Engagement shoots are a wonderful opportunity to capture the love and connection between a couple before their big day. Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing Taylor and Michael, a picture-perfect but camera shy couple from Florida, for their engagement session at Crandon Park in Key Biscayne.
In this post, I’ll share their experience, highlighting how they overcame their camera shyness, why Crandon Park was the perfect setting for this engagement session, and of course, talk about why it’s such an honor to capture their special moments.
Turning Shyness into Joy: Taylor & Michael’s Fun Engagement Experience
The Picture-Perfect Couple
Taylor and Michael were initially hesitant about having an engagement shoot. They were nervous about being in front of the camera and unsure if they wanted to go through with it. However, as the big day got closer, they decided to give it a try.
Their engagement story is heartwarming: Michael proposed at sunrise on a beach they frequently visit with their dog, Chunk. This familiarity with beach settings added a layer of comfort to their engagement session.
Overcoming Camera Shyness
To help ease their nerves, I focused on creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. Instead of rigid, posed shots, I encouraged Taylor and Michael to move freely and have fun during the shoot. This approach allowed them to be themselves, resulting in genuine and joyful photos.
In their review, Taylor and Michael expressed their happiness with the experience, mentioning how relaxed and comfortable I made them feel. The photos turned out beautifully, capturing their love and connection naturally. I gently guided them in their posing and chose the perfect spots for a mix of editorial and natural poses.
The Preparation
It’s important for the photographer to know the personality and culture of the couple and work from there. Our job as photographers is to feel and read the body language of the couple. A good photographer observes and knows how the couple brings out the best in each other. I also gave them some pointers on what type of dress to wear to ensure it fit with the background.
Calming the Nerve with Crandon Park’s Relaxing Palm Background
We started off with the palm backdrop to capture the lighting perfectly and to help Taylor and Michael feel at ease. Highlighting the engagement ring was a key moment in our session. I gently guided them on how to position their hands and fingers so they wouldn’t look awkward. But more than the guidance, my secret weapon is always knowing how to keep things light and fun.
As a photographer, it’s important that my couple feels each other more than my presence so that their natural connection surfaces on my camera lens.
Embracing the Freedom of Crandon Park’s Beachside Beauty
Once they were comfortable with the shoot, we moved to the beachside, where we had more freedom to explore different poses that suited the ambiance perfectly. The ocean backdrop provided a stunning setting for their photos.
As they became more comfortable, we added sunglasses for some fun, creating a different vibe.
One highlight was guiding them as they went up the lifeguard house while making sure they stayed comfortable with each other as I captured candid moments during this editorial phase of the shoot.
On the Kiss
Photographing the kiss of a camera-shy couple can be a challenge. It requires creating a moment that feels natural and intimate despite the presence of the camera. As a photographer, it is an art I’m grateful to have mastered with my years of experience.
With Taylor and Michael I first felt the background. After finding the perfect backdrop and lighting, I gently nudged them into feeling their connection while making sure the ambiance is all weightless and fun. When they were comfortable, I guided them to the proper position: belly-button to belly-button, bend the elbow a little, feel the heartbeat, etc. Once they were in position, the kiss came naturally.
The result was stunning! We were all gushing at how perfect the kiss was–a beautiful and genuine moment that encapsulated their love. The lighting, the backdrop, and their connection all came together flawlessly, making this one of my personal favorites.
Discovering Serenity: Why Crandon Park is Ideal for Stress-Free Engagement Shoot
Crandon Park, located on the idyllic barrier island of Key Biscayne in Miami, Florida offers a stunning backdrop for any type of photography, including engagement sessions. The park is renowned for its beautiful beach, rich coastal environment, and extensive range of outdoor activities. It’s a place where nature’s beauty takes center stage, providing a serene and tropical setting for photography.
Stress-Free Environment
For Taylor and Michael, Crandon Park’s beach vibe and palm backdrop was the perfect choice.
Its tranquil environment, and of course their familiarity of it all, helped them focus on each other and forget about the camera, making the entire experience stress-free. Specific spots within the park, like the peaceful beach areas and scenic natural trails, provided a variety of beautiful settings for their photos.
Taylor & Michael’s Journey with Claudia Amalia Photography
Taylor and Michael initially booked me for their wedding photos and later decided to have me capture their engagement session as well. My approach to photography, which emphasizes natural and candid moments, stood out to them.
My goal is always to make my clients feel at ease. I used various techniques to help Taylor and Michael relax, making sure the shoot was enjoyable rather than stressful. Their satisfaction with the final photos was evident in their glowing review. They praised my ability to create a comfortable and fun environment during the session . I’m not the type who’s comfortable with tooting my own horn but this is an exemption.
Capturing Love Naturally: The Perfect Blend of Location and Photographer
Taylor and Michael’s engagement shoot at Crandon Park showcases how the right location and photographer can transform a potentially nerve-wracking experience into a joyful and memorable one.
Crandon Park’s serene and natural beauty provided the perfect backdrop for them to relax and enjoy their time together. My expertise and friendly approach ensured that Taylor and Michael could be themselves, resulting in stunning photos that capture their genuine connection and love.
I also want to give nature its credit for the perfect timing. For example, we did the engagement session an hour before sunset to capture good lighting which gave Taylor and Micheal these postcard-worthy engagement photographs.
See the Magic: Explore Taylor & Michael’s Engagement Gallery
See the magic of Taylor and Michael’s engagement shoot in this gallery. If you’re considering an engagement session but camera-shyness is holding you back, Crandon Park and Claudia Amalia Photography could be your perfect combination to soothe those nerves, so that nothing can hold you back from preserving this special moment of your love story. Fill out this form to book your session and create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.
