Cooler temperatures and rainy days are a sure sign that Autumn has arrived in Northern Michigan. This year that was especially true, leaving me with a narrow window to get outside and work on Autumn themed shoots. I waited patiently for weeks, as I continued to keep my group of models updated. I constantly reminded them to contact me, if they were interested in setting up a shoot with the Autumn color. Brianna made sure she contacted me right away. I could tell that she was excited to get to work on some new photos!
Unfortunately, the brief heat wave that we experienced caused the trees to do some unusual things. I found that some trees lost their leaves without them actually turning color, while others seemed to be turning color at a much slower rate. So, while we waited for the trees to cooperate; Brianna and I began to share and discuss different ideas. It's always a good feeling when you get to work with someone who puts forth the effort and is willing to learn. In just the short time period since our first shoot, Brianna was sharing new photo ideas, outfits, and even different poses that she wanted to try. I could literally feel her excitement and confidence! It's humbling actually...As someone who struggles with his own self-confidence, it's very powerful to see each model I work with feel confident and beautiful.
Finally, after weeks of waiting and a few unexpected rain showers Brianna and I knew that we needed to set up a shoot before the colors faded. Brianna was able to work her class schedule around, so she could come home a couple days early. She used this extra time to scout possible shoot locations around her house. However, the weather once again had other ideas. The day of the shoot was a beautiful, but windy day...meaning that many of the shoot locations weren't going to be possible. Luckily, I had a few location ideas in mind.
When we finally got everything set up and started taking photos, I could tell that this shoot was going to be one of the best of the year. Everything just seemed to flow together seamlessly. I felt more comfortable working with Brianna, and Brianna felt more comfortable in front of the camera...the photos speak for themselves!
This shoot was the first to showcase my new photography apparel. I was excited to see how it was going to look on the models I work with! Let's be honest, any apparel is going to look better on a beautiful woman, than the photographer, himself. The set of photos with my apparel and the American flag stand out among the rest of my favorites. I will be making sure that it's something that I continue to do with all of the ladies.
Another unique aspect to this shoot was that I was able to take some photos of Brianna and her mom, Shelly. Working with them, it's easy to see the bond that they have. In fact, taking the photos reminded me that I have to get some photos of myself and my dad with the Mach 1. After the last couple months, I have a new appreciation for even the simplest photo memories.
As the sun began to set, we moved from the Hardwoods across from the house, to a trail back in our backyard. It was a location that my dad had found and I was reluctant to try, but I'm glad that we did. I was able to get some great photos!
Finally, I had to ask Brianna for some photos of her Jeep and my Mach 1 together. I wanted to showcase the fact that they both feature halo headlights. I wasn't expecting to showcase the height difference, but I think it looks really cool. The top of the hood of my car is the same height as the bottom of the front bumper of Brianna's Jeep. Brianna looks great with both vehicles...I'm going to try to get more photos like this in future shoots. PS: Major props to Brianna for her outfit choice...I really dig her style!
