The Collection Shootout: Part 3 of 3 ~ Samantha

Here's our last batch of photos from The Collection Shootout... first was Ali, then Sara and Nick, and now Samantha.

Adam and I have photographed Sam a thousand times... her and her husband's wedding, many fun family sessions with them and their two children, and her mother's wedding. So we thought we knew what it was like photographing her (always a joy, of course), but did she ever surprise us! Sam is apparently an undercover model, as she channeled her inner high-fashion self and was hitting poses that could beat the girls on America's Next Top Model. Dang!

But speaking of posing, shootouts are an awesome way for us to not only experiment with poses we've been wanting to try, but to also have a better understanding of what's flattering to the body, to play with interesting relationships between people and their settings, and to improve our directing skills.

Thanks, Sam! Looking forward to your and Dan's Anniversary Session this summer!















Again, We'd like to thank Miki of Moss Floral Design for the GORGEOUS flowers, and Miss Ruby for the super cute dresses!













We've been having SO much fun on our shootouts this year, that we've been thinking of having a Reminisce Road Trip this summer, setting up shootouts along the way. Any recommendations for destinations???

The Collection Shootout: Part 2 of 3 ~ Sara and Nick

Sara and Nick did an awesome job at The Collection shootout! Because they were the first to be done with hair, makeup and styling, they were the only models who had the experience of all the photographers shooting them at the same time (the rest of the day, we all floated between the models). It totally looked like the paparazzi, but they were total champs :)

Here are some of Adam and my favs. Thanks so much, Sara and Nick! And thanks again to Miss Ruby for lending us the lovely gowns.













(Here's a little behind the scene's for you, of Craig directing Sara :)











(Love the dust in this shot! Who knew dust could be so beautiful?!)

8 of these 11 shots are using only natural light. One of our favorite things to do when shooting is to make natural light work for us. It's a fun challenge... and gorgeous :) It sculpts the features and body, and creates rich tonal ranges, depth and contrast.

Adam and I also love shooting at non-traditional locations, like with this shootout. It's so inspiring to make something from nothing, and not rely on a pretty background to make a good photo. Know of any cool locations you'd like to share with us... or maybe even do a shoot at with us???

The Collection Shootout: Part 1 of 3 ~ Ali

As you might know, Adam and I belong to a group of photographers called The Collection...

"We have come together as a closely-knit group of artists who offer more than special packages and slideshows. Each photographer’s unique approach, style and perspective fuels our group’s commitment to evolving the Art of Wedding Photography." ~ The Collection

Each month, the ten studios get together, eat some good food, talk shop and inspire. I can't say how invaluable it is to not look at each other as competition, but instead as friends. We are all growing as people, artists, business owners and innovators.

Earlier this month, we got together for a super fun shootout! We experimented with light, posing, location... and had a blast!

The funny thing is, after weeks of planning, our models flaked. So Adam and I asked our friends and clients, Samantha and Ali to model (and Molly of Mthree Studio also brought a couple of former clients, Sara and Nick). I think it worked out for the best, because they were all natural models and did a fantastic job! Thanks so much for participating! Hope you had as much fun as we did :)

Special thanks to my friend Miki from Moss Floral Design for providing such gorgeous bouquets for our shoot! Thanks also, to Miss Ruby for lending us such fabulous dresses, and to Megan our makeup artist for sharing her talent.

Thanks to everyone who chipped in to bring this awesome day together... from planning, to location scouting, to styling. We work well together! xo

Anyhoo, Adam and I were so happy with our photos from the shootout, that we'll be breaking our blog posts up per model.

Here's Ali! Adam and I are SO looking forward to photographing your wedding this fall!!! :)



(Us all setting up in our undisclosed location.)



(Artists' Eyes having some fun.)



(Ali looking fabulous.)





















Can you guess where we shot, or why we chose this location? :)

Red Rock Canyon Shootout: Part 4 of 4 ~ Anesia

Now that this Red Rock Canyon post is the last of of our highlights from WPPI, we have the itch to travel again!!! Anyone having a destination wedding??? :)

Anyway, meet Anesia. She has amazing features and a classic beauty reminiscent of old-movie starlets... sure to inspire any photographer! She was really fun to shoot, too, with a bubbly personality full of laughter. At one point, each and every one of us was rolling with laughter! Thanks for an awesome shoot :)

Red Rock Canyon Shootout: Part 3 of 4 ~ Kimberly & Jake

Kimberly must have had more fun than usual modeling... this time she got to model with her boyfriend Jake :) This Red Rock Canyon shoot during WPPI was his first time modeling, and what better way to break him in than with over 25 photographers?!