Bogey, Bacall, Andrea & Josh

Unnamed Gallery

Way before I was shooting clients at Union Station in downtown LA, I was shooting there for fun. Not only gorgeous, but it’s the only landmark building I can think of off the top of my head that is so photographer-friendly. They don’t just let you shoot there, they’re super nice about it; I’m even able to bring in my tripod (which is usually a dead giveaway to cops & security that you’re a professional photographer and hence, should be evicted from the premises immediately).

Andrea & Josh are getting married this year at The Oviatt Pethouse, a magnicifent location that’s all about vintage and retro. [Think '30s glamour; white satin and hardwood vanities.] Their wedding is going with the vintage theme, and before we even talked it over, we all knew that their engagement session had to happen at Union Station. I mean, hello? Pot, meet Kettle!

I love love love when I get to shoot a couple who’s a bit offbeat. Not into the “standing in the field holding a balloon” thing (seriously, when are we going to stop doing that?), we went for a sort of “movie stars on a getaway” theme. It was so awesome. I created and printed out two vintage looking ticket holders and when Andrea used them to shield their faces so she could sneak a kiss to Josh, I knew we were all thinking exactly alike. From her fake fur stole & her matte red lipstick (I’ve heard from an expert that cornstarch is the key to this, in case you were wondering) and Josh’s adorable hat, they both came dressed perfectly in character. Eeep! Perfection happens.

We were able to work really freely, without hassle, and spend our time moving from location to location within the station. That’s actually the hardest part of shooting there; deciding exactly what part of the gorgeousness you want to focus on. There’s so much eye candy, it’s kind of like being a kid in a candy store…with your mom’s wallet! The only downside to shooting there (and truly, there is only one), it’s that the station can get quite crowded. Other people are fine in the shot, but wearing Hello Kitty backpacks and Dodger t-shirts…well, that can sort of kill the mood in my photos, you know? That’s why I make people stand perfectly still so we get what looks like ghosts moving past them (hmmm…I’ve heard stories of the station being haunted; maybe not all the wisps you see here are taking the Blue Line).

Shooting the bride & groom in their formal wear for the wedding is going to be beyond over the top; just as their e-session went. Those of you who know me even a little know that I’m about as far from glamorous as you can get, but these two totally have enough to spare. I’ll be borrowing some for that evening.