“A look that time can’t erase”

The look of love
Is in your eyes
The look your smile can’t disguise
The look of love
Is saying so much more
Than just words could ever say
And what my heart has heard
Well it takes my breath away

Music by Burt Bacharach
Lyrics by Hal David

The song was made famous by Dusty Springfield. (click here)

Shortly after Nicole and Dakota announced their engagement, I got a text asking; “Will you take our wedding pictures.” I am thrilled they asked. 

My first question was, “do you want engagement pictures?” They did, and that started a conversation around the look of the engagement portraits.  The description was not any different than most couples; casual with big smiles looking happy. 

I know that’s where most photographers stop. I’m not most photographers. With 50 years’ experience in photographing people and more in “people watching,” I know the real reason people get their picture taken isn’t because of how they look. It’s about how they feel.

When you’ve found your soulmate, the person you will spend the rest of your life with, it’s about love. Watch people in love and you’ll soon see that special look. It’s the way they gaze into each other’s eyes. They listen, hanging on to every word, and then there’s the gentle touch. 

It’s not infatuation, but real love. 

I once thought it was only found in young love. But, people watching taught me age has nothing to do with it. It is easily found in “new” love. At times, I saw it in my parents, and as I began to create portraits of anniversaries of 25, 40, 50 or even 60 years, I realized, as the song says, it truly is

A look that time can’t erase

In creating a series of images for Nicole and Dakota for their engagement, I knew that I wanted that look of love in at least one image. 

Why was it important for me to capture that look? 

I photograph feelings!

I am told my portraits are different. I’m still discovering what that means, but I recently gained clarity when realizing people don’t have portraits made because of what they look like. They have them done because of how they feel. I photograph feelings. 

That explains a lot, like why so much of my pre-portrait planning sessions center around “how you feel” or “how do you want to feel when you see this portrait.” And, “now, what will we have to do to create that feeling?”

From the other images created we composed a small commemorative album. These are the images they selected for their book. 

The journey of creating your own “love” portrait begins with a discussion when you click here and tell me what you’re feeling.