Tagged: inspiration

Alicia & Drew – Evening Sunset Engagement in Kingsville

I felt like I was running late when I left Cleveland. I pushed the gas pedal a little more as I flew east on interstate 90. Time to exit, and I headed up the off ramp. Crap! I took a wrong turn. This had to be the most confusing exit ramp intersection ever. After a couple quick turns, I was back on the correct path. The tarmac turned to gravel; just a couple more turns and I would be there. Finally, I arrived and I was a little early – just perfect. At the last moment Alicia, Drew and I decided to push back the session to later in the day. Being spring, the days are getting longer…faster. More than anything, I wanted to capture Alicia and Drew in the gorgeous evening light.

We met at their family property, filled with forests and meadows. After chatting for a few minutes, we headed across the meadow and up a hill to the forest. “Are you OK crossing rough ground with your equipment,” Drew asked. “I was a boy scout,” I said, which seemed to address any concern. We were looking for a waterfall. Alicia and Drew have spent hours together in the meadows and sitting by the falls. Eventually we arrive at the beautiful falls. The waterfall was just a simple drop in the forest, but it was surrounded my hemlocks and moss made lush by spring rains.

Alicia and Drew’s relationship may have matured on this land, but it started in college. Alicia and Drew have known each since college, and as Alicia puts it “I have had a huge crush on Drew since the end of college.” As is typical, she was dropping hints, but Drew missed them. I am notorious for that as well. They continued to spend time together, and after separate mission trips in Africa, their relationship really took off. Now, their wedding is just around the corner, but that is a story for another day. Below are a few favorites from their gorgeous engagement session –

Alicia and Drew - evening sunset engagement session in Kingsville, Ohio

Above – Alicia and Drew in evening light passing through the forest. Below, Alicia looking up to Drew.

Alicia and Drew - evening sunset engagement session in Kingsville, Ohio

Alicia and Drew - evening sunset engagement session in Kingsville, Ohio

We came across a transmission line right-of-way cutting through the forest. Underneath the wires, the sun was streaming across the field, lighting up the tan grasses. Below, a covered bridge around the corner from their property.

Alicia and Drew - evening sunset engagement session in Kingsville, Ohio

Alicia and Drew - evening sunset engagement session in Kingsville, Ohio

Alicia and Drew have such fun together. They really are the perfect couple – great fun, deeply loving, caring and oh so beautiful.

Alicia and Drew - evening sunset engagement session in Kingsville, Ohio

Alicia and Drew - evening sunset engagement session in Kingsville, Ohio

Just before sunset we hopped over to the Lake Erie shore near Conneaut, Ohio. The peach-colored light cast a amazing tone across the beach.

Alicia and Drew - evening sunset engagement session in Kingsville, Ohio

Alicia and Drew - evening sunset engagement session in Kingsville, Ohio

Alicia and Drew - evening sunset engagement session in Kingsville, Ohio

I like the last photo in particular because it looks like they are ready for what is ahead. What’s ahead looks sunny and bright. For the photographers out there, the majority of the above was shot on film. The balance is digital processed with VSCO. You might spot the differences, you might not. Well, that’s all for today. Many more coming soon.

California Wine Country

Brooke and I are foodies. We love it all – finding a good recipe, picking out produce, cooking, food photographs, the smells and the tastes. This past July, we spent a few days in California with family for a little foodie vacation. We have some great food in the Midwest, but the food in California can just be unreal. Even dive restaurants are amazing.

During out little trip, I simply brought one camera and a box of film. Over a few days, we toured Sonoma and Napa valleys from our base in Santa Rosa. Included below are a few photos from our exciting vacation, with notes where it makes sense.

Personal photos from our vacation to California wine country

We flew into San Francisco and had a brief layover for lunch. We practically picked a place at random and it was excellent. Note – they had clam pie on the menu šŸ˜‰

Personal photos from our vacation to California wine country

Personal photos from our vacation to California wine country

Above – a little stop in Muir Woods on the way north. Below, Brooke is planning our daily stops the old school way – a map on the hood of a car.

Personal photos from our vacation to California wine country

Personal photos from our vacation to California wine country

I must admit, I really wanted to buy the chicken during some shopping. Alas, it would not fit in our backyard. Below is our favorite winery – Littorai. It is not open to the public, but gave us a personal tour of their bio-dynamically farmed vineyard. I also wanted a duck.

Personal photos from our vacation to California wine country

Personal photos from our vacation to California wine country

Stag’s leap was one of the best “public” tasting we went to. Also, Stag’s Leap Artemis Cab is a favorite of ours.

Personal photos from our vacation to California wine country

If you recognize the building above-left, then two points. If you can name the chef, then 5 marks. If you were lucky enough to eat there, then 10 points. Best.restaurant.experience.EVAR!

Personal photos from our vacation to California wine country

We spent a good 30 minutes waiting to get into Bouchon Bakery one morning. It was totally worth it. We then walked across the street to a Yountville park to eat our bounty.

Personal photos from our vacation to California wine country

Above left – scenes from Yountville. At right is Elyse Winery. We discovered them at the French Laundry. They make the only Zinfandel wine I love. Their Howell Mountain Zin is a peppery heaven.

For those interested in the technical details, the above was all photographed on my Mamiya 645 AFD-II with mostly Fuji Pro 400h film. No digital at all.

Kelsey & Zak – Sunny Spring on the Farm

I thought I arrived early. I was going to take an extra moment to look around the farm. Alas, Kelsey and Zak were already waiting. No worries though, I had been to the farm before. It’s one of my favorite places and I rarely have access to it. However, it was a special request by Kelsey. It’s a special place for their little family.

Kelsey and Zak regularly take their Hungarian Vizsla, ‘Roo, to the Case Western Reserve University farm for walks through the fields. The farm is the perfect place to for a dog named Kangaroo. The open fields of grass and woodlands provide the perfect playground. It’s also a great place for an engagement session. The setting provides for the gorgeous open landscapes that I love.

Kelsey and Zak even showed me a new feature of the farm. Tucked away in a forested corner is an old mansion. Currently it’s used for special events. For their session, it added just a little touch more. Below are a few favorites from a good afternoon with friends.

Kelsey and Zac - Sunny Spring Engagement Photos on the Farm

The open grassy field above is one of the reasons I love the farm. The golden hues are simply amazing.

Kelsey and Zac - Sunny Spring Engagement Photos on the Farm

Roo was so excited during the entire session. Below, you can see how he lives up to his namesake.

Kelsey and Zac - Sunny Spring Engagement Photos on the Farm

Kelsey and Zac - Sunny Spring Engagement Photos on the Farm

Kelsey and Zac - Sunny Spring Engagement Photos on the Farm

Kelsey and Zak truly do make an amazing couple together. You can really feel the love between them.

Kelsey and Zac - Sunny Spring Engagement Photos on the Farm

Below you can see they have fun together as well. Zak seems to be theĀ instigator, which just puts Kelsey in stitches.

Kelsey and Zac - Sunny Spring Engagement Photos on the Farm

Kelsey and Zac - Sunny Spring Engagement Photos on the Farm

The framing on the last photo is quickly becoming a favorite. In an open space, the framing still suggests a moment of privacy. Of course it’s easy to love with such an amazing couple. That’s all for today. We have another engagement session coming momentarily. Then, I have planned a post on just the dogs from engagement sessions. Should be fun.

P.S. – For the photographers, above is a mix of film and digital (as is typical for me). The film is Kodak Portra 400 put through a Mamiya 645. The digital is processed via VSCO film. I’m sure you’ll spot the differences.

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