Kristin + Michael's Sneak Peek {Engagement Session}

I couldn't be more excited to share this sneak peek of Kristin and Mike's engagement photos! I know I say it every time I post engagement photos, but I just love working with couples. It's an honor to be able to capture such an important time in their lives and to preserve their precious memories for them.

Before the session, Kristin told me that they were up for anything and they weren't afraid to get a little dirty. Hearing that was absolute music to my ears!  True to their word, Mike and Kristin really were up for anything I suggested and didn't bat an eye even when I had them sitting in the dirt, rearranging piles of rocks, climbing up a mountain, and dangling over the edges of overhangs.  AND Kristin did it all in a dress! I can't remember the last time I had so much fun shooting a session, and it was a blast spending my Friday evening with them.  If they didn't have plans scheduled after their session, I probably could have kept them there shooting for another hour or two.

So, please allow me the honor of introducing you to Kristin and Mike:

This photo was the very first photo that I took. Seriously, who looks that awesome in their very first photo? These two, apparently! Normally, it takes people a little while to warm up and relax before they start looking and feeling natural but these two were rocking it right from the very first second...

This is definitely one of my favorites!...

A fun little shot with Kristin's ring...

Another favorite...

I just love the dreamy look to these images in black and white!  I know not everyone loves b+w like I do, so I only included one here, but take my word when I say the whole series is gorgeous if you're a b+w lover...

I didn't know it when I decided to toss in these scrabble letters at the last minute for a little fun with Kristin's ring, but it turns out that Kristin's family is big into scrabble.  It was fate!...

Adorable, right?...

Kristin and Mike are planning on having a desert theme at their wedding, so they requested a location for their engagement photos that would really capture the amazing Arizona desert landscape.  I think they picked a perfect location, don't you?

Another favorite!  Not only because I love the image, but because Kristin and Mike were total rock stars to climb up the back of the rocks and out on that ledge!...

Kristin and Mike, thank you for allowing me to take these photos for you! It was amazing working with both of you, and thank you for being so awesome and up for anything I suggested. I wish you two a lifetime filled with love and laughter.

Michele Whitacre is a portrait photographer serving Phoenix, Arizona and the surrounding area.
Visit Michele's Website | Like Michele on Facebook | Follow Michele on Instagram | Follow Michele on Twitter

© 2013 Michele Whitacre Photography LLC

Charlene + Jeff's Sneak Peek

I've been waiting a long time to take and share these photos of Charlene and Jeff with his '56 Chevy!

I first met Charlene not too long after moving to Phoenix, while working at a previous job. She told me about her husband's car that he was fixing up and we started talking about doing a session as soon as he made some progress on it.  We were planning on doing the session forever ago, but we kept moving it for one reason or another and we FINALLY made it happen.

We decided to take the photos at their house, since the car still isn't quite road ready.  Taking photos with a car as the main prop was something I'd never had the opportunity to photograph before, but it was something I'd always wanted to do.  So, this session was really a lot of fun for me to shoot.  Plus, Charlene and Jeff are such a sweet couple and such a pleasure to work with.  I'm just crazy about how much of their love shines through in their photos!

This first one is my favorite of the bunch...

This one is definitely another fav...

Sweetness...

Love. Love. Love. this one sooo much!...

By now I have settled into a style that I like for my photography, and usually stick with my standard editing on all of my images.  I feel like constancy is important so clients know what to expect from me, but every once in a while it is fun to play around with something different.  I felt like some of these images were just calling out to be experimented on, so I decided to try some fun old school edits on a few to give them more of an older feel. I'd love to hear what you think!...

Charlene and Jeff, Thank so much for spending your evening with me and allowing me to take these photos for you. It was such a great time seeing you both again and getting to work with you!

Michele Whitacre is a portrait photographer serving Phoenix, Arizona and the surrounding area.
Visit Michele's Website | Like Michele on Facebook | Follow Michele on Instagram | Follow Michele on Twitter

© 2013 Michele Whitacre Photography LLC

Tabitha + Nick's Sneak Peek

I am so excited to finally share Tabitha and Nick's sneak peek! Their session was in honor of 10 years together, and it was supposed to take place back in January on the evening of their actual anniversary. Unfortunately, we got rained out and had to reschedule.

Nick and Tabitha picked a park near their house for their photos, and asked to include their dog, Marty, in some of their images.  Marty is so adorable!  He definitely stole the show, but we made sure to get a few of the couple without him so they could shine, too.

I couldn't be more in love with how their session came together!  Theirs is definitely one of my all time favorites.  Nick and Tabitha were both so carefree and easy going in front of the camera, and I really like the fun, laid back feel of their photos. These photos tell their story perfectly, and really don't need any commentary, so I'm just going to hush up and let the photos speak for themselves.

Meet Nick, Tabitha, and Marty...

Tabitha and Nick, Thank you so much for allowing me to take these photos for you! It was a pleasure meeting Marty and spending my Saturday evening getting to know you both better. Congrats on the new house! Good luck to Tabitha, as she finishes school. I wish you both all the best for your future together.

Michele Whitacre is a portrait photographer serving Phoenix, Arizona and the surrounding area.
Visit Michele's Website | Like Michele on Facebook | Follow Michele on Instagram | Follow Michele on Twitter © 2013 Michele Whitacre Photography LLC

Steve + Tabitha's Sneak Peek {Engagement Session}

This past weekend I had the huge honor of taking Steve and Tabitha's engagement photos!  Both of them attend law school with my husband, and I distinctly remember hearing the awesome news when the two of them got engaged.  Steve is so laid back and a ton of fun to hang out with, and Tabitha is an absolute sweetheart.  I can't think of a better way to spend a Friday evening than photographing such an amazing couple.

Steve and Tabitha asked to have their session at the Scottsdale Civic Center, so I was super excited to finally get to take some photos of the iconic "love" statue. But first, let's show off some photos of the gorgeous couple, shall we?!

I give you you the future Mr. & Mrs....

This is definitely a favorite. I just love the smiles they have for one another!...

Kevin and I have a photo similar to this from our engagement session and I absolutely love it! Because I heart my photo so much I always try to capture something similar for the couples I photograph...

I am in love with this set of photos in front of these gorgeous trees...

Ah, yes! The lovebirds in front of the love statue...

Check out that GORGEOUS ring!...

Steve is probably going to kill me for this, but I couldn't resist. If that look doesn't say "I adore you" I don't know what does!

Steve and Tabitha, Thank you so much for allowing me to take your engagement photos and capture this amazing time for you. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding this summer. I wish you both a lifetime filled with love, laughter, and happily ever after. I couldn't be happier for you two.

Michele Whitacre is a portrait photographer serving Phoenix, Arizona and the surrounding area.
Visit Michele's Website | Like Michele on Facebook | Follow Michele on Instagram | Follow Michele on Twitter

© 2013 Michele Whitacre Photography LLC