I’m like many other photographers in that I am often not in photographs because I’m always the one taking the picture. I can’t say that I’m personally bothered by this – I’ve definitely got some “problem areas” and the less photographic evidence there is of that the better, I say!

However, I was pleased as punch when I got these behind the scenes shots in my inbox the other day. They’re from Annie and Robin’s engagement session and were taken by Annie’s friend Stacey, who joined us on the shoot and kept an eye on Tipper when he wasn’t in the spotlight.

These are some of the first photos that I have of myself in action and I think they’re fun. Thanks, Stacey!

The three of us met at Huntington Botanical Gardens in San Marino because Annie and Robin wanted some photos made in the Chinese and Japanese gardens there. The gardens are a nod to their culture and their upcoming wedding, which will include many awesome surprises that I cannot wait to document.

Robin began making Annie giggle and smile immediately, which helped us all warm up really quickly! It was a challenge not to crack up the entire time, myself – it’s hard to look through a camera’s viewfinder when you’re doubled over with laughter! But, I managed and I think we got some lovely shots that are reflective of this amazing couple.

Here are a few of my favorites from the Huntington Gardens.

Robin kept striking intentionally cheesy poses and Annie would try to her best to act annoyed for a second, but ultimately all anyone could do is laugh.

Every once in a while I managed to get some serious ones in, though.

After we finished up at the gardens, we all loaded into one car and Robin drove us out to Malibu for some beachy goodness. Annie and Robin brought their dog, Tipper, along for the ride. As soon as he was let out of his little carrier, he hopped right up on my lap and I was instantly smitten.  When we got to Paradise Cove, I began snapping away and made sure to get some good ones of my new best friend – who got dressed up especially for me!

I couldn’t decide which I liked best out of these next two, so I picked them both! This is my blog, so I can do that sort of thing.

Annie and Robin, thank you so much for spending that marathon day with me! I wouldn’t want to be held hostage in a car headed to Malibu by anyone else. See you in September!

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