Tom had a vision. It included photographs in the dark, which initially I explained was problematic. He could choose grain and unpredictable shadows or he could choose flash which is abrasive and confusing when you’re walking down a path and your love has suddenly fallen on his knee and then there are bright lights and one begins to think, “Is this the second coming?” or “Am I having a seizure?” or they just have a seizure because flashing lights.

The man knew his way around a camera though and armed with that knowledge chose grain and unpredictable shadows as an art form. We both embraced the “Yes.” and trusting eachother’s judgements and capabilities, we moved forward with the project. What transpired next was 12 hours of hilarious texts that included but were not limited to Bitmojis and ninja gifs in preparation for the big moment. His final text read “t-minus 5″ Mine included a lonely photo of the mustachioed man on one knee to no one (for light testing purposes) and outlined exactly how Tom was to set the stage.

All that was left was the moment to unfold. Brittany and Tom were pure magic – all light and joy. It was an honor to be apart of their giddy wonder and gorgeous symmetry. Some photographers find themselves in the snow bluffs of the Kazakstan patiently waiting for the allusive snow leopard. I find myself in a pile of leave in New Hope waiting for the impending engaged couple. It suits me well.

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My camera was by my side. I sat in San Diego’s iconic Balboa park after a long day of exploring. Dave was napping next to me. I sipped my beer and people-watched. I noticed one couple in particular. They lingered for quite some time in the park; hovering in twitterpation close to one another.

I wondered how it would be to walk up to two strangers and offer a five minute impromptu photo session… and then I walked up to two strangers and offered a five minute impromptu photo session. I wanted everything that came with that very moment they were in. I wanted the beer in their hands, the light coming in from the west and the spontaneity of it all. I didn’t want to move them to a spot with better lighting or adjust her hat or his hair. I just wanted to capture two people exactly where there were in a moment in time. I wanted to see what happens when strangers meet suddenly, collaborate briefly and then exit each others worlds, presumably forever.

I took her email and sent the images a few days later.

Stay tuned for my next five minute photoshoot.

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