Sam and Curtis: Lake Wintergreen Engagement Session in Hamden, Connecticut

Sam and Curtis reached out to me specifically for an engagement session, hoping to capture authentic photos of this (very strange) moment in time and in their relationship together. They have been together for years but have been making a long-distance relationship work due to their jobs, so this would also provide an opportunity to spend quality time together while Curtis was in town visiting Sam. They were excited for photos, but less-than-thrilled about the idea of being photographed–which is, frankly, how most people feel!

Sam introduced me to Lake Wintergreen in Hamden, Connecticut, and it turns out this is a gorgeous place to take portraits and engagement photos! It was a lovely Fall day; the colors were on full display, and while we had to dodge many other people who were also enjoying the place, we managed to find a variety of places that were perfect for photos.

What I loved about documenting the love between these two was the quiet, subtle sort of communication that passed between them throughout our time together. Neither has a huge personality–they’re both relatively soft-spoken. But that doesn’t mean they weren’t cracking each other up, MAYBE trading a dirty joke or two (hey, I was out of earshot–who knows what was being said), and feeling completely at ease in the other’s presence. By the time we got to sunset, with the gorgeous view of the lake and the fall foliage in the background, we got some of the most emotive, romantic photos I’ve ever taken.