Yesterday, magic happened in the form of a styled shoot coordinated by Alex of Idalia Photography and Jeanne Coon-Bogath of Bogath Events. Alex invited me to give me an opportunity to see the works of a styled shoot and get some practice in behind the camera - I am always grateful for her insight and kindness. She is a pretty awesome human and killer photographer BUT GUYS...the vision. I can’t. handle. It. I am going to start with the last part of the day when I drove home watching lightning illuminate the sky as I blasted Motown tunes taking in the details of the day. I really didn’t have any words and I’m still struggling to find them. The day was more than a styled shoot for me. It felt like the beginning of something that makes me excited and giddy and wanting to rush home to review all the images I shot from the day until 2 AM (anyone that knows me knows that this is about 4 hours past my bedtime). The last part of the day was me feeling total and complete gratitude, excitement and hope in a giant ball of warm fuzziness. That makes sense right?

Now I’ll end with the way the day started. Like all of the best days, Alex and I kicked it off at a jewelry store in Bayville to pick up some of the pieces we would be using for the shoot. Lots of diamonds. Lots of happiness.

Next, we went to pick up party rentals (tables, chairs, table cloths etc). Not as shiny as the diamonds. Still fun.

Finally, we arrive at Prallsville Mills, the venue that Alex had chosen to be the backdrop of the shoot. The Mills also happened to be the same place that Dan and I sat skipping rocks into the Delaware River while reminiscing a few short days after our wedding. It feels like a special place. It IS a special place. The inside of the mills is very rustic - exposed beams + twinkle lights + stone wall exteriors = happiness.

Watching Alex in action was pretty cool. The detail that goes into each photo is incredibly intricate and precise feeling like a mixture of science and art. I like the art part. The science is something I am still working with but it seems to be coming to me more and more with each opportunity I have to practice. I learned back button focus yesterday and using it to achieve a sharper look. Today I am downloading Lightroom and going to dip my toes into the world of editing. I also have a photo session lined up for this weekend that I’m so excited for. Practice, patience, and persistence. The 3 P’s of success? Perspiration? Okay, 4. I sweated A LOT yesterday.

So today as I rehydrate and reminisce, I share with you some behind the scenes photos of my experience. Enjoy!