Tony & Geena: An Engagement Session
I was just as elated as the rest of you when I happened to scroll social media and saw a video Geena had posted where Tony planned a surprise engagement for her. Tony and I worked together several times and I the same with Geena as she modeled for a few of the brands that I have worked with. I was excited for these two. So much that I called a meeting with them both and talked about gifting them with an engagement session.
In our meeting, I laid out my points for what I wanted to capture. I told them exactly what I felt based on their personalities. With Tony being the quiet, shy and subdued individual while Geena being the social, outspoken and expressive member of the bunch, I had the notion to shoot two looks. One of them being a more chill, homely and casual look, fitting Tony’s speed while the other being more fashion-based which would fit Geena’s personality perfectly. In the meeting, the couple laughed over and over as I hit all my points like a hammer to a nail.
I told Tony that he’d have to dress up because if you know Mr. Williams, a pair of dark shorts, a t-shirt and some tennis shoes are his life. This only made Geena excited because she expressed getting her now fiance´ to dress up was always a challenge. Tony agreed and the planning began.
With the help of Realtor Phillipa Newton of C.A. Christie, we found the perfect home to which would serve as the backdrop for their e-session. TONS of natural light flowed through the home and using my mirrorless Z6, I was able to focus more on creating my shots allowing me more time to manipulate, highlight and create a mood to the photos that simply worked. I used a reflector to help me fill in the dark areas, high ISO to let in tons of light and as I directed the two I felt like it was easy because I’d known and worked with them for some time so it was familiar to both parties.
I hope you enjoy the images.
Clients: Tony Williams + Geena Thompson
Photographed + Styled by: Scharad Lightbourne
MUA: Alexandria Miller
Grips: Dayna Pratt
Set Asst: Caneasha Carrol
The Jones' Family Portrait Session
Deyvon and Jillian Jones along with their 3 boys, Luke, Dillan and Liam got dressed up to take family photos with team SL. Photographed, right in their own home, this large family brought out all the stops to ensure their photo-shoot was one to remember.
Deyvon and Jillian Jones along with their 3 boys, Luke, Dylan and Liam got dressed up to take family photos with team SL. Photographed, right in their own home, this large family brought out all the stops to ensure their photo-shoot was one to remember.
I enlisted the help of designer Theodore Elyett to design an amazing dress for Jillian as she was the centerpiece for the family and I knew I wanted her to really stand out. My team were nothing short of amazing, transforming this incredible family into royalty and making them photo ready.
The Charlotteville/Turnberry community served as a beautiful backdrop to photograph The Jones. I decided to add a sofa just outside their home because I thought it would be different. Jillian and Deyvon thought it was a great idea and we got great shots. Even the boys loved working with my crew. Working with 3 boys is a serious undertaking as they are full of energy and smaller attention spans but they really got into it, posing and laughing on key. They were such professionals!
The Jones' were amazing to work with and my team and I really enjoyed creating these memories for them. Check out the BTS video of their shoot below.
Photography and Styling: Scharad Lightbourne Grip: Aaron Davis
Makeup: Phillipa Newbold Hair: Skyline Designs
Designer: Theodore Elyett
Men's Details: The PICO Brand
Video: Ashley Whitney
Assisted by: Tonya Williams