Alexis and Emilio

Alexis and I used to work together back in finance and I hoped that when she got engaged that we'd work together again. I'm sure it can be a little awkward for a couple to "be in love" for the camera when the person behind the camera is a friend. As the photographer and the friend, it's an intangible value that really takes the photographs to a different level. From the beginning, you have a better sense of the person's comfort level and you know how far you can get them to step out of that comfort zone, if just for a few moments. Getting to that stage early on in the shoot means you have more time to let a couple enjoy themselves on the shoot and remember it as much as a date as getting pictures taken. Both Alexis and Emilio were a little concerned at first about just that exact worry. I told them we'd just take a few test shots and thought to myself that they will be fine in 30 minutes or so. Turns out, it only took about 5 minutes and they were both naturals behind the camera. We started at the this awesome playground that's 100% fun and probably 3% safe. It's the type of real playground you wish your neighborhood park had instead of the plastic jungle gym with the slide that chafes your butt and gives you a wedgie on the way down. We stopped for a drink by the water and spent the rest of the afternoon around the Berkeley marina and the pier watching the sun go down.