Picture this: the ideal late summer, early fall day in 2023, right here in everyone’s favorite neighborhood, Astoria. The sun is low in the sky but covering every inch of Astoria Park in its golden embrace, and even though it’s starting to set a little earlier each night, you know you can still get away with a warm sweater or a light jacket even once it dips below the horizon. Parents take their tots out for walks, dogs are running around off leash, and it’s just the kind of weather that makes seeing the ice cream truck a fun “last summer hoorah” surprise.

Enter: Alex and Jake. Like me, they also call Astoria home, and chose a slightly unconventional (albeit extremely fun) route for their engagement photos. If you’ve been following along for a while, then you’ll be excited to know that this session included most of my big personality traits: an Astoria sunset, romance, laying in the tall grass, puppies, and above all else: bikes.

How to Feel Comfortable During Your Engagement Photos

Let’s be real – being in front of the camera can be nerve-wracking. Alex and Jake felt the same way, worried about looking natural and feeling comfortable. But here’s the deal: it’s my job to make you feel at home. Your quirks? Embraced. Your awkwardness? First of all, it’s super cute, so jot that down. Second of all, you may have felt uncomfortable in front of every other camera before me, but I’m there for you to make sure you don’t feel that way in front of mine (through lots of various methods, and if you’re interested in finally finding a photographer who will put you at ease so you can look and feel your best, reach out and I’ll share how my unique approach will leave you with photos that look and feel like you). I’m all about capturing the real, unfiltered moments that make your love story uniquely yours. One of the ways I do that is by getting to know you and the things that you cherish in your relationship and in your life, so that you can feel most at ease during your session, instead of having to pretend to be a model (you’re not a model, and that is okay!).

Biking Their Way into Love: A Perfect Match in Astoria

Of all the cute, quaint, and vibrant neighborhoods in New York City, Alex and Jake found love right here in Astoria, bonding over their shared love for bikes. It all started with a match on a dating app, prompted by proving that sometimes, all it takes is a common passion to ignite the sparks of love, and for them, it was bikes. They both noticed mentions and photos of bikes in each other’s profiles, so when it came to go on their first date, including their bikes was an obvious choice. And as a fellow cyclist in Astoria, (my bike is named Phoebe and she goes with me everywhere), I felt an instant connection to them during our first meeting at Mighty Oak Roasters.

PS: If you’re ever in Astoria and need a coffee shop to work at, go immediately to Mighty Oak! It’s the best.

Astoria Adventures: Where Biking Meets Romance

For their engagement session, we ventured to Astoria Park, a place these two bike enthusiasts adore and frequent. Biking isn’t just a mode of transport for them; it symbolizes joy and endless adventures together. We made sure their session felt like a carefree bike ride – young, wild, and utterly romantic.

I also got a little brave on this session and whipped out my Prism FX Dream Filters, adding a hazy touch of magic that perfectly complemented their love story. The result? Photos that look like scenes from your favorite indie romance film.

Why Your Photographer Matters: More Than Just Snapping Pictures

Choosing a photographer is more than a checkbox on your wedding to-do list; it’s about finding someone who gets you. I’m not just here to take pictures; I’m here to be your friend, your confidant, and your partner in crime. Your comfort is my top priority because when you’re relaxed, that’s when the real magic happens.

Your Love Story, Your Way: Let’s Make Magic Together!

So, if you’re dreaming of a bespoke engagement session or wedding day where you can relax into just feeling like yourself in front of the camera, let’s chat! I want to capture the wild, quirky, and beautiful moments that define your love story. Just like Alex and Jake, let’s celebrate your unique journey – one candid shot at a time! To book your own romantic couples session and create timeless memories, contact me or view my portfolio! Also, check out my Pinterest profile for more inspiration and follow me on Instagram!