in front of our lenses, which I, personally admire, and I think it also helped put Brian at ease.

I gotta say, photographing couples is really my favorite thing to do. I just love watching the dynamics between two people who really care about each other. At the start of the session, we watch as they hold tightly to one another and look to the other for comfort and support. And, if we’ve done our job well, by the end of the session, they are having fun and enjoying the experience.

Here are a few of our favorite moments from our afternoon with Meg & Brian….Enjoy!

We’re always looking for interesting ways of looking at a scene, finding a new perspective or angle that tells a new story. It keeps it fun for us and gives our couples something they may not have seen before.

But always, my favorite photos are ones like this next one, where you can just feel the bond between our subjects. To me, this next photo perfectly conveys the relationship Meg & Brian have and I love it!

Another fun perspective courtesy of my very talented and always-willing-to-lay-on-the-wet-ground-for-a-good-shot husband, Andy!

Love their expressions in this next one….happy & relaxed!

Taking advantage of local scenery…

In honor of the pumpkin festival being held at the farm the day after our session, a sad looking scarecrow guarded the pumpkin patch. We asked Meg & Brian to go hang out with the scarecrow for a bit and it seemed to make them crack up, which is always a good thing for us!

I love this perspective and the way the light seems to be spotlighting them.

Miles of rock walls surround Bourne Farm’s property and while Andy was getting some great photos of our happy couple, I thought it might be fun to shoot through the wall for an interesting composition. What do you think?

This is a pretty classic portrait shot, but I just love it! And something tells me their moms will too!

I got your back……

The town of Falmouth recently completed an extension of their Shining Sea Bike path, which initially was about 3.3 miles, but now extends over 10 miles into North Falmouth, crossing through a portion of Bourne Farm’s property. I wanted to try something different and have Meg & Brian lay down in the middle of the path and play with the lines of the path. It just so happened that a rollerblader came rushing past as we were preparing for the shot and well, the result was even better than my original idea. I LOVE when that happens!

The day of our session was very overcast and it ended up spitting rain a couple of times, but Meg & Brian were in town from Maryland very briefly so it was our only chance to get together. As it happens, it was a great session and the rough weather churned up this starfish at Woodneck Beach. I’ve never seen starfish at this beach before…so cool!

Lovely…

Fun fun fun!

It wouldn’t be a bello session without a butt shot! That’s not entirely true, but I do love my butt shots!

I really like this next one. I love how Meg’s hair is blowing in the wind, how they’re both looking in different directions and their happy expressions. So fun!

The look of love…

The best place to be….in the arms of the one you love!!!

Meg & Brian, you two were AWESOME!! We had such a great time hanging out with you both, dodging raindrops, hanging out with a scarecrow, and walking on seashells! We were already looking forward to your wedding next summer, and now, even more so! Thank you so much for letting down your guard and for giving us a personal glimpse into your lovely relationship. Thank you too for taking time out of your quick & busy visit home to be with us! We really appreciate it and hope these photos serve as a happy reminder of all the fun still to come! Big love & hugs, Christine & Andy xoxo