Melissa and Rich had a formal engagement session a couple of months back. A family friend took them to a lovely place and took some lovely shots. So, when we discussed photographing their wedding they didn't immediately see the need for a second engagement shoot with us. BUT, I changed their minds. Engagement shooting is more than just peaking out from behind trees and standing in front of derelict urban buildings. It is about hanging out with Amie and I!

Melissa and Rich have an interest in B&W photography. Melissa really wanted to have a vintage theme (something they didn't do for the original engagement shoot). The best thing was that she was not interested in over lovey-dovey fluff. We were going to shoot heading for either more of a humor or editorial edge - but old school.

More to come. For what it is worth I had some Jeanloup Sieff in my head before this shoot.

Amie and I (Team Jones) shot the cover story for the Bay magazine a few weeks back. They needed imagery from a dance class and a fencing club. I think we shot the fencing at around 6:30pm and the dancing starting at 8pm? When deadlines are tight you don't know what you're walking in to for a location. I'm a HUGE proponent of location scouting so this always pains me a little bit.

I had an idea of what I wanted for fencing but I know nothing of the sport so the staff helped me learn a little bit. The brief didn't call for portraits but I always enjoy doing them - all the better when they don't count for anything - no risk. We switched from hard light to soft light for the dancing. We also switched from controlled to uncontrolled posing. I just let the dancers do their thing. My job was to pick the moment.

I guess I shouldn't be surprised but I learned there are multiple styles of fencing. The attire is different for the different styles as well and the sword. The socks are also key to the look (I mention only because one guy forgot to have socks... but he didn't know he would be on camera that day either).

I noticed that some of our bounce light was hitting the mirror ball so I started taking advantage of that. Amie was queen of the lighting kit. We managed to scarf down some pizza in between dances too.

Good times.