I had the joy of photographing Kim & George’s engagement session yesterday in Pasadena, CA. I’ve been looking forward to this shoot for quite awhile! I knew it was going to be a fun, carefree and exciting session.. From my very first encounters with Kim, I could tell that her bubbly, happy spirit was going to translate into great images.
We started the session at a Johnny Rockets diner in Old Town Pasadena. Shooting there was was both sentimental and extremely fun! It was at this spot that Kim & George had their very first date. As a photographer, I always enjoy shooting at a location that’s unique, special and out of the ordinary… so basically it was the perfect place to start. Adding to the fun, Kim & George brought along their beloved pooch Spock! He’s so adorable and the admiration he showed for “mom & dad” was touching.
The session started in front of the diner and then we moved inside. I was uncertain as to what the diner’s policy was regarding photography. Most courtyards, restaurants and private properties are a bit leery about professional photography. To my surprise, they were more than accommodating… before long we were taking down signs, standing on stools, moving furniture and event sitting on the counter tops… Hilarious!
Every time I shoot a session I try to step outside my comfort zone.. I continually want to reinvent my style, composition and craft. The first image below exemplifies this. From a visual element it is one of my favorites. The brick segments, lines and leading edges all point to Kim & George. I feel like I’m virtually drawn into their story. All of the images below move me to some extent for various reasons. There is an image below that I photographed from a low angle inside of the diner. You can actually see the underside of the counter top and all the corresponding gum. I like little details like that (however gross it may be!)
Ultimately we ended walking up Holly Street near Pasadena’s City Hall. There were so many great nooks to create amazing images that narrowing down where to shoot was the hardest part of the day for me. As quickly as the session started.. it ended with a boom! (a different story for a different post) In the end, I had such a great time getting to know Kim & George a little better and I can’t wait for their wedding on April 3rd at La Quinta Resort & Spa, in La Quinta, CA. Please enjoy some of my favorite images..
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