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  • Writer's pictureTom Keene

Czarina and Douglas' Engagement Photography Session January 4, 2024 The Arches at Dana Point, California

Engagement Photography LAdigitalPhoto - Life Event Photography by Tom Keene ©

Engagement Photography Location - The Arches in Dana Point, CA


What a way to start the year but with a slew of engagement and proposal sessions coming up. The first one of the year is always fun, because, well, it is a new year and we tend to push our boundaries a bit more and always look to make the most of the location. With the weather this one was great spot. It is always great to be at a new location. Having now started my 21st year as a full time photographer, I can't think of a better way to kick it off.



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We got right into it when they arrived. After going over the basics of what will take place, I put them together and let them go!



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Using the sun to capture both sides of them and the area was a great contrast to capture.



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The ring... wow!




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Such great smiles. It often takes a few poses before couples start to relax and show their genuine selves. The sun served for the perfect back light for this image.



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Trying to keep in fun and get a reaction shot, I noticed Douglas as carrying two cell phones in his back pocket. My comment... "Are you expecting an important call?" I did also edit it to hide the extra phone but that will give the photo a whole different feeling.



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I love doing a shot like this for the couple. They get real close and your eye goes right to the ring, but even blurred you can understand the love of this couple.



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Oh, now we are cooking. Getting a bit tired of the fence in the shots, I asked if they would be willing to jump it. I don't think I have ever seen a woman jump a fence that fast! Especially not in a dress. It was so worth it.



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I moved back behind the arch hoping to get a nice view. I did not jump the fence, too much equipment on me, but it worked out perfectly with being able to frame them with a hedge and the greenery from the ivy.



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So here is a trivia question for anyone reading this. Is the photo above a crop into the photo below, are they two different shots taken seconds apart or did I use AI tech to add the sun and the hedge on the right?



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With a nice shot of the background, the sun finally being in the right place for this shot and a ring that I will not soon forget, we took this moment to capture some of the last photos of the session.



Location of shoot: 24606 Santa Clara Ave. Dana Point, CA


Details of the shoot: Shoot Time - approximately 60 minutes, over 600 images captured, 3.5 hours of driving, 3.5 hours of editing, one hour to type this blog page... and a lifetime of amazing moments like this.


Can't wait to capture their wedding day April 27, 2024

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