KRISTAL & STEVE
SANTA CRUZ - ENGAGEMENT SESSION DETAILS
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SANTA CRUZ, CA
LOCATION INFO
Santa Cruz is one of my favorite spots to shoot. So many beautiful locations that offer different sceneries. Shark Fin cove is one of the many beautiful beaches located in the Davenport area. It’s secluded enough to get some amazing and epic photos. We could walk among the redwoods in Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park for that majestic forest vibe.
DATE + TIME
Session Date: Friday July 23, 2021
Session Time: 5pm - sunset
EMBRACE THE WEATHER
Truth is the weather changes pretty much constantly here, one moment it’s sunny, then the wind picks up, fog rolls in, rain falls, and then the sun peaks out again, on and on the cycle goes. So, I highly recommend to just embrace the elements they actually enhance the images by adding energy, movement, and emotion!
In order for us the get the best lighting possible, we’ll shoot around these times below:
Evening
Golden Hour 7:46 pm - 8:41 pm
Sunset 8:23 pm
Blue Hour 8:41 pm - 8:53 pm
Location info:
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
101 N Big Trees Park Rd, Felton, CA 95018
Hours
Friday 6AM–7:30PM
My Phone
408.375.4844
WHAT TO WEAR
Generally, I suggest wearing something you feel comfortable in and makes you happy, but take into consideration that this is a photo session, and will probably be shared and kept for years to come. Bring different layers and options in the car to pull and choose from, you can change as many times as you want this works great since we’ll be changing locations often and it will add a lot of variety to your images! Sticking to neutral colors and earth tones work well with any landscape. Nothing to bright and loud, unless that’s the look we’re going for. Also, consider wearing something classic that will remain timeless in your photos. Instead of buying new clothes for the photoshoot, consider renting dresses. This is a more affordable alternative than buying an expensive dress. Here are a few links that rents dresses at a great price. You can also just google search dress rentals.
Pro Tip: Consider a flowy long dress to wear on the coast they make for some amazing images because the wind really brings the dress to life.
CAN I BRING PROPS?
My approach to photography leans more on the natural side, meaning I like using what’s around us to make our photos stand out. But I don’t mind you bringing a blanket, that will compliment your photos. The blanket should be neutral in color and one you don’t mind getting a little dirty.
ARE YOU GOING TO TAKE DETAIL SHOTS?
Yes, absolutely! I love taking detailed shoots, so make sure your nails are trimmed, hair combed and looking nice. I’ll definitely be taking those fire ring shots!!!
WHAT SHOES SHOULD I WEAR?
The terrain varies at Santa Cruz, wear shoes with good treading and are comfortable, that will match your outfit, like brown sandals, or some boots. I wouldn’t suggest wearing heels or tall shoes at this location. However, you can bring heels to change into once we get to the location we’ll be shooting at.
If you have any more question about what to wear, feel free to reach out to me!!
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THINGS TO CONSIDER
These session are a great way to utilize your hair/makeup trial to be done the day of your session! This will not only allow you to look your best in your engagement portraits, but you will be able to see what your makeup and hair styles look like in photos. It's a win win! I always suggest doing your makeup trial the day of your session, but your hair trial will depend on how you are having your hair styled. If you are having long waves, then this could be great for your session, but if you are having an elegant updo, then it might not be the style you are going for with your portraits. Schedule your makeup and hair with the same people that you plan to do your wedding. Your makeup will most likely vary from your session to your wedding, but you will be able to get to know your makeup artist and get a taste for their style. You could ask for natural-looking makeup and a casual blowout, beach wave, or soft ponytail- you can select any hair and makeup look you love, but the benefit of having a professional handle its execution is that it'll translate beautifully in photos. A professional knows just how much to apply for the camera so that you look your best. And when you look your best you'll feel your best. It will also come across in the photos, too!
DON’T FORGET TO BOOK YOUR TRIAL APPOINTMENT WITH YOUR HAIR/MAKEUP ARTIST
WHAT YOU SHOULD EXPECT
Whether this is your first time hiring a photographer or not, I want you to be sure the experience I wanna give you is everything you could dream of and more. It’s worth being captured in a way that will bring back all the feels for generations to come. I want you to be able to look back at these photos for decades and feel the love you feel for each other right now. This proposal/engagement session is an opportunity to be authentically you. To feel relaxed, come as you are and more so feel the vibe of the environment and the moment.
My style is heavily focused on real moments. Nothing staged, nothing forced, nothing set up, no awkward half smiles. It’s the real good stuff. I of course will guide you as we shoot so you’re not awkwardly standing there wondering what to do, but it’s important to me that you two are being fully yourselves and present with one another. This way, we can capture you for who you really are.
We create together.
I make sure that the way I’m interacting, shooting, and editing is reflective of who you are and how things actually felt. It’s the little details like this that go a long way. The artistic choices I make aren’t to benefit me because these are your memories, not mine. I focus on quality over quantity so we can create something together you’ll value forever.
LETS CAPTURE YOUR ADVENTURE, FIERCELY AND BEAUTIFULLY TOGETHER.
If at any point you don’t feel comfortable, just let me know. Or if you want some specific poses that you like, also let me know. Communication is key here. I want to make sure that I give you what you want and you get what you need. Please don’t hesitate to throw in ideas, after all this is a two way relationship, and we’re creating together.
AFTER OUR SESSION
I know you cannot wait to get a glimpse of your photos and I promise I will send a sneak peek your way as soon as I possibly can. You will receive your gallery no later than 4 weeks after your session date.
I am so happy when you share your images with friends and family. Make sure to credit and tag me when you post them online. It’s highly appreciated, because I’m always excited to see your favorites and others that like the images can easily find their way to my page.
Also I kindly ask you to not add any filters when posting on Instagram (or similar apps).
ALBUMS + PRINTS
Have you ever experienced that you get photos printed and the colors look nothing like they did on your computer? That sucks, as does letting your photos waste away on hard drives and USB sticks. You have invested a lot of heart, thought and effort into your family session and the photographs tell this story. Celebrate them by putting them in an album that is always at hand when you want to flip through these memories. Personally, I make a huge effort to print both my professional and personal work as often as possible. The feelings of holding these memories in your hands is just so special.
ALBUMS
I offer a handful of beautiful albums that I have picked carefully after comparing a ton of options out on the market. My standards are high and I would never compromise quality, considering how important these photographs are for you and how long this album will keep you company; a lifetime.
PRINTS
I’ve made it especially easy for you to print quality photos straight from the gallery you’ll receive from me. Your photos will be printed in quality paper true to color.
STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?
LET’S CONNECT
I’m all ears! Let me know if there’s something I missed that you’re still wondering about! Other than that, I can’t wait to create some beautiful memories with you!