Carolynn and Angel: New Haven Engagement Session

Carolynn was one of the first clients I spoke with upon our move to Connecticut (and for that reason I’ll always have a soft spot in my heart for her!) I remember our conversation because I was so excited to learn, as I talked to her, that she and I cared about so many of the same things when it came to photography! I also learned that her fiancée, Angel, was in the military and was often deployed, so scheduling an engagement session was going to be something of a challenge. Good thing I didn’t have too much going on yet at that point! We found a time and place–Maltby Lakes–that suited them both, and we planned to meet at my place and drive over together.

I had discovered Maltby Lakes about a month earlier and had photographed another couple there at the height of the fall color; I was interested to see what it looked like now, a few weeks later.

Carolynn and Angel picked me up, and one of my first impressions of them both was, ‘Dang. These two are SMART.’ They both have the kind of intelligence that’s quiet, confident, and maybe a tad introverted. I adore this kind of intelligence. They were easy to be with and talked about interesting things. The tenor of their relationship, from what I could gather, was wise beyond their years. It had a kind of calm assurance I’m used to seeing in much older couples.

We made our way into the forested area and I was pleased to see that, while the vibrant colors of a few weeks earlier had tamed, the entire place was bathed in soft, golden light. There was haze on the horizon that filtered the low afternoon sun, spreading a soft, yellowy glow on everything around us and bouncing that light back off the lake.

Carolynn and Angel both wore tailored, classic-with-a-twist outfits in navy and beige, which turned out to be the perfect foil for the particular lighting we were gifted. While Angel displayed a military woman’s composure and reserve, she nonetheless couldn’t help the warm smiles that bloomed on her face every time I had her look at Carolynn. Their classic dress, athletic movements, and our softly lit and neutral-colored setting helped create some of the most simple and beautiful images I’ve produced in 2018. As always, it was 100% a collaboration–they were willing to show something of themselves to me, and in turn, I hope they will cherish these reminders of their strong, young love for the rest of their lives together.

Carolynn and Angel–thank you so much for working with me! It was such a true pleasure.