Margaret and Lucas
The evening sun was just beginning to dip below the horizon as I arrived at Hitchcock Nature Center in Honey Creek, Iowa. There’s something truly magical about golden hour—the way the light wraps around everything, casting a warm glow that feels alive and inviting. I was excited to capture the essence of Margaret and Lucas, two kindred spirits whose adventure together was about to unfold amidst the breathtaking landscape.
As they arrived, I could see the spark in their eyes. Their chemistry was palpable, and I knew immediately that this shoot would be more than just capturing their faces; it would be about telling their story. This couple was all about exploration, and the natural beauty of Hitchcock provided the perfect backdrop for their tale.
We started on one of the winding trails that snaked through the woods. I was inspired to frame shots that reflected not just their physical presence but the deep bond they shared. Each snap of the shutter sought the tender glances, playful exchanges, and small gestures that happen when two people are completely at ease with each other. I aimed for candid moments; I wanted to peel back the layers and reveal their authentic selves, just as I would in a documentary style—capturing the bittersweet dance of love in a simple laugh or a shared smile.
Setting up a Polaroid on a moss-covered rock was one of the first spontaneous ideas that came to mind. The challenge was capturing the fleeting moments of intimacy while also incorporating a vintage aesthetic that evoked nostalgia. As they held each other close, leaning in to look at the instant photograph we had just taken, I felt the energy shift; it was like time stood still, and every click of the camera danced along with their spirits.
Hiking further into the trails, we stumbled upon a clearing where the sunlight poured through the trees like liquid gold. This was the cinematic moment I had envisioned! I integrated my film camera into the mix, wanting to juxtapose the fading light with the vivid colors around us. I could sense the excitement in them as they twirled and laughed, the world temporarily forgotten. My role became less about directing and more about capturing the script they were writing together. I crouched down low, focused on their silhouettes against the glowing sky, each moment begging to be immortalized in timeless photography.
Exhilaration gave way to challenge when we pulled out the globe and map—elements of adventure that echoed their passion for travel. I wanted to bring that adventurous spirit to the forefront of their photos while avoiding the cliché of props that don’t resonate with the couple's unique narrative. As they explored the map, plotting imaginary trips, I marveled at how naturally they fell into their roles—Margaret pointing dramatically at one destination while Lucas laughed, teasing her about another.
The Super 8 added another layer of storytelling to our session. As I filmed them exploring the nature center—climbing trees, peering at the distant horizon, sharing whispers under the branches—the feeling of unease crept in. Would the moment translate into the frames I envisioned? Would this quirky, old-school format capture the essence of their relationship? But with each passing minute, I learned to trust the process, knowing that every challenge could reveal something beautiful if I stayed open and determined.
We ended our adventure perched on a hillside, overlooking the sprawling landscape as the sun bid us farewell. The sky burst into hues of pink and orange, enveloping us in a warm embrace. I directed them to lean back into the grass and watch as the stars emerged. In those quiet moments, I looked beyond the camera, allowing the beauty of the scene to wash over me while I captured them in its glow. It was then, as they held each other under the canvas of the fading sky, that I truly felt their connection: steady and resilient, yet soft and electric.
As the shoot wrapped up, I felt overwhelmed with gratitude. Moments flashed before my eyes—candid laughter, stolen glances, spontaneous adventures—and I knew I had told their story through my lens. Margaret and Lucas were not just subjects; they were adventurers embarking on a journey of love, captured in imagery rich with color and emotion. As I packed up my gear, I could already envision how these photographs would resonate with couples searching for authenticity and connection. In this little corner of Iowa, amidst challenges and triumphs, we had created something timeless, a celebration of their adventure together that would echo well beyond golden hour.
