The Notebook | Cinematic Inspirations | El Paso, Fort Bliss Stylized Couple's Portrait Photographer

Walking through the streets of downtown El Paso, I found the perfect little area: A somewhat secluded cobblestone street framed by trees and brick buildings. I was immediately reminded of the dancing in the street scene in the popular film adaptation of the Nicholas Sparks novel "The Notebook". It had been a while since I had photographed a couple's session, so as soon as I got home I put out a model call to local friends and started planning.

Models were secured, screenshots were shared, wardrobes discussed, and a date set. Then the cold front came, just in time for session day. It was freezing. And wet. And windy. Not ideal conditions for a shoot inspired by a love story that mostly takes place in the warm, vibrant summertime. So we adjusted the wardrobe and, when the overcast afternoon rolled around, we steeled ourselves against the winter weather advisory and met up. After a small hiccup that may or may not have involved my not packing a CF card in my bag, we dove right in.

And they rocked it.

If they had reservations or were uncomfortable in any way, it did not show. Not one little bit. By the end of the hour, my feet were practically blocks of ice, but when I sat down in my car to thaw them and quickly flip through the images, I couldn't help smiling.

Love is an amazing thing. Even when essentially acting a part, it isn't forced. It flows naturally, and can be captured with breath taking clarity, regardless of obstacles or discomforts.  This family has love in spades.  And, boy, did it make them perfect for their roles.

**The slideshow plays music!  Just a fair warning!** 

Congratulations! | America's Sweethearts | El Paso, Fort Bliss Portrait Photographer

Drum roll, please!

The winner of the ASP, July 2013 is . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Tim Ashcraft!

Congratulations, Tim!  And thank you to everyone for your entries and nominations!

Sincerely,

Megan

Love Alters Not | Anniversary | El Paso, Fort Bliss Portrait Photographer

When you have a history with someone, can laugh with them, can surmise a thought from a single look, that is a love to cherish.  The light and mirth of this couple was absolutely infectious.  I found myself laughing and smiling right along with them, despite the cold morning wind nearly blowing me over as I knelt precariously around cacti and thorny bushes to get just the angles I was looking for (photography can be perilous!).  Congratulations on a year of marriage!  May there be many decades of joy to come.

{K+M} | Couple Portrait

You may remember this couple from my first homecoming session back in November. At the time, I only got to see a small sample of them as a couple. Today, I got the whole enchilada: the affection, the consideration, the silliness and reminiscing.

At one point, we were making our way across a grassy patch to reach a location. Instead of letting his wife tread on the ground in her high heels, he gave her a piggy back ride across the still-dewy ground. It was an adorable and telling gesture, and I'm sure there will be several similarly touching moments in the years to come. That is one of the many wonderful rewards you reap when you marry your best friend.

An Evening In Salado| Anniversary Portrait

There is nothing better than having clients who are willing to go all out for a shoot. Trekking through dust and water, sitting on the ground and rocks, balancing precariously on a bridge railing all out. This couple gave their all for this rockin' session, and it really shows in the end result! Of course, it probably helps that they are clearly completely, head over heels in love with each other. :)