Having worked with Gabby for a short time after graduating from college, I was very excited when I recieved an email from her recently asking if I could take her engagement photos with her fiance Ryan. I of course obliged and we set a date to shoot. Who would have known that the date we chose would be the one day that the unseasonably warm winter temperatures gave way to a bustery, chilly day much more fitting for early February. My girlfriend and I met the couple at Hermann Park late that afternoon and began shooting.
Since the sky was overcast with a thick blanket of clouds, I had to get a bit creative with the lighting. Wanting to keep a nice warm feeling in some of the photos, I placed an orange gel on an SB-900 speed light which was triggered into a white umbrella a few feet from the couple. This produced a nice muted orange light which gave just a hint of simulated warmth on their faces. Regardless of sun or cloud cover, the trees in Hermann Park and surrounding areas always provide a great backdrop with plenty of nice, soft bokeh (Accentuated even further by the always-consistent 85mm 1.8). We took quick “jacket breaks” in between shots so that Gabby and Ryan could warm up a bit as we searched for new locations.
Next, I had a shot in mind of a nice winter setting, with golden grass and reeds all around the couple as they stood in an open field. Being that an open field is hard to find in the center of Houston, I had to improvise. I found a patch of tall grass and reeds in Hermann Park near the large reflection pond, and walked in to scout it out. Having rained just the previous night, I had to step carefully around soggy areas until I found a spot that concealed all the park’s man-made features, giving the feel of a nice open field. From there I had Gabby and Ryan retrace my steps into the middle of the field and composed the shot behind a little bit of tall grass. Later in procesing, I played up the tones of the reeds and grass, adding a bit of warmth to the otherwise cool image.
Afterward, we made our way to the Miller Outdoor Theater, where the couple had expressed interest in taking a few shots. We snuck down into the general seating area and got a quick shot of them sitting amongst a bunch of empty seats. I liked the lines of the chairs, and the repetition leading up to the couple. After that, we decided to get some cool shots on top of the large hill at Hermann Park which many people sit on during concerts at Miller Outdoor Theater. I stayed under the cover of the theater and used my 80-200 to reach out to the couple on top of the hill. I composed them very simply, opting for a large expanse of sky above them to make them appear even smaller. Their poses were completely improvised, and a lot of fun. I think sometimes it is best to just let the couple do their thing and shoot in the moment!
Gabby and Ryans wedding will be coming up soon at a great location in Galveston. I am looking forward to making the most of a great setting for their wedding photos! Congrats to Gabby and Ryan!
