Jessica and Jared live right next to the American River, which is convenient not only for engagement pictures, but also because Jared can keep his two great loves close together: Jessica and Fishing. Showing her support for Jared’s enthusiasm for fishing, Jessica suggested we include some fishing shots in the engagement session. And since we started out the session at their place, we were able to include their two adorable pugs as well, and even the cat made an appearance! All in all it was a great afternoon full of canines and fun by the water, with some beautiful sunny weather to top it all off. I’m looking forward to shooting their wedding near Yosemite in May - I hear there’s some good fishing near there! PS: I’ll take this moment to plug my favorite book about love, life and fishing: The River Why.

I’m trying to make the most of the lull before wedding season kicks in big time next month by working with some models whom I’ve worked with before and wanted to complete some other projects with before I get really busy.

First up, I shot with Heidi in my new studio. It’s a great place to shoot - lots of interesting options and lots of space. Heidi is always fun to work with, and she suggested a film noir concept. I spent a couple of hours browsing photographs for inspiration, and she supplied some great outfits. The red skirt/black knickers might not have shown up in too many Raymond Chandler flicks, but they went along with the "retro" feel.

Next I had the pleasure of working with Nicole again. Nicole and I had a lot of fun in the studio last time we shot - she’s an amazingly talented dancer and gymnast (I’ll post a few from that session here as well since I just realized I never blogged those images). This time we ventured into the great outdoors (ie: the fields of Davis) and Nicole proved just as sure footed on the damp grass and dirt as she was in the studio. I was simply in awe at her ability to do these amazing leaps over and over again in any conditions.

And I have to give a big shout-out to my best buddy Mike - he’s been visiting for a while from Michigan and was kind enough to join me as "key grip" on both of these shoots - allowing me to work faster and carry more gear than I possibly could by myself. And, don’t tell anyone, but it’s even possible he might have done a bit of modeling during the session with Heidi. Thanks Mike!

Heidi - Film Noir/Retro shoot:

Nicole: