OK, so today was the beach shoot and we met the couple at 2 pm in Sanford (20 miles North of Orlando) and headed over to the East coast. It was 98 degrees in Orlando and yesterday the thunder storms moved in around 3 pm. I was not my "usual" positive self .

We get to New Smyrna and Linda says, let's just go to the main beach and see what we can get there. So, we drive onto the beach, head North about 200 yds., find a place to park without too many people around and get ready to shoot. I should mention that the couple is young and quite attractive. We discuss what we're looking for and start shooting and, suddenly, it's magic time. They move like models and they touch as if they mean it. They are gorgeous together or separately. They see the image in my head and re-create it in the viewfinder.

We headed down to the water for some wading shots and several people asked if I wanted them to move. I told them "no" because I was much more interested in the background and then asked them what they thought of the couple. They thought the couple was gorgeous! They loved that I asked and they told the couple how pretty they looked and how much they liked what we were shooting. The kids were really happy.

These kids touch each other as if they mean it and move as if they had ballet training. When they kiss, they really KISS. I've worked with a lot of engaged couples but most of them are awkward the moment you put them in front of a camera. These two were totally comfortable.

Temps on the beach had dropped to 89 degrees, there was a cool breeze coming off of the water and the entire session lasted just over an hour including wading time for everyone. The shoot I was dreading ended up being a lovely experience for all involved.

A young man was walking down the beach playing a guitar and we asked him if he would be willing to serenade the couple. He was and he did. It was great fun. I hope the images pay off the time we spent. I'll be editing them tonight. But the shoot was truly a great time!

Jim