Wendy + Evan's Wedding // Atlanta, Georgia

Second shooting with Elicia has come & gone from my bucket list.

If you had asked me when I was getting married if I ever thought I’d be tagging along with my wedding photographer (well, sort of…its a great story), I would have probably laughed in your face! Being on the other side of the camera is definitely so much fun for me always, but especially when I get to learn from one of the absolute best. I am so thrilled to unveil these images I captured on this magical day. Evan & Wendy were so silly together & their energy was definitely contagious. They were truly a really fun duo to work with.

The whole day was a whirlwind, of course, & it reminded me of all the reasons I do what I do. The mixing of cultures, the gathering of friends, the combining of families. All of the little elements that go into the big day.

My favorite spot of the evening was atop the wedding venue on a very dangerous ledge overlooking the city.

Big thank you to Elicia the Great for inviting me along, & to Evan + Wendy for being the coolest.

The small touches make a wedding to me. I know there are just so many brains, hands, & hearts behind all these decisions. I absolutely adored Wendy’s parent’s home, where this photo was taken. We just pulled the piano bench to the door & shot the details, but this photo seems so styled to me. Love the simplicity of it all.

Sweet little flower girls & their amazement at their bride.

…That light though.

All the girls giggling as Wendy’s mom cracked jokes & helped the events of the day stay focused on what matters: love.

Wendy’s dress was a gorgeous vintage gown that fit her so perfectly. The style of the dress fit the venue, too, which is always such a nice little touch.

Just headed back down to the party & had to stop for the last bit of sun setting over the Atlanta skyline.

Loved these simple moments. Elicia asked for us to be left alone up here at “blue hour” so the two folks of the hour could really decompress a bit & let their guards down in front of the camera. Those little tricks of the trade will always stay with me.

Sweet solitude away from the party. Wendy knew she needed to soak it all in. So she did.

The Importance of Headshots Today

First impressions.

We are all programmed by many unseen forces that guide our daily lives. These micro-managers of our subconscious mind force us to decide on “good” or “bad” in a matter of seconds. That just isn’t fair, is it? When we consider all the facets of a human, all the details hidden under layers of personality & charm, a few seconds is nowhere close to the time we really need for the judgement of a person. But, according to the latest data, we are powerless to the pull of our minds.

Today, we do have a luxury in that we can curate a page for ourselves in the form of a LinkedIn profile, a Facebook page, an Instagram account, a blog, etc. We can attempt to control how others see us based on what we allow (or don’t allow) on our little digital autobiographies. Problems arise when those personas or filters are not actually achieving what we want them to achieve for us.

Headshots are a perfect way to add a professional touch to your social media presence. Here’s why.

Professional headshots are easy to do, for both the photographer & the client.

They take 30 minutes or less! Schedules can be hectic, but a lunch-break-headshot-session is absolutely do-able! You would be amazed at how quickly an experienced photographer can pull emotions out of you & create some impressive images for various purposes. A quick outfit change & you automatically have some perfect material for all your profile picture needs. A couple of backgrounds & lighting variations, & boom. Your headshots are done for the year (give or take an hour of editing). Nothing to be scared of!

Headshots can make you stand out from the crowd.

Breaking news: we should have moved on from the cropped-standing-beside-my-five-best-friends profile picture by now. College student profile pictures are definitely different (or should be) than young professionals or career-leaders’ photos. We have to evolve with the times. We all need to be putting our best foot forward when it comes to our one chance to impress a potential client or employer.

Headshots are a great way to showcase your individual style while still maintaining a polished, professional standard.

Ideally, headshots should be done every year. I know this is definitely an “ideal” thing because so many of us never do it at all, but theoretically, the whole point of a headshot is to give an accurate (but polished) visual depiction of who you are. I know it throws me off when I am expecting someone to look like their profile image & then they walk in 30 pounds heavier/slimmer or with dyed hair…or whatever else is different! Yes, we want to keep those photos because we like what we look like in them, so keep them…but let’s at least update the profile picture. & yes, for the record, I agree that it is unfair to place so much importance on outer looks, but there has to be some image in that little box, so why not make it a good one? Also, while we’re at it, let’s update our image to better match our style. An outdated American Eagle graphic tee is not necessarily ideal for our photo if we plan on grabbing our future by the horns.

Have fun with your profile photos.

Have fun with your headshots. Bring a prop if you want. Look around online & get ideas. Heck, look around online at people who have taken their profile photos seriously versus those who haven’t…& objectively decide what you think on the matter. Respond in the comments or let me know your thoughts — I can’t be alone in my conviction that professional headshots are vital…right?!

Burning Questions: Edition 3 // How To Be Vulnerable AND Successful

Jumping into the world of entrepreneurship, especially in a saturated market, can be incredibly overwhelming, taxing, & confusing.

The story of my photography business begins with about 10 years of me fighting. I fought anyone who asked me why I wasn’t taking photos anymore, after spending all of my college years with a camera on my shoulder & a polaroid in my hand. I fought any self-help journal or podcast or live speech that mentioned “following your dreams” because I knew that my particular dream was way too far out of reach…so none of that applied to me.

I didn’t feel worthy. I knew that there were so many photographers out there, so why should I even try? If I couldn’t instantly be the best, what’s the point of pushing at all? How incredibly selfish, short-sighted, & narrow-minded of me, right?

I finally stopped fighting. Some big changes happened in my life & I was able to take a few massive steps back & look at everything with a different set of eyes. I no longer felt bound by an imposed set of rules for my life. Friends who never really believed in me in the first place were suddenly gone, & I was left with some major cheerleaders. I realized that I had actually been refusing to grow a part of me that was there for a reason. I spent 7 years of my life pushing others to lean into their discomfort & grow their passions, & I wasn’t really taking doses of my own medicine. When my family pitched in for a camera for my 31st birthday, deep down I knew I had to make this happen. But still, I sort of drug my feet.

I kid you not, two weeks later, my only real photographer acquaintance (have I mentioned her in enough blog posts yet? Elicia Bryan…there it is again!) called me & asked if I would be interested in a mentorship. The rest is history. I’m doin’ it!

So many people believe in me, so why should I not believe in myself? So many people had stepped into my life & helped point me to the truth of my purpose, not whatever lies I had been living for so long. I had no more excuses.

I’m hoping that my struggles will reach you where you are, & be a bit of a reminder of what you should already know about yourself: you can do it. No matter what the “it” is, you have the power to make it happen.

There have been some pretty influential players in this game for me, outside of my friends & family. Below you’ll see a short list of the writers, artists, & thinkers who have really helped me navigate these hills & valleys.

Brene Brown helped me to see that every part of my journey is necessary. The whole idea of the delta (from Rising Strong) re-framed my whole idea of growth. It allowed me to stop beating myself up for all the various reasons that would pop into my head. Read this article if you want to hear someone else’s “review” of the book - I wish I could have written this one myself.

Cleo Wade was a voice that reminded me that I have everything I need to make change. I don’t need to wait for anything (except for maybe a camera & a lens or two…) to do what I really want to do. & also, there is nothing more world-changing than our love for other people. That’s why I do what I do. We also talked about how self-care is absolutely important, no matter how many excuses I make for “why I can’t.” I am so grateful for the experience of photographing Cleo when she was in Athens on her book tour.

Sleeping at Last’s #3 Enneagram song. (Surprise surprise I’m a 3.) I mean. Just listen to it. & if you’re an Enneagram #3, grab a box of tissues first.

Helpful Style Tips for Family Photo Sessions

“What should I wear?”

This is a loaded question.

When you book a family session with me, I’m often thinking about what the end-goal will be. Are these photos for Christmas/Holiday cards, an anniversary gift for grandparents, just-because-photos, or photos for some other occasion? In order to make a good decision about what you’ll wear, you obviously would consider what the photos will represent as you look back on them in the future.

No matter what the occasion, colors should coordinate, but not match. Blues are gorgeous in the sunset light (see photo below). Blacks & whites can be so gorgeous against the greenery of nature. Really, any solid or neutral that you are drawn to will probably work.

Blue hues pop against the bright sunset colors.

You may already know from looking at my portfolio that I am not a “matching furniture set” kind of photographer. I want all the mismatched pieces to come together in a cohesive, interesting, & fun way. I want the plum-burgundy throw pillow on the canary yellow couch. I’m not the “Rooms to Go” of photographers. I’m not the beige. If you want to show your style & bring some funky hat to play around with in your family session, by all means, we’ll get some solid photos. Classic is always in, but classic does not have to be boring.

Here are a few notes about other “style” factors to consider…

Footwear:

The locations I love are often in rugged terrain. Or at least we have to trek through it a little bit to get to a solid ground where we can shoot. It is always helpful to bring flipflops or some sort of casual easy-to-slip-on shoe, so that once we get where we’re going you can do a quick switch-a-roo. Men, tennis shoes never photograph well. If you can find one that does, please enlighten me.

Makeup:

Less. Is. More. I promise you. Even if you typically wear a lot of makeup, you will not appreciate how it will look in your photos. I will decrease all your redness & help your skintone look luminous & even. I will work hard to make your radiance shine through, so try really hard not to cover it all up with makeup! Also, if you own bronzer, your photoshoot is not the time to wear it. Blush looks great & transfers to photos really well, but bronzer ends up looking like you smeared dirt on those sweet little cheeks.

Men, sometimes it may be beneficial to wear some under-eye concealer to help with the shadows that our eye sockets can cast (not that you NEED it, but it sometimes helps you look a little more alert!).

Props:

You’ll notice from looking at my portfolio that its not really “on-brand” for me to use props. If you have some that you want to include, by all means, bring them! These are YOUR photos, so make them exactly what you want them to be. A child’s favorite blanket or toy may be the perfect little addition to your session. Also, it is the client’s responsibility to bring any sort of season item (like pumpkins in the fall or little Christmas gifts during the holidays), unless the photographer is specifically tailoring their package offering for a special shoot. Another exception to this rule is obviously if the shoot is taking place at a location that can “double” as a prop, then you’re all set. The farm I shot at recently (see image below of sweet little Delta) had a gorgeous willow tree that she loved to play with, so essentially the setting became a prop.

Little Delta in a willow tree.

Tips & Tricks:

Men, this goes out to you especially - try to remember to take your cell phone out of your front pocket! That indention is a little pet peeve of mine, but I can’t always catch it!

Ladies, even if you have a “good side” don’t be afraid to switch it up a little. If every single photo is of just the left or right side of your face, you may not like how posed that can look. Also, if you end up framing these prints in a multi-photo frame (like those really cute ones at Target that look like window panes), you’ll want there to be some variety in the way you look.

Open mouth smiles are my favorite. They make every image look candid. BUT when you’re laughing/smiling at all the hilarious jokes I tell (LOL), try really hard not to lean your head back. Leaning forwards and laughing makes a much better image than leaning back (cue the double-chin, the back of your throat, up the nose, etc.).

Ultimately you’ll want to find a photographer with whom you feel comfortable asking these types of questions. It is in their best interest that you look amazing, afterall, so remember this when you hesitate to ask for specifics.

Remember the most important tip: have. fun.

Collaboration Photoshoot with Liz Messick Design + Elle Cees Salon & Spa + The Tree Room // Athens, Georgia

How much fun did we have? Check it out.

This evening was filled with laughter. These ladies were such troopers as I asked them to pose in front of old gnarly-looking walls & walk in their heels over lots of broken sidewalks. The simple beauty of their stylings all worked perfectly with the rustic vibes of this magical place. My favorite part of the adventure was the blue hour in front of the kudzu. What’s more southern than a sunset over kudzu, anyway?

I am thrilled to know Liz Messick & her intern, Abbey. Liz works to create unique wedding experiences for her couples. She has extensive experience in the wedding industry, which is obviously a huge plus when you are doing something (getting married!) that you’ve never done before. She navigates all the stressers for you, so you can just focus on your excitement. Liz has this great sense of humor that is both dry & dark, but she’s also simply one of the most charming folks I’ve ever met. She tells the truth. She works hard. She is a go-getter, & she makes things happen. She has the wisdom you need & the personality you adore. Abbey put together this shoot with these amazing models & we all just reveled in the beauty of our city, the creative wonders of our community, & this breathtaking planet we call home.

Liz’s gorgeous handmade succulent necklace creation.

A simple & bright wrist corsage, handmade by Liz Messick.

Julia’s simple curls in the Tree Room. Elle Cees Salon nailed it.

Sunset at the Tree Room + Redheads = match made in heaven.

The deets:

Hair & Makeup services by Elle Cees Salon & Spa

Florals, Model selection, & general set-up by Liz Messick & her lovely intern, Abbey Goodson

Venue: The Tree Room at the Chase Street Warehouses in Athens, Georgia

Photos by yours truly, here at Emily Dukes Photography

If you would like to see the full gallery from our super fun session, shoot me an email & I’ll reply with the link!

My Favorite Creatives: Edition 1 // Peggy DesJardines

It can be a winding road to get to your dreams.

Peggy DesJardines has never been afraid of those switchbacks. She climbs and climbs. She looks up and takes breaths and never ever stops. I know this is a super weird thing to say, but if I could die and come back to earth as any of my friends, it would definitely be Peggy. Her brain is beautiful. Getting the tops of her mountains is not a “maybe” - as long as I’ve known her, she has been steadily gaining momentum.

In the 10 years I’ve known Peggy, she has: painted, drawn, written poetry & prose, become a certified yoga instructor, mastered mixed media art AND printmaking…culminating it all with an incredible installation at Georgia College and State University (where she double majored & got a minor); cycled, earned a Masters of Science degree in Mental Health Counseling, been a barista, made & sold gorgeous earrings, travelled the country with super well-known artist Crystal Wagner, and SO much more. She is a renaissance woman. She juggles self-care better than anyone I know amidst all of these interests, hobbies, & dreams.

Peggy didn’t just decide one day that she wanted to tattoo people. It wasn’t really a conscious thing. People just wanted her art on their bodies. Then they’d insist that they pay her. Then people wanted more. And more. So…she made it a real live thing with Stick And Peg.

If you want to see her in her element, go watch her prepare for a piece. She is meticulous. She has a professional demeanor but still loves to giggle & have fun during the whole process. She uses top-notch supplies & is becoming extremely well-respected in the tattooing community. To say I’m a proud friend is an understatement.

These photos were from a session with Tuna, who plays in a little band called Family and Friends.

Burning Questions: Edition 2 // Booking the Right Photographer

When we book photographers, we are booking them because we know, like, & trust them.

We see their work & we like their style. We experience emotions when we see the smiles or the tears, knowing that it takes skill to know when to press the shutter. We are eager to show off our photos to friends & family because we love the light in which we are cast. We trust them to pull out of us what we know is there: beauty.

Sometimes, though, we may not be as happy with the photos as we thought we would be.

There are obviously many reasons why our photos disappoint us. Here are some important things to consider as you navigate booking a photographer to avoid being disappointed with your photos.
1. Don’t book a photographer whose style you don’t like. I know this seems like an obvious point to make, but many times we may feel peer-pressured or sort of “brainwashed” by whatever seems fashionable or trendy. Its an easy trap to fall into! Your photos will have dark shadows if all of that photographer’s work has dark shadows. Your photos will be light & airy if that photographer’s portfolio is filled with light & airy shots. There are tons of styles out there, so find the one you think is the most timeless & go for it!
2. Make sure you understand that in order for the moments to look like you remembered them, you must dress the part, set up the scene, etc. My mentor Elicia Bryan & I were discussing the constant reliability of those beautiful cafe string lights at weddings. They’re romantic; they’re helping the camera capture those gorgeous moments that would otherwise be lost in the dark or ruined by an abrasive flash. When you book a photographer, notice those little details that are part of the ambiance of the photos you love. Strive to create that mood by doing a little on your end, & the work will meet you in the middle.
3. If you don’t like a certain part of your body, do some work on your end to hide it or camouflage it! Photographers are not miracle workers, as much as we all wish they were. Photos will obviously be taken with attention to flattering angles (any professional knows how to do this with all different shapes & sizes), but if you hate your arms & wear a sleeveless top, then no matter the angle, you’ll hate your photos.
4. If you have a certain pose or location you really want documented during your time with your photographer, don’t be afraid to speak up. Some of the cutest photos happen when the client has an idea (even if its totally silly/cheesy/weird), & then we try to make it happen! Even if it results in all of us in fits of laughter, hey, we got some good shots out of it!

Remember that feedback is a gift, so don’t be afraid to communicate your concerns with your photographer.

If your photographer is truly concerned with creating happy clients, everything should be done within reason to satisfy the client. There is no way to learn & grow without honest feedback, either, so the photography professional should attempt to understand your concerns. Photography businesses wouldn’t exist without clients, so we want our clients to be happy!

Once you have booked the right photographer & you love their work, tell all your friends!

Word of mouth, even in the age of the internet, is still one of the best ways small businesses can grow. Posting google/facebook/etc. reviews is invaluable to photographers. Plus, chances are, if your style & the photographer’s style are in alignment, your friends will appreciate that same vibe too…& then book your photographer!

Photographing the Cleo Wade "Courageous Love" Tour

The energy in the room was beautiful.

Monday night I had the pleasure of photographing a really fun event. The room was touched with whimsy & modern vibes. The faces of the audience were captivated as they listened intently to the voice from the stage. It spoke of love, self care, & community activism. It was the voice of Cleo Wade.

Here is a bit about the force that is Ms. Wade, taken from her “about” page on her website:

Cleo Wade is an artist, poet, and author of the best-selling book, “Heart Talk: Poetic Wisdom for a Better Life.” Her work speaks to the power of self-love, the impact of beloved community building, and the importance and social justice. Cleo writes for the New York Times, Teen Vogue, W Magazine and her popular Ted Talk: “Want to change the world? Start by being brave enough to care.” was released in spring of 2018. She has created large-scale public art installations across North America including most recently in New York’s Times Square on International Women’s Day. Cleo sits on the board of the National Black Theater in Harlem as well as the advisory board of Gucci's Chime For Change.  She lives in New York City where she is an avid supporter of The Lower East Side Girls Club or The Women's Prison Association. Cleo has been named one of America’s 50 Most Influential Women by Marie Claire, 100 Most Creative People in Business by Fast Company, “The Millennial Oprah” by New York magazine, and "Everyone's B.F.F." by the New York Times. 

Athens gets the arts.

A big thanks to Avid Bookshop for selling Cleo’s book at the event, & to Graduate Athens for hosting this incredible night of self-discovery & community-making.

Mindfulness

Part of my goal with Emily Dukes Photography is to achieve a healthy work-life balance.

Who doesn’t want that, right? I have seen how much easier it is to live in the moment and appreciate small victories when I have been able to focus on my happiness along with (not in spite of) my hustle. And of course I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how much easier work is when I have all the support in the world (looking at you mom & dad, amazing friends + siblings). BUT back to the point…all of this “balance” talk makes me think of the trendy topic of mindfulness, so I went on a quest to bring it into my life so that I could test it out for myself. 

Mindfulness is simply the practice of being aware of our selves, our surroundings, & our higher purpose in each moment, using a gentle & nurturing lens.

The concept may seem perfectly intuitive to some, while others feel it is an impossible hurdle to surmount. We may not even realize that we are not being mindful until someone shakes our core understanding of an idea or a situation, and we find ourselves thinking about it from a different angle. I know I have a tendency to distract myself from my emotions so much that I ultimately act on whims that make no logical sense at all, or I just feel nothing at all in my quest for happiness. 

I have asked a couple of influential women close to me to examine their idea of mindfulness and I have compiled their answers so that you can join in on the journey, knowing that mistakes and struggles are definitely the “norm.” Both women who were kind enough to be honest about their struggles with mindfulness are from different faith backgrounds. We all have a few things in common: we feel that our society does not necessarily help us achieve this healthy mindset, therefore, we have to make major choices and moves towards these practices on our own, which is often the biggest hurdle of all.

What does “being mindful” mean to you in a broad sense? What about day-to-day?

Hope: Mindfulness I think, in a broad sense, to me, is very much just trying to remember that everything isn’t only about me. Remembering to be present and aware of my actions and surroundings. That I don’t know what’s happening with the driver that just cut me off and not to automatically decide they are a terrible human... and even if they are being a terrible human to make sure that I’m not being one. To be aware of my emotions but not controlled by them - how they say you’re a mountain and your emotions are clouds - let them pass you by and don’t just decide to hold on to them (in a negative aspect).

Peggy: I think of mindfulness as simply a commitment to being present and aware. It can take a lot of forms in its practical application: awareness of the body, thoughts, senses, actions, combinations of all those or even all at once. It can feel like taking a step back from every single thing and becoming an observer rather than an “interacter.” Something arises in the space that is created by this--an aliveness, a vividness. That feeling is what keeps me coming back to the practice and what I associate mindfulness with. Watching all of the fluctuations of the world so closely and being with them so fully that there is no room for your reactions or preferences. Everything simply is. 

But I’ve noticed I have two kinds of mindfulness practices--one is for the purpose of detaching from fluctuations, and the other is for the purpose of fully experiencing. When I am truly, fully present with my senses--feeling the air move across my skin, letting every sound take its time dancing in my ear, noticing the details of every contour and shadow--I can experience a heightened state that feels like oneness, and wholeness.

That sounds lofty, and sometimes it feels that way, but sometimes mindfulness is just fully feeling into the movements of my body while I flush the toilet and stare at the bags under my eyes in the mirror. Or sitting with a painful feeling rather than instinctually distracting myself from it. And then crying like a baby. And being devoted to feeling the tears spew out as fully as possible.

What do you think is the most challenging thing about maintaining a positive outlook on the world?

HM: I think it’s easier to be sad than to happy in the world. Happiness and positivity take work. I think that somewhere we’ve always been rooted to look out for negative things whether that be a big cat or someone who disagrees with you - It’s easier now to be more negative and judgmental than ever - I think social media has given everyone a sense of entitlement to just how important theirselves/opinions are - which a lot of times is shoving very selfish, negative, and depressing information in our faces. Or even ideals/emotions that aren’t currently happening in our lives - jealousy and deep envy.

PDJ: Probably the absolute nonsense of it--no one deserves to suffer, period. Yet so many do, indescribably.

What advice would you give someone who feels that mindfulness takes too much energy? What would make the shift worth it, in your opinion?

HM: I think that I’ve never completed something difficult and not felt good about it; felt accomplished because of it. I think that obviously it’s better to be happy and considerate though it may take more work. Take the challenge: don’t sit and rot, grow! Don’t contribute to the exact things that, deep down, you despise! Don’t be the person that pulls out in front of others, don’t be the person in a fit of rage because their order got messed up - we’re all just humans - so be a human that tries.

PDJ: I would argue that mindfulness saves you energy. It may feel like an investment at first. But in every moment, a mindfulness practice asks/allows you to be present fully with whatever is directly in front of you. Usually we are concentrating on so many things at once--your body is in one place (but you’re not fully in it), your mind is in at least 3 other places every 5 seconds. There is so much movement in that. Mindfulness pushes all but the present aside and you’re left with room to breathe. That doesn’t sound tiring to me. It’s not easy either, but it’s a skill that is learned and strengthened over time. A lot of forgiveness is required--worrying about or shaming yourself for how “well” you think you’re doing at it or how much time you let slide by between practices is egoic and beside the point. Attachment to this requires effort of the mind, and you cannot effort your way into stillness. Any struggle precludes you from allowing calm to arise. You could argue that mindfulness actually takes zero energy. It feels challenging because we are so accustomed to exerting energy at all times.

When we are in-tune to what is happening in the present, we can more clearly see the past and move into the future.

It may feel challenging to get started with mindfulness, but the most beneficial realizations come when we push ourselves. And don’t forget to support others while they’re pushing!

P.S. If these ladies dazzle you as much as they do me, be sure to follow along with Peggy’s stick-n-poke tattoo journey here & Hope’s precious angel pup + plants here. 

Burning Questions: Edition 1 // Shooting at Sunset

Why does everyone seem to crave that sunset lighting? If you’ve followed any photographer on social media you’ve seen the gorgeous images where the light rays dance through the trees or cast brilliant shimmers onto human bodies. If you’ve booked sessions with me, you’ll probably recall that I tend to steer everyone towards booking right around when the sun starts to go down. I have a sweet spot for this “golden hour” light because the mood it creates is just unbeatable. 

When you look back on these photos, you will want to feel a peace about your moment in time.

The golden light that breaks through the trees is unmistakable. There is something undeniable about the stillness that accompanies the close of a day. We tend to start to wind down. Our bodies sync up with our minds, and we don’t “hold on” so tight. These are the physiological phenomena I want to play with in your photos. These feelings create moody, magical images that can’t exist with a harsh, blinding mid-day light. 

Its just logistically better!

When developing colors in these photos, I work so much less on creating a vibe. Its already there! I save so much time by getting quality shots from the start. Sure, I can edit a poorly exposed photograph & make it look like it was shot perfectly, but after editing a batch of sunset photos, it becomes obvious why they are simply superior. Part of the benefit of my learning photography on a film camera and developing only black and white photos for years, is that I learned how light plays in nature during the different hours of the day. When we have color to distract the eyes, we often forget how completely valuable light can be to the beauty of a photo. Sunset unleashes the softest, sweetest light, causing anything in its path to be swept up in the aura of its presence. 

Its nature’s photoshop.

Shadows fall without our permission. The difference in a face shot during mid-day bright light and a face shot at sunset is vast. The curves of our faces and the shape of our heads can tend to be distorted in bright light. Shadows are softer, gold-toned, and warm. Any blemish is assisted by the dramatic, rich colors that sunsets bring. Within the hour or so that we photograph during your session, we will have a variety of hues along the warm spectrum to choose from. From the beginning of the session, we’ll have those yellows & bright greens that create vivid, playful shots. From the middle, we’ll grab some light dancing through the trees to create subtle shades of gray. Towards the end, and during blue hour, we will get those moody, serene glimpses of gold that are totally timeless and classic. 

We can count on it!

No matter what the weather does, the sun always rises and sets. In the changing of each season, we can tend to feel a bit uneasy at what the thermometer will read, but we know that the sun will do its thing. Even if your shoot is set on a rainy day, the sun’s job is to illuminate, even though the clouds. It will always do its job when most every other variable is unreliable. 

Its fleeting.

Not to get too poetic on you, but the impermanence of the sunset is part of what creates its value. If we could always have soft sunset light, it wouldn’t be as special. That hurts a little to think about, but it really is true. The very best things are often fleeting or scarce. The moments we want to capture are that way, too. Photos help capture memories so we can free our minds to move forward. The looking back can sometimes feel like looking into the sun; we squint, then we smile.

Here are some of my current favorite local-ish photographers who know what they’re doing with sunset (& sunrise & darkness…& everything in between…) 

Elicia Bryan

Someplace Wild

Love Stories Co.

Twin Hearts