As engagement photoshoots go, this one is pretty epic. Jun and Kit got in touch last summer when they were heading to London from Singapore. Kit was on a business trip, and Jun tagged along to make the most of it. They wanted to have some fun and to capture some memories around London.
It was technically not an "engagement shoot" as Jun and Kit have been together for many years and have three children. Though you would never know, their youthful spirit and zest for life are amazing. I love how, with the support of what sounds like a great wider family, they still make time for each other, seem very much in love, and have a lot of fun. It shows you that couples portrait photography is for any couple who wants to celebrate their love for each other, no matter where they are in their life journey, not just when they are getting married.
It was feeling every bit like a warm London summer afternoon, with people spilling from the pubs onto the streets with pints in their hands. We met where they were staying, at the Marriott Hotel just off Oxford Street and near Grosvenor Square. Typically, engagement photoshoots last a few hours, but this would be a double session as they had many places they wanted to visit.
They had hired a Ferrari to have a joy ride around London while here and wanted some photos with the car. It is not something I typically do as I always focus on the connection of my couples and not things. Though this felt very "them" and a part of the story of their trip. They turned out great.
We jumped on the tube to Westminster to have the very London backdrop of the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben, the London Eye, and the Thames—not my ideal location on a busy late Friday afternoon. Although it was hectic, I am always amazed at how intimate those busy locations can be when you are locked in to capturing images. We then made our way to Buckingham Palace via St James Park to capture a few more quiet and intimate photos.
I loved every moment I spent with these two, not only for their lovely energy but also for how thoughtful they were to each other and to others around them. They were a lot of fun and impulsive. From Jun running after a rickshaw, which randomly happened to exactly match the pattern of her dress, to have a photo with it. To them, buying sweet roasted nuts from one of those street sellers on Westminster Bridge.
Though they wanted the images to feel like we were in London, they were happy to be in the moment and capture photos that felt authentic and very them. I loved how these images turned out and could have shared many more. It felt like I had made two new friends, and hopefully, we will catch up again when they are in London next.
Kind Words
"Alex is an amazing photographer - he doesn’t capture the “thing”, rather, he captures the emotions behind the “thing”. We didn’t feel at all at a photography session, it was a chat with a friend and a walk along the streets…"
- Jun & Kit
Back to the beginning - Engagement Photoshoots
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