Last night I put up an impromptu poll on my facebook page asking if people preferred having an urban or nature setting as a backdrop to portraits.  Surprisingly the immediate response was in favour of nature.

Although I think some of my best work is set with great architecture as a backdrop, I had the privilege of shooting Thomas & Joanne in a much more natural setting during some down-time at our annual church retreat in Sumas, WA.

Joanne and Thomas are such fun people and their connection shows in the short time we had to run around and take photos.  There is a wonderful connection in being able to shoot a couple, finding out how their paths crossed together and the journey they have taken.  You can’t help but be excited for them!

I love being asked to take photos – especially when it comes from friends.  It’s a feeling validation or affirmation of something I love to do.  I think for most, being in front of a camera is pretty daunting so I can imagine asking for photos is not an easy thing.  I guess that’s why I’m so thankful to Joanne for the opportunity.  (I asked for practice subjects and she responded with an enthusiastic “me, me, me!!”)

You may have noticed that I didn’t really thank Thomas. (hehe).  But he deserves recognition as well.  As with most guys, we don’t really care as much about the mushy picture stuff (especially, in public!).  But we act out of love – and Thomas’ love for Joanne is real and unconditional. And it was evident all throughout the session.  It’s about her.  I love that!

I’m so glad to have friends like Thomas and Joanne.  They are awesome people and the photos only show a fraction of that!

The Slideshow! Click play to see more from Thomas & Joanne’s session.

Click here for Thomas & Joanne’s dedicated slideshow page.

Special props to my enthusiastic photo helper tag along! Emily you rock!!