Crissy and Josh's engagement session in Prospect Park, Brooklyn

Sometimes fate has a strange way of intervening in our work lives. Crissy and Josh were not my couple to begin with. In fact they were the couple of my colleague, childhood neighborhood adversary and superb photographer Jon Pivko. Visit him here. Then of course, Covid hit and threw everyone’s plans in a blender. Jon and I have been no stranger to the bizarreness of the last year as far as scheduling goes. Turns out the couple’s new date just did not line up with Jon’s new schedule.

Enter me! I happened to have their wedding day open and Jon was nice enough to recommend me to them. After our first call I knew we would be an appropriate match. It’s important that couples and their vendors mesh well. I’ll dedicate an entire blog post to that later.

We all had ties to North Carolina and Boston and shared similar ideals of what they wanted as far as photography was concerned so they pulled the trigger and welcomed me on board.

Everyone knows engagement shoots are fabulous test runs. They are a wonderful way for the couple to get to know the photographer, their style and how well they mesh well together in person. You also do not have the looming anxiety of deadlines as a wedding may produce. I was so excited to hear they wanted to do their photos in their neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York. I have had so many lovely times in this borough and was excited to be back photographing in NYC as Covid(slowly) subsides.

We started at Grand Army Plaza where Josh proposed. It’s a lovely keystone to the park and even more wonderful when the giant ugly crane isn’t present so I don’t have to spend hours photoshopping it out.

Look at Crissy’s dress! Completely adorable and of course, with pockets! Josh was no slouch either. I pride couples that take consideration into their wardrobe. It’s important that you do feel comfortable but also show your best self.

From there we entered grabbed some coffee(my fave) and entered the actual park. Don’t be fooled. The park was as busy as any day but with some creative angles and well, Photoshop, they magically had the entire place to themselves.

We then headed into their neighborhood and actual apartment for a quick outfit change(super casual and fun) and checked out one of their favorite eateries, Barboncino. Then it was off to their subway stop and a French Pastry Food Truck! Did I just say French Pastry Food Truck? I did! This is why I love these guys. Well, also because they are super sweet but they also know the right food to feed the photographer.

I don’t like to make these photo blog posts too wordy because I want the pictures to speak for themselves so please enjoy our little excursion through Brooklyn, New York.

As always, like what you see? Leave a comment but more importantly, book with me!

Kara and Randy in Central Park and Dumbo, Brooklyn

It was just a regular afternoon, like any afternoon when my phone rang from across the house. I didn’t get to it in time but I was able watch Google ridiculously transcribe the voicemail. “Hi Mike, I don’t know if you remember me but we went to school together? This is Ronald Blazer.

Ronald Blazer? That’s not real. Thankfully I am aware that Google sometimes has a problem with transcribing more than 2 syllable words. After listening to the voicemail myself I was stunned to hear not, Ronald but Randy (let’s leave last names out of this) from high school calling to inquire about needing an engagement shoot.

First of all, Randy, if you’re reading this, don’t be silly. Of course I know who you are. Randy and I were in the Lakeland High School Band together and both played trumpets and had very similar friend groups. He was definitely a pal in our awkward stages in life. I have pictures to prove it. Oh boy, do I have pictures. Though, that’s neither here nor there. Randy and his wonderful fiance Kara were doing a destination wedding but needed some quick photographs done in their fair city of New York before they tied the knot. I obliged whole heartily.

It was one of the finest days we’ve had this year. Warm, breezy and sunny. We traveled from their apartment on the upper west side into Central Park, down to Soho and finally ending at sunset in Dumbo, Brooklyn. If you’re going to do engagement photos, this is how you do them. It was great to catch up as well. These two are killing it and I’m so happy that they could share an afternoon with me. I’ll be honest Randy, you’re marrying way up. I know you know this. Enjoy Kara and Randy friends.

How could I forget talking about this adorable potato!

Magic swirly transition to evening time.