Climb Evr'y Mountain: Katie + Nathan's engagement shoot
I have three primary fears: heights, fish, and dark water. Hence why driving over tall bridges at night is nerve-wracking (I'm lookin' at YOU, Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, spanning Staten Island and Brooklyn!).
However, I live by the words of the famed photographer, Alfred Eisenstaedt, who said, "When I have a camera in my hand, I know now fear." And it is true - if I am looking for the shot, I don't allow myself time for my phobias. Which was a good thing when I was photographing the engagement session for Katie and Nathan.
Katie and Nathan are what one would call the "outdoorsy" type, maybe even the "adventurous" type. I just think them wonderful. Getting to know them, it became apparent that we could not simply find a "nice spot" near Chattanooga for their pictures. They know Signal Mountain - they have hiked and climbed along Signal Mountain. And . . . it's Autumn, so I wanted to photograph them in a natural setting that included the beauty of East Tennessee in the Fall. So up we went to the top of Signal Mountain and hiked out to Edwards Point.
Don't ask me how far down it is. It's . . . far. I stayed focused on my lens while that little voice in the back of mind kept saying, go on, walk to the edge, the very edge, LOOK DOWN. Nope, nope, nope - instead I watched a beautiful couple in love and sought wonderful light to capture them in.
But really, they made it wonderful.
You know what makes people attractive? Sure, physical beauty can help but it is really confidence and sincerity that does it - and watching these two, I kept thinking that if life is a journey, these two are ready for the trip having found one another. It does not matter what bumps along the road they find - they are ready to help each other and with their attitude, their married life will be a great adventure.
I can't wait to photograph their wedding next month. Especially, what we planned for the "special" shot, which will be . . . guess you have to check back next month to find out!
Well worth the hike I'd say!