Heather & Zack | Engagement

I know I say this often - but I really love when my sessions end and I feel like I walk away with new friends. That's how Heather and Zack's engagement session concluded; with hugs, farewells and "hope-to-see-you-agains" because we really had a great time together. 

Just they day before their shoot it had been gray and chilly, bearing all the signs of a dreary October autumn day. Heather and I had long been chatting about the shoot and unless we faced a downpour, we planned to forge on.  Luckily for us, the sun rose on clear blue skies, gentle breezes and bright fall leaves. Perfection. 

Heather and Zack love to love each other. They love to kiss and embrace. They love to make each other laugh and smile. They love to just be themselves together. And I loved getting to capture their personalities. We spent some time walking around downtown Leesburg before heading to Red Rock Overlook for none other than pumpkin carving (perfect fall activities for a perfect fall day) and a romantic walk by the Potomac. 

******

On a photography related note, this was one of my first sessions in which I integrated medium format film into my professional work. As a photographer I am always looking for ways to push myself artistically and technically. This year I've begun integrating film back into my workflow; beginning with 35 millimeter and now medium format. For me its a way to maintain my focus on what my ultimate goal is - delivering fine art images of life to my clients. 

Film forces me to be incredibly intentional with every frame. To be patient and wait for the most precious of moments before opening the shutter. To be prepared with utmost confidence in my technical approach, knowing that I will have used each exposure efficiently and without haste. 

That approach...that intentionality...allows me more time to be in the moment and less time looking at the back of a camera screen. And isn't that how we're to live anyway? With intention, with appreciation for the moments we're living and experiencing?

Shooting film is about more than a format of choice and also about a philosophy and approach to how I create art. I look forward to shifting my workflow in a direction that has a heavier reliance on film than digital. 

{to appreciating the moment}

-jbw- 

film images - Contax 645, Fuji 400H, processing by Richard Photo Lab

Heather & Zack | Sneak Peek

Sometimes I get a little overwhelmed when I think about the fact that I get to spend my weekends around incredible couples full of incredible love. 

Heather and Zack's engagement session was full of fall leaves, glowing autumn sunlight, pumpkin carving and a peaceful trek down to the Potomac. 

Here's a little sneak peek at their session and at their contagious joy for life they share! 

{to autumn weekends}

-jbw-

Catch an extra peek at Heather and Zack's session on the facebook page - www.facebook.com/jbwardphotography! 

Jenn & Chris | St. Louis Engagement

Jenn and Chris are one of my favorite couples. Chris was one of my husband's college roommates and it seems that when I think back on my favorite first memories of my husband and I together in our early years - those memories are often filled up with the great times we had with incredible friends, and Chris is one of them. I'm so glad that in the decade since then we've all remained close. I'm even happier that in that time, Chris has found his beautiful counterpart Jenn, and that she and I have become great friends too. 

 When they asked me to come with them to St. Louis to take their engagement photos, I was thrilled! That is the farthest west I've been and I love to travel! They'll be getting married there next spring, so we spent the weekend visiting not only the places that Jenn spent growing up in, but also the places they'll spend making wedding memories.  I can't wait until their wedding day. It's going to be incredible and I am so honored, joyed, and humbled they've asked me to capture their first day as husband and wife. 

This session is one of my favorites to date. I think it just overflows with joy and love. Maybe it's just me because I'm a little partial to the subjects; but I think they've got something special. 

See for yourself. 

{to overflowing joy and love}

-jbw-

What's a visit to St. Louis without a photo of The Arch? 

Jen & Tyler - Engagement

There are a few days each year that just feel perfect. You know what I mean - the days that you find yourself stopping and thinking

"I wish everyday felt like this."

The day of Jen and Tyler's engagement session was just like that.  These two University of Virginia grads reside in Washington state, so until their photo session we had yet to meet in person. Within just a few minutes with Tyler and Jen, I knew they were the perfect couple to share such a perfect day with. 

They've been together for quite some time now, and you can tell in all the best ways. Their love was easy going and comfortable. Even in the minutes between photos when my camera was down, they were romantic; I could tell they truly enjoyed every moment with each other. 

Spending the afternoon together at Ash Lawn-Highland made me so excited to capture their November UVA wedding.  I mean it with most sincerity when I say that they were a joy to photograph!

{to perfect days}

-jbw-