Lauren and Ben's Downtown Engagement Session

By looking at this picture, you can guess that we had a great time shooting engagement shots for this awesome couple! Ben and Lauren have seen a lot over the course of their 9-year relationship from high school, to college, long distance dating and now careers but the one thing they hadn't seen much of were pictures together, so this was extra fun for us to provide some images for them. On Friday, May 20th we hopped in the car with Ben and Lauren (who just so happen to practically be our neighbors!) to head down to 23rd and Raleigh in the Alphabet District of NW Portland. This first stop was picked by the couple for it's sentimental value as it was the place where Ben popped the question and Lauren said, "Yes!"




From the proposal spot, we moved on to the Pearl District where we got the light we were expecting from that sunny day. The weather and lighting really kept us on our toes throughout the shoot; as the day progressed we went from clear, cloudless skies, to heavy haze and finally towards the end of our shoot dark gray clouds that looked like they might open up and pour at any minute. Even with surprising weather, we pressed on and were able to capture some great images.

Ben and Lauren also wanted to get some shots at Union Station, as the train between Seattle and Portland kept them together in the early years of their dating. It was too bad we couldn't get some shots inside, because the ambiance of the terminal is really wonderful and has a great old time-y vintage feel. After getting almost completely set up for shots, a security guard informed us that we couldn't take pictures. I don't know what she thought we were doing the entire time she watched us set up, but oh well, now we know.

We wrapped things up with some creative lighting shots using the new Bowens light kit.

Once home, we did our editing, and because we are all in the same neighborhood, we met up to drop off the edited images and have some beers! Ben and Lauren, thanks so much for allowing us the opportunity to meet you and work with you! You guys are really a beautiful couple and we are excited for your wedding. It was such a pleasure doing this shoot!