Last Saturday, I met up with Thelsa and Phil at Top of the Hill in downtown Chapel Hill for their engagement session. We had a couple of drinks and a chat, before heading off to the UNC campus for pictures around the gorgeous campus grounds there. We went for a relaxed stroll and took some shots by the Old Well and around Coker Aboretum. Both Thelsa and Phil have ties to the school, so it was the ideal location for their shoot.

It was a really lovely day so we had a brilliant time making the most of the beautiful light in the late afternoon. Thelsa and Phil are a fantastic couple with a great sense of humour and I’m really looking forward to their wedding in June. With such an international flavor, it’s going to be a joy to shoot.

Anyway, back to the engagement photography; these are a few of my favorites from the shoot:

A person with long dark hair is smiling broadly, looking slightly to the side. The background is blurred, emphasizing their face and expression.

A black-and-white photo of a smiling man wearing a striped shirt. He is looking to the right, with a blurred background. The photo has a soft focus effect.

A couple embracing and smiling at each other under a shaded, vine-covered arbor. Sunlight filters through the leaves, creating a warm and romantic atmosphere.

A couple sits together on a wooden bench in a park. They are smiling and embracing, with the woman leaning towards the man. The background is a blur of trees. The image is in black and white.

A man in a light blue striped shirt smiles while leaning on a stone wall. The background is blurred greenery, suggesting a sunny outdoor setting.

A couple embraces and smiles at each other in a sunlit, green park. They are surrounded by blurred trees and sunlight filtering through the leaves, creating a romantic atmosphere.

A black-and-white photo of a man and a woman standing close and smiling. The man has his arm around the womans shoulder. They are looking slightly to the left against a brick wall background.

A couple embraces affectionately in a sunlit, forested area. The man wears a light blue shirt, while the woman wears a dark top and earrings. Sunlight filters through the trees, creating a bokeh effect in the background.

A black and white photo of a smiling couple standing outdoors. He is wearing a striped shirt and has his arm around her. She is wearing a dark top and earrings, looking away from the camera. They stand in front of a columned structure.

A woman smiling in front of a vibrant pink floral background, wearing a black top and silver earrings. Her hair is down, and she is looking directly at the camera.

A grayscale image of a couple gazing lovingly at each other amidst a background of blurred trees and sunlight filtering through the leaves. The woman is holding the mans hand, and both are smiling softly.

Man in a blue striped shirt smiles while leaning against a brick wall. The background is softly blurred, creating a warm, pleasant atmosphere.

A couple embraces lovingly in a sun-dappled, leafy park. The man wears a light blue shirt, while the woman sports a dark top and hoop earrings. Sunlight filters through the trees, creating a serene and intimate atmosphere.

A woman with long dark hair and dangling earrings smiles warmly while sitting outdoors. The background features vibrant pink and green blurred foliage, creating a bright and cheerful atmosphere.

A black and white photo of a couple embracing and smiling at each other in a sunlit, leafy walkway. The background is softly blurred, highlighting the couples affectionate gaze.

Smiling man in a striped shirt, outdoors, with a blurred green background and dappled sunlight.

A couple embraces and smiles at each other in a sun-dappled forest setting. The background is lush and green, with light filtering through the leaves, creating a soft, romantic atmosphere.

A woman with long dark hair smiles at the camera. She is wearing a black top and standing outdoors with blurred pink flowers and greenery in the background, creating a soft, natural setting.

A man in a striped shirt stands outdoors with arms crossed, smiling softly. The image is in black and white, with blurred greenery in the background, creating a serene atmosphere.

A couple is embracing and about to kiss under a canopy of greenery. Sunlight filters through the leaves, creating a romantic and intimate atmosphere. Both people appear content and affectionate.

A couple sits on a wooden bench in a park, embracing closely. The man wears a light blue shirt, and the woman wears a black top. Sunlight filters through trees in the background, creating a warm, intimate atmosphere.

Black and white portrait of a woman smiling at the camera. She has long hair and wears a dark top. The background is softly blurred, creating a gentle and warm atmosphere.

A couple stands in a sunlit park, smiling and holding hands. Tall trees provide a green, dappled background, creating a serene and joyful atmosphere.

Black and white portrait of a woman gazing to the side with a subtle smile. She has long hair and is wearing makeup. The background is softly blurred.

A couple smiling and embracing near white pillars, surrounded by bright pink flowers. They appear happy and relaxed in a sunny outdoor setting.

A couple sits on a park bench, smiling and embracing each other. They are surrounded by pink flowers and greenery, creating a peaceful and romantic atmosphere.

A couple stands close in a sunlit park, smiling at each other. The man in a striped shirt embraces the woman in a black dress, who looks back at him warmly. Lush greenery is softly blurred in the background.

A close-up black and white photograph of an ornate ring featuring a central round diamond flanked by smaller dark stones set on a smooth band. The background is softly blurred to emphasize the rings details.

Geek info: Canon EOS 5D Mark III with EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM, EF 100mm f/2.8 L Macro IS USM and EF 135mm f/2 L USM, and Canon EOS 5D Mark II with EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS II USM

lake lure north carolina wedding photography ~ shannon and paul »

« downtown raleigh engagement session ~ lisa and mark

Read now