Every now and then (really, about once a year), I do a shoot that’s solely for myself.  Meaning instead of being hired by a client to create a specific type of photo, I can call all the shots and dream up whatever photos I envision.  This helps refresh my creative juices & improve my craft.

When I passed these pink cherry blossom trees, I knew I had to photograph them, and I had to do it soon.  I saw these same trees last year, but their pink blooms died within a week and before I had a chance to photograph them.  So I knew the window of opportunity was short.  Therefore, I immediately reached out to some couples and a day later ended up photographing one of my past assistants, Heather, and her super awesome boyfriend Tyler.  We spent about an hour just having fun amongst the trees and trying different angles/lenses/lighting/etc. (the geeky photographer stuff).  I absolutely ADORE these images and am so glad we spontaneously put this shoot together.

Thank you to everyone who helped inspire this session:

… To Heather, I absolutely loved having you in front of my camera for a change.  Thank you so much for your trust in my vision & for all the times you’ve acted as my assistant on shoots.  Thanks for bringing this gorgeous vintage ring since you know ring shots are my favorite.  Also thank Tyler for being such a willing & pleasant subject! :)

… To Sam, thanks for writing the song “Spring,” which has been playing in my head all week and which set the romantic & joyful mood for this session.  Also thanks for being an inspiration to always follow my dreams!  I feel blessed to know someone as talented & ambitious as you.

… To Busara (my past second shooter who has now relocated to Thailand), thanks for helping me find locations like this & for your friendship.  You were on my mind during this entire session since I know you’d be in heaven with this backdrop.  I kept asking myself how you would photograph it if you were here.  We’re going to have too much fun when I visit you in Thailand.

Enjoy!