Recently I met up with Steven and Laila in Fullerton for their Love Story portrait session. While I truly feel that all of the sessions and people I photograph are special, this one has a particular place in my heart. Unlike most of the couples I photograph, Steven and Laila have been together for a long time, married 11 years in fact! So we wanted to find something that made this session an extra special memory. While we were talking, Laila told me that when they were dating her and Steven used to write each other love letters pretty regularly. I thought this was such a great idea to incorporate in their session that I gave them special pre photoshoot “homework.” They were each to write each other a letter that was not to be read until their session! While I had not yet incorporated something quite this intimate into a session before, I had a strong feeling that this would yield rich results.
We started the session out like normal, just a few basic, easy poses to get both Steven and Laila comfortable with the camera. Then after a bit we found a cute, quiet spot in the park and Steven and Laila shared their letters while I photographed from a safe distance with a zoom lens. I stayed far enough a way that I couldn’t hear what they said to each other but I could tell that whatever it was, was pure magic. There were a few tears, lots of laughs, hugs and kisses. It was such an honor to photograph such a special moment between this lovely couple! After sharing their letters Steven and Laila both were even more excited for the remainder of their session and we got some amazing images! Here’s a few of my favorites from the day:
Love love love this shoot!! One of my favorite couples!!! You did a beautiful job on this!!!
Thanks Danni!