Every now and then you meet a couple who has a vision for their engagement session, and when this happens, it’s so fun to bring to life! Kelsey and Michayla had a vision for theirs before we even crossed paths. An inclusive space, with rom-com vibes. No beach, and somewhere private. So when I met these two, being an LGBT wedding photographer, I knew exactly how we could bring this vision to life.
After bouncing ideas for a little bit, the vision was clear on what they wanted for their engagement photography session; we put on our boots and headed out into the mountains to one of my favourite photography locations the Central Coast has to offer. Olney State Forest. This forest is special to me. There’s so much whimsy to it. And when couples are after somewhere with a little bit of privacy, this is exactly where I like to head.
The tall pine trees, the long stretches of roads- it’s really a photographer’s dream, especially when your couples are down to get a little dirty.
We met mid-afternoon with the winter sun beaming through the trees, and jumped right into our engagement session. With rom-com vibes in mind, the idea was to keep it as candid as possible, allowing their personalities and smiles to shine through, and more importantly, keep the session light and easy.
As an LGBT wedding photographer, I have found that this is super important. Many LGBT couples struggle with being photographed and being affectionate in public. So it’s very important that I create a light, easy-going, safe space right from the get-go. And this space is something I’m proud of creating for all my couples, regardless of what walk of life they’re on.
To add to the rom-com vibes, Michayla and Kelsey bought props with them (always recommended). They bought a pair of headphones and their favourite drinks, and this is one of the easiest ways to feel more comfortable being photographed.
As the sun began to set in the forest and the deep richness of the greens began coming out. This is where we found a swing, and we created some of my favourite photos. The energy that these photos bring out is exactly what I wanted to end the session on. Fun, silly and romantic. The kind of photos that in 10 years you’ll remember with nostalgia. The kind of photos that are a little different for an engagement session but still encapsulate everything it should.
I’m very proud of my work, and cannot wait to capture more LGBT engagement sessions in the future.
Before I leave you, I just want to leave you with the review that Michayla & Kelsey left me
“From the pure transparency of your communication, the guidance you offered us, how you managed to break down our nerves and unease on the day, how fun and comfortable you made the shoot to the final product of our gallery.
Neither of us could ever imagine we would love photos of ourselves this much or that we would feel so comfortable doing something like this as a WLW couple – truly.”