I was friends with both Mike and Raci in high school, but I’m pretty sure they were never friends with each other. So, when I heard they were dating a few years ago after reuniting at UC Santa Barbara, I was pretty surprised. It seemed, at the time, an odd match until I was able to hang out with them both for the first time at Mike’s college graduation party. That night I realized it wasn’t an odd match at all… they are totally perfect for each other and I’m so excited to photograph their wedding in September and at the same time celebrate with all of our friends.
With only one month left until their wedding, we were running out of time to do an engagement session, so early one Sunday morning we drove up to the Tehachapi Mountains of Southern California (about 2 hours north of Los Angeles) where they have all of these amazing hills covered with windmills. They chose the location and I was so happy to try something different in that landscape since they were up for experimenting!
Every now and then I like to step out of my comfort zone and come up with something a little different, and I knew Mike and Raci were game! With a little off-camera lighting, a bright, beautiful landscape, and two willing models, these are the images I was able to create.
I think this is my favorite. One friend says it looks like their album cover… I happen to agree.
This was the only image I was feelin’ in black and white because I loved the colors of the day so much. Raci has amazing eyes!
Raci brought her fierce side. Love it.
This area was recently burned, so we took advantage of the black landscape. This is Mike’s Rocket Jump.
… and his Rock Star Jump…
A lovely shot to finish up.
Mike and Raci – So looking forward to your wedding! Going to be so fun! Thanks for being fun and adventurous with me that morning… and for the latte to wake me up! 🙂
Yowza! Love the three just below the B&W. This is a GREAT location for a shoot, I think that every time I pass by those windmills. SO AWESOME!
Oh my! I’m loving this sooooo much! My favs are the “album cover” and the rockstar jump! Raci’s expression as Mike is jumping is so perfect! I love this shoot!
okay those pictures are so perfect…very classy and artistic….they definitely have professional screaming off the page…
The huge props and desolate landscape create a dramatic stage for this personality plus couple. Beautiful artistic shots. I’m ready for the credits to start rolling and the action to begin. Wonderful photographic skill and direction. LM
[…] I wrote in Mike and Raci’s engagement session post, I have known them both for a long time– 10 years! It was so much fun to be able to celebrate […]