A quote that has always been one of my favorites is from Roy de Cavara. He brilliantly once said that “It doesn’t have to be pretty to be true. But if it’s true it’s beautiful.” He was a fellow photographer, one who is often credited as the creator of fine art black and white photography (which if you know me, I love a nice, moody grayscale photograph). His words are just as moving and just as important as his images, especially for this photographer that loves authentic, natural, and everlasting images.

 

de Cavara/s wise words are also what makes couples like Rayanna and Cody such a joy to photograph. They are real, and thereby amazing as they are. This Esko boy and Proctor gal were as genuine as they come, making for great session today, and what will be no doubt another great session on their wedding day next September.

 

I met these two a couple of weeks ago at Enger Tower in Duluth. That breathtaking lookout point was important to them as it was the place where she said yes, so naturally it was a perfect place for an engagement session. Just as natural as the choice to meet here this one was these two before the camera. What I saw through my Nikkor lens was an authentic couple. They were comfortable with me, they were comfortable with each other, which makes my job so incredibly easy. It was even easier when their sweet little boy The jovial nature between Cody and Rayanna allowed for them to be the best of sports for each other; even if it was a prop or a pose (or a motor vehicle) that was not preferred, both went with it for the other.

 

The following images are evidence of that…