Lovebirds spotted at Hollywood Beach

Right before leaving for Alaska, on a lovely and breezy Sunday evening, I had the privilege of taking Jamie and Taylor’s engagement pictures.

I had only met them once before, in a very noisy bar and in costume–at this Milano concert last Halloween. But I kind of felt like I knew them since Jamie grew up with my friend and bandmate Carrie. Carrie happened to tell Jamie that I kinda like taking pictures, Jamie emailed me, I enthusiastically accepted. And that’s the story of how we connected.

Jamie and Taylor hiked up to the Northside of Chicago where I live, and we took the pictures at Hollywood Beach, just minutes from my apartment. It was such fun to get to know my neighborhood from a behind-the-camera perspective.

I climbed up on top of that very lifeguard stand to get some cool angles, but unfortunately a lifeguard across the beach spotted me and began to shout, vigorously blowing his whistle. Then he started running towards me, sand flying.

I was compelled to make a hasty retreat.

Hey, anything for a good picture, man.

The wind in Jamie’s hair created some wonderful drama . . .

. . . though my wild camera settings did cause me to completely blow up the above picture. Don’t tell my Mom, but I kind of like it anyway.

The set of pictures I’m sharing today were the first ones that caught my eye the night after the photo shoot. I couldn’t resist working with a few of the images to see what things were lookin’ like (and to stop myself from worrying about the results) . . .

. . . but I worked on the rest of the 1,000 pictures during the Alaska vacation. And I’ll be sharing some more of their beauty with y’all on Friday.

That’s right. 1,000 pictures. I blame it on the photogenonnity of these two.

So smiley. So positive.

Ah, me. I love a good engagement shoot.

17 thoughts on “Lovebirds spotted at Hollywood Beach”

Kimby September 13, 2011 at 6:50 AM

LOVE the “wind in her hair” shot — wild, impetuous, and SO IN LOVE! You captured their joy, Jenna!

sweetridgesisters September 13, 2011 at 9:54 AM

What fun, Jenna! Is this your first engagement shoot?

Jenna September 13, 2011 at 9:59 AM

It’s my second shoot (my first was in July–it’s listed under my ‘Photography’ page as ‘Kevin & Katina’s engagement shoot’ or something like that). I had so much fun doing it–but by the end, I was sooooo drained.

Erica September 13, 2011 at 11:41 AM

Nice work, Spankeroo!

Jenna September 13, 2011 at 12:09 PM

Merci, mon petit chou-chou!

Jenny @ Words On Wendhurst September 13, 2011 at 12:02 PM

So pretty – love the ones with the mosaic in the background. And yes, the “wrong camera settings” pic is awesome – oftentimes those are my very favorite pictures! 🙂 Well done 🙂

Jenna September 13, 2011 at 12:09 PM

Thanks Jenny! I consier this high praise coming from a legit professional photographer. =)

Heidi September 13, 2011 at 12:24 PM

Jenna, they turned out so well! You have such talent!

Skippy September 13, 2011 at 2:22 PM

The picture of them kissing is so special. Just lovely. And the holding hands in front of the is so wonderful! Nice eye.

Now stay out of the lifeguard stand. I don’t know if we have bail money. heehee

Jenna September 13, 2011 at 2:57 PM

Thanks Skippy. And no bail money?? Not even pour moi?? =) Okay, fine . . . I’ll try not to get into too much trouble.

Skippy September 13, 2011 at 2:26 PM

That should say “mural” not “is”. Oops.

Twinky September 13, 2011 at 3:11 PM

I rather like the blown-out picture!! The intesity of light accentuates their presence inthe lower right side. Very effective, I’d say. However, about that full length shot in front of the amazing mosaic where you cut off their feet: now THAT is a big no-no!! Generally if you cut off the legs, do it around the mid thigh, not at the knees or below, and especially not just the feet! Poor kids, what are they gonna walk home on?!?!

Your photographic prowess increases by leaps and bounds!