Amanda and Jeff’s Engagement Session at Baker Beach

One of my favorite parts about being a photographer is seeing people go from nervous to comfortable to actually excited about being in front of the camera.  Its just cool to see and feel a person (or couple) let go of their concerns and really get into the moment.  That’s when the magic starts to happen (at least for me) and the photographs turn out really nice.

That’s exactly what happened with Amanda and Jeff for their engagement portrait session at Baker Beach this weekend.   They started out nervous and made all requisite claims about not being photogenic and how they have never done this before.  But anyone who spends more than a second with them will tell you that they are as “cute as a bugs ear” (does anyone really understand that expression?) and will do just fine in front of a camera.  Plus it was an absolutely perfect San Francisco afternoon.  With the sun and the Golden Gate bridge, its easy to see why Baker Beach is such an ideal spot for engagement shoots (I counted 7 couples being photographed there that day and that doesn’t include the naked shoot that we saw).

All I did was to keep asking them “what would you do on the beach if I wasn’t here?”  After a few “I don’t know”s” they started to walk, hold hands, play, and just be with each.  I kept the camera going and we had a great time.  Amanda looked fairly like in her white dress against the dark skys and blue ocean while Jeff looked was the “man” – especially in some of the silhouettes.   Towards the end, I really had to go, but I kept saying “oh, oh, oh – that’s too good to pass up – go walk over there.”   Of course by this time, there were more than happy to oblige the photographer and kept playing in the sunset.

Amanda and Jeff – thanks so much for giving me this opportunity.  I really enjoyed meeting you and have fun at your wedding.

A few samples below and the full gallery is on the way.

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Blog link:  http://jchandlerphotography.com/1176

Liana and Ethan’s Engagement Session at the Ferry Building

I met Ethan and Liana on a grey cold day in San Francisco for their engagement session.  A lesser couple may have thrown in the towel but they went for it.  Have to love seeing people that are willing to go forward when there are many good reasons not to.  Have to believe that gumption is a good sign for their wedding and their life after the “I do’s”. We were at the Ferry Building downtown an except for some cold rain we had a great time and got some really nice photographs.  I especially like the shots of them together with the tourists walking by.

Ethan and Liana – Thanks for letting be apart of your engagement and hope you enjoy the photos.

A few samples below and the complete gallery here (password required).

If no slideshow above, click here.

Loads of Laughs in Laura and Cameron’s Engagement Photos

As the photographer, I get to see the many, many out outtakes that don’t make the cut from any engagement or portrait session. Generally I’ll take 300-500 pictures then deliver 25-40 to the family/couple. But even if a picture is off for some reason (out of focus, something distracting in the background, eyes are closed. etc.) I can still see the overall emotion and general demeanor of the the people I”m photographing.

While going through all of Laura and Cameron’s photos from their engagement session at Baker Beach, I was struck by how much laughter was apart of their relationship. I know they were a bit nervous, but that alone wouldn’t be enough to explain all the laughs and smiles. In photo after photo and pose after pose, they were laughing and having a good time. I love seeing couples that are so relaxed together and I”m sure their wedding in Idaho will be a very enjoyable event.

The afternoon of their session was a perfect San Francisco day – warm, sunny and ideal for outdoor portraits. And the Golden Gate Bridge wasn’t the only thing shining on the beach. We saw an early season appearance of an animal that lives on the north end of the beach. Known by many names, its scientific name is “old-man-naked-tushis.” This creature appears when the sun comes out and can be found strolling on beach. He loves to bathe its usual pinkish skin in the sunshine. We lucked out and captured a few of these creatures on film. I’m sure its something that Laura and Cameron will remember for some time.

Thanks Laura and Cameron. I had a great time and hope you enjoy the photos. A few samples below and full gallery here (password required).

(If no slide show below, click here.)

Thanks to Laura and Cameron (even if he got my name wrong)

Link to blog post:  http://jchandlerphotography.com/979

Katherine and Robert Engagement Session

I met Robert and Katherine at the Alamo Square in San Francisco for an engagement photo session.  For those of you that don’t know, Alamo Square is also home to the famous Painted Ladies.  They wanted something that said “San Francisco” and there are few places better than Alamo Square for that.   Robert and Katherine are super nice and while I’ve only met them an hour, I’d say its safe say that their wedding will be a very good time.  Best of luck and have a great honeymoon.

Few samples below, full gallery here (password protected).