Jessica and Dave | Salt Lake City Engagement Photography

Last week my friend Mike Kanzler asked me if I was interested in second shooting an engagement session for him. As part of the co-op we’re doing with other photographers, we try to help each other out as much as possible- shooting together, sharing tips and advice, helping to build each other’s businesses, etc. I think this partnership is beneficial for me on so many levels, but above all, it’s just nice to have other photographer friends to talk shop with and commiserate with and whatnot. Mike and I had been trying to shoot together for awhile now, but with both of us still working our 40-hr-a-week jobs PLUS photography (and for Mike, PLUS his job at church and PLUS having a family- whew!), we just hadn’t been able to properly coordinate our schedules. So I was really excited when I was finally able to come along on a shoot with him.

And seriously… It could not have been a more perfect shooting situation. We went to Wheeler Farm, and boy, do I love a good farm. And it was the perfect time of day too. The most golden afternoon sun you’ve ever seen. I love how farms are so full of color and texture. The old wooden barns, the dirt and mulch, the red tractors, the fiery leaves. Such a gorgeous combination. So basically, I think Jessica and Dave could have rolled out of bed and shown up in their PJ’s and it would have been a success in my book.

Luckily, though, they came fully clothed and prepared to love all over each other in front of the camera. Mike knows Jessica from his job at Target, and that’s actually also where Jessica met Dave. Apparently, Dave was the delivery guy, and Jessica would always be working up front when he came in, and he just assumed that she was always there because she was more or less stalking him. Jessica claims that she HAD to be up there, because that was where she worked…. but I have a sneaky suspicion it was a little bit of both. :) Anyway, one thing led to another, and here they are getting hitched next year (p.s. I especially like to use words like “hitched” when talking about shoots at farms. Just sayin’.) You can so tell that these two are most definitely head over heels in love, and I’m so glad they felt comfortable enough to let that shine in their images. Thank you guys for being such great models for us!

p.p.s. It is worth noting- for the bazillionth time- that I LOVE sun flare, and I will go crazy with it any chance I get. This was one such chance.

While we’re on the subject of sun flare, I want to share with you a handy dandy tip I learned from Kelly Moore Clark’s blog: When shooting directly into the sun for that delicious flare, it can be really hard to focus. So hold your hand over the part of the lens where the sun is shining brightest, press the shutter halfway to focus where you want, then move your hand and push the shutter in all the way to take the picture. I can’t TELL you how many headaches this simple little trick has saved me. Thanks Kelly!

Oh, just look at Jessica’s stunning green eyes and high cheekbones. Sooo beautiful. Made even more beautiful by that amazing light.

FOR SURE, one of my faves. If not my absolute fave. I love everything about this.

So, Dave also does some graphic design work, so he definitely has the artist’s eye. As we were walking along to our next location for shooting, he spotted this wonderful patch of light shining on the other side of the creek. So of course Mike and I made them climb over there. Good eye, Dave! (Also, it should be noted that this pose was inspired by me and Mike’s mutual photography love, Jasmine Star.)

You might notice that there aren’t a whole lot of “looking at the camera” shots in this batch. Because I was second shooting, we told Jessica and Dave to focus primarily on Mike and his camera and to follow his instructions, and that I might add input or instruction every now and then. I have to say, it was kind of nice to be in that position, because there was less pressure on me to get “the” shot, and I was able to move around a little more and get angles I wouldn’t normally get. I can’t wait to shoot more with Mike, because I definitely think we get each other in the way we work and the style we have.

So serious. Then so cute. Love it.

I’m still not exactly sure how I feel about silhouettes, but I keep doing them for some reason. I do like this one.

And lastly: an action shot! Go Mike go!

Enjoy you guys! Annnnd don’t forget to WATCH THE SLIDESHOW HERE, featuring “When She’s Near” by Fiction Family (a side project with Jon Foreman of Switchfoot). I think it’s such a fun song.

Also, be sure to keep an eye on Mike’s blog, as I’m sure he’ll post his pictures there soon.