Brittany and David's engagement session in Asbury Park, New Jersey

When planning for their engagement shoot Brittany and Dave were conscientious in making sure our shore trip wouldn’t be too crowded. Though we are still in the lingering moments of the pandemic not even public health emergencies deter the Jersey shore crowd. <Fist pumps> Ironically, Wednesday the 19th of May, was the day New Jersey formally lifted all of its Covid restrictions. Naturally this meant everyone would flock to one of the state’s most popular beaches, Asbury Park. I can’t say we didn’t try! Though this isn’t a story about Covid. I really can’t wait to have a blog post NOT mention the pandemic. I can feel it coming soon. This is a story about two lovely people at one of the more hip and artistic sections of our state. I have many childhood memories in Asbury so I was floored when they articulated that is were they wanted their shoot to be.

We started our engagement session at the “ruins” of the old casino near the beach and here’s a little pro tip. There isn’t the nicest graffiti next to actually really love graffiti so if you’re a photographer please use that clone stamp liberally! Onward we ventured to the old carousel house. It’s one of the most iconic buildings in this beach front town. I am old enough to actually remember riding the carousel that is sadly no longer there. From there we took our journey in usual Mike fashion and just walked. The boardwalk isn’t too long to deter from exploring most of it. A lot has changed but there are still some lovely facades as you will see. Even pink shipping containers make an appearance. It was pretty crowded for a Wednesday but hopefully you don’t get that feeling from these images. I try my best to make sure the couple feels as if they are the only people on earth during their shoot.

We photographed at The Stone Pony, Wonder Bar, The Asbury Convention Hall and of course, the beach. Those are probably my favorite shots as it was just hitting golden hour as we made photos around the surf. You can’t get more lovely than running around with your partner with beachy sand and waves crashing.

I will be photographing Brittany and Dave’s wedding in mid 2022. Seems so far away but I’m sure it will come faster than I think. Please enjoy these images. I made them specifically for these two. If YOU are interested in such gorgeous moments go on over to my booking tab and see what I can do for you!

Stay safe everyone!

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!

Anayet and Lindsay at Skylands Botanical Gardens in Ringwood, New Jersey

I could not believe I did not have this engagement session up on the blog! I photographed Anayet and Lindsay on one of the last beautiful days of fall in 2020 at the Skylands Botanical Gardens in Ringwood, New Jersey. I am talking one of the literal last days where the temp was above 50 and golden leaves still adorned the trees. I am no stranger to Skylands. I grew up two towns over. Though, there is art in not being complacent. On any beautiful day the 300 acre grounds will be filled with photographers all doing pretty much the same thing. My duty is to make sure my photographs are interesting and not stereotypical to this location. It’s a beautiful place. I can see why it’s flooded daily with photographers but it doesn’t mean my photos have to be boring!

We were blessed with low humidity and a gorgeous(quickly) setting sun so in my head I was planning out the spots I wanted to hit. It may look like there is nobody there but these to gorgeous kids but that’s a bit of photography magic. Here’s a magic photo tip, patience. Too many people in a scene will ruin that scene. Sometimes the difference between taking a standard photo or an amazing one is mere seconds. Sometimes it can be 15 minutes. The first image you see in black and white took those 15 minutes to create. The facade of the manor house is very popular and getting a clear shot with no human obstructions can be difficult. In the end I put my big boy voice on and asked politely, yet firmly, if a family could get out of the way so I could take this shot.

These two were absolute gems and you’ll be excited to hear that I will also be photographing their wedding at the Crystal Plaza later this year. Lindsay even remarked that I made Anayet actually laugh which is a high bar to cross. I knew clown school came in handy. Anyway, enough talk. Please enjoy these images from a place I know too well but always want to experience for the first time each time I photograph there.

Tim and Liz's "engagement" photo shoot in Weehawken, New Jersey.

This blog post is a little on the late side. In the beginning of December I left the states for a month in Cartagena, Colombia. I am half Colombian if my website hasn’t drilled that into your head already. I was visiting my family. That is entirely other blog post for another day. Now, I am back and ready to tackle 2020, BUT FIRST I wanted to share a session with you that I photographed right before I left. Tim and Liz were George Street clients( I am a contract photographer) but I couldn’t have asked for a sweeter pair of people. They live in Weehawken, New Jersey, just blocks away from the waterfront which gives you a lovely view of New York City. The cold winter was already upon us but they were still able to dress appropriately and still look rather dashing. Note to any brides to be, fun fairy skirts are things every person should wear. We started in the cozy warmth of their building and then ventured outside where the sun decided to cooperate at times but the cold was continuous. Liz wore these amazing red gloves as you’ll see. I think they popped the right amount of lovely red, so chic! Tim wore a classic blue blazer with a monogrammed cuff, absolutely dashing. And now I’m British. This wasn’t necessarily their engagement session but a year after their actual marriage. Regardless they displayed the love and fondness of newlyweds. Please enjoy our photo shoot “engagement” on the lovely edges of Weehawken, New Jersey. And also, if they holidays gave you a wonderful engagement it’s not too early to book the wonderful Michael Jacobs Photo . Send me a note.

Michelle and Paul at Little Egg Harbor

When chatting with my clients about engagement shoots I usually ask if there are places that are special to them. As much as a nice park or generic scenery work, I find having a place special to a couple’s history makes the most sense. It just gives it that little something extra. So when Michelle and Paul told me their family had a house not too far from Long Beach Island, New Jersey I squeed. Yes that’s a word. A fall beach engagement session you say? Count me in. Fall is probably the most beautiful time to photograph anything at the beach. There are less people, less humidity and everything is slowly turning those golden hues. It is just gorgeous. Most couples haven’t been photographed professionally. I completely understand this and it can be pretty daunting to be the star of the show but Michelle, Paul and their totes adorable puppy were absolute models. Aside from picking an impeccable wardrobe they are also just beautiful people, inside and out. All you need to remember during your engagement shoot is to keep yourselves at the forefront of the experience, literally focus on each other and of course, have fun. I will be photographing their wedding next summer and cannot wait to make even more gorgeous photographs with them. Special thanks to Paul’s parents for being extra helpful with their pup(a must if you bring your animal child to an engagement shoot).

Please enjoy Michelle and Paul and their engagement at the beach.

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.

Deb and Chris in Hoboken: An engagement journey.

If Deb and Chris are any indication of the couples coming my way for the wedding seasons of New York and New Jersey, I think I’ll be okay. I mean it. It’s scary to move back to your home state after almost 18 years away. Everything is familiar but also quite different. It’s nice to have two kind and gracious souls to photograph. That’s what I ask for the most, kind people who are interested in having quality photos. It’s part of my mission statement on this website! I do not want photography to be an afterthought. It’s important.

Anyway, as per usual, I digress. Spring has been a bit rough in New Jersey. Only a handful of days have been suitable photos outdoors. Luckily, this was one of the first. You felt the energy of Hoboken on this first validly spring day. Funnily enough, it was my job to make sure that the energy was all these two. This means avoiding people and using my composing skills as a photographer to make sure Deb and Chris were the only ones that mattered. There were so many people to avoid!

We started our journey at the Ainsworth, a cute little restaurant on the Hudson. Mere minutes before two arrived I was accosted but a pretty inebriated man who had a thousand questions about my cameras. That’s always fun. Thank goodness these two came and saved me. From there we visited the spot where he asked her to marry him, pier c, and meandered through Hoboken’s quaint streets. These are my favorite kind of engagement photos because they take time. They are not rushed. They are just the couple and myself getting to know each other and if a photo opp arises we take it. They practiced dipping(keep practicing you two) and I pointed out all the places to eat pastries, as per usual. We finally ended at the Hoboken train station which is BEAUTIFUL. Seriously, it’s a relic of a different time and then caught the final moments of “sun” as New York City loomed in the backdrop. I am so excited to also be photographing their wedding in November. I couldn’t ask for sweeter people, honestly. This is why I am a photographer. It’s the people that matter. I hope you enjoy.

Please, share, like, comment to your heart’s content!

My personal favorite. Hair so healthy, it Debs!

Okay, close second as personal fave.

THE WINK!

Okay, third personal favorite. Heart bokeh, completely unexpected!

"Springtime" engagement with Mike and Meredith at Liberty State Park.

I’m starting off this blog post title with quotations because spring is definitely here as far as the calendar is concerned but they forgot to tell New Jersey about it. It’s still a tad bit cold and it seems nothing has yet to bloom. Totally alright. I make pictures regardless of the season. I met Mike and Meredith on a chilly morning in March at Liberty State Park. If you’ve ever been there you know, it’s a pretty cool place. It has all the views of New York without hopping on the Path, some beautiful trails and is right next to the Liberty Science Center. The center is a right of passage for every 3rd grader in New Jersey.

As usual, I digress. I met the lovely couple as the sun was just rising over the city. They brought their lovely little puppy Cleo too. Dogs and engagement shoots can be tricky because the couple sometimes gets very focused on getting the dog to behave. Luckily Mike and Meredith are wicked smart and enlisted the help of their friend to keep Cleo occupied when we made photographs.

I’ll be shooting Mike and Meredith’s wedding in early summer this year so it was exciting to get to know them. I feel that’s what a solid engagement shoot is, a great chance to get to know the people that will be trusting you with their future memories. I love laid back people. These two were completely awesome. I know there’s always apprehension when being professionally photographed. What do you do with your hands? How do you pose? Why is this weird man in our faces? I want none of that. I just want a fun conversation and some snaps in between to show how much you guys rock!

Liberty State Park is expansive and you can get quite a different engagement look and feel from each of it’s locations. I think we covered all our bases. In this set you’ll see some New York landscape, turn of the century train station, and seemingly the golden hues of the woods. I’m so lucky to have sweet clients. Enjoy Mike, Meredith (and Cleo!).

KEEP IT PG KIDS!

Sing me a tune about your favorite football team.

A couple weeks ago I was given the opportunity to spend some time with two sweet people. Erica and David met me in downtown Raleigh on a questionably wet Saturday. If you are familiar with thunderstorms in North Carolina, you know they are absolutely no joke. Also, they decide to do what they want, when they want. The city seemed to be towing the line between dry and deluge with a little lightning in between. No matter, I welcome awful weather to shoot in.

We arrived at Chuck’s Burgers just in time for some droplets. It had been their first date spot a couple years ago. Who wouldn’t want to get to know someone over some tasty burgers? I apologize to my vegan and vegetarian friends. I ran into the street a couple times to capture some wide angles of them. Try and see if you can spot me in the reflection I didn’t feel the need to edit out.

We then decided to move down to the Duke Energy Center for Performing Arts. We got a free wind machine as we walked between Raleigh’s ever growing skyline. The performing arts center holds a special place for Erica as well as myself. We both sing together in the North Carolina Master Chorale and most of our performances are held there. So of course much of this engagement session included singing, or my version of singing. It’s a beautiful building that gives a direct line of sight to the capital on the other end of Fayetteville St. David was really chill about it all and I appreciated that he just wanted to be there with her. But wait, there’s more! They are a genuinely sweet and silly couple and as much as the cute moments happened, so did the goofy ones. These are the shots I live for. Nothing posed, just emotions and elation.

The weather got progressively eerie with more lightning, wind, and the thought of a downpour. So, what was the next logical step? Outfit change and then off to shoot outdoors in an open field!

We decided to drive on over to the North Carolina Museum of Art. If you haven’t been, go! It really is the gem of the Triangle. The museum’s park is art itself. I believe it’s over 200 acres of green space, sculpture, and rolling hills. Of course, it had begun to pour once we parked. You could literally see the sun and large cumulus clouds in the distance while it rained upon us. What a metaphor for life! Regardless, I knew it was a special time to shoot and as soon as the rain diminished to a light drizzle I got them out of their car. Now if you look closely, it IS raining in these pictures but I decided to go for a warmer approach to the set. Of course the rain came back as we walked to our final spot but we were able to capture THE BEST photo ever. A little rain, love and lavender. I gave David my reflector to hold over Erica’s head as we walked back to the car so her hair wouldn’t get too wet. It was a adorable moment that I feel sums up their quirky and lovely relationship. Please enjoy these images. I had such a joy making them.

And if YOU need images that last, well, you’re at my website! Send me a note!

The gentleman painting the mural was very confused as to why I wanted this picture.

Personal fave.

Notebook vibes y’all, except without the dementia and sadness.

Excuse the wet lens.

The doughnut connoisseur and the incredible flying man.

Aside from doing my own photography business, I do some contracting photography work for George Street Photo and Video. I'm sure you may have been bombarded by their ads if you are currently engaged. It is what it is, but I can't speak ill of a company that employs me on some level. Well, I can but that's not what this blog post is about.  I'd like to also think they have good taste in hiring photographers. (sarcastic grin). I am basically sent clients who book me through them. I show up, do some dancing, taking pictures, and then leave. It's the same scope with portraits, boudoir, and weddings. It can be slightly impersonal. Developing a relationship with people is one of the driving reasons I am a photographer. There is just less time to do this when you're contracted to shoot things. Like I said, it is what it is, and George Street has never let me down in the quality of my clients. They continued their winning streak this week with my portrait engagement session of Zach Morris and Kelly Kapowski. Alright, their last names aren't really Morris and Kapowski but Zach and Kelly! Come on! "I'm so excited, I'm so excited! I'm so, so scared!" Alright, that quote was actually attributed to Jessie Spanow but it's still from NBC's hit teen comedy series, "Saved By the Bell." Very young millennials are very confused at everything I am saying right now. Go watch it on Youtube or something!

I met Zach and Kelly at Raleigh's Umstead Park. It's probably the largest green space of forest in the area, boasting trails, lakes and probably scary snakes. It's interesting because the last time I had been to that location of Umstead, I was in a very different mindset/place. I had just moved to Raleigh weeks earlier and it was definitely a scary time. This weekend couldn't have felt more opposite. Alright, I'll leave the psych babble for the therapist. It was cold, chilly by Raleigh standards, but the sun was shining and I was ready to make some sweet images. I was really happy that their version of "casual" was actually really cute and complimentary on the color spectrum. Trust me, when couples say they are "casual" it can sometimes mean, khakis and a TJ Maxx polo shirt.  I hope you know my feelings about khakis.

Pastels on him worked amazing and her plum jeans worked well to compliment. I could already tell they were wicked adorable. Their connection was electric and the biggest smiles erupted when they were just hanging out with each other...and also if Zach saw a dog. Guys usually tend to be slightly more awkward than their female counter parts but that's okay. I think staring at the camera seems to be the most difficult thing so I try and banish that. I want couples to be with each other. There is hardly ever a reason for them to look in my direction. The minute Zach did this, he came alive with her. 

I generally ask 100 questions during a shoot but since I just got to know them that day I may have asked 1,000. I just like to talk to people and I think it helps break down that wall that the camera creates when I lift it up. Speaking of camera, most of these shots are taken with the Canon 85mm f1.2 L, a love/hate lens. Some macro shots were taken with the Canon 24-70mm f4 L lens. But yes, I learned that Zach loves all things outdoors and is in the Air Force. He also has jumped out of a plane (willingly) over 100 times. My heart was racing just thinking about that. After 67 jumps does it become routine? Can you play a game of chess on your way down? So many questions. Kelly is in school to be a Physician's Assistant. She's also a hater of IPAs, yay! They are the worst beers. Fight me on it. Also, somewhat of a doughnut lover. Plus, guys, I hope if you are reading this you took my advice and stopped by "Baker's Dozen" in Cary for some deep fried apple fritter goodness. They are getting married in Colorado which is probably a good reason why I was not selected as their George Street Wedding Photographer. Oh well, may the doughnuts be with them. Zach recently had hip surgery so I wasn't going to go hiking madly with them. This still did not stop him from picking Kelly up and walking about from location to location.

I've been trying lately to put people in poses that sometimes might be considered, "only for a specific gender." I don't think it's fair that a guy has to always be "aggressive." A lady can pull her man in just as well. Or vice versa. It doesn't matter. Love is love.

There was a gorgeous tree that was already shedding its petals, so I asked Zach to shake it. It's direct midday sunlight here so thankfully Kelly was back lit and I exposed for her skin. For non photography folks, mid day sun is generally the worst. It decreases contrast, makes people squint, and overall can be pretty unflattering. Thankfully, most of our images were in open shade with the beautiful pines providing some diffusion. 

Probably my favorite mini set from the shoot right here.

I wanted some crisp depth of field so I composited about 10 shots to make this. It's probably my favorite shot.

I had to go change my lens and I caught them dancing. Shame on me for putting my lens far away from me and shame on them for being cute while I wasn't taking pictures.

"You proposed, sitting down? Who are you!?" Just kidding, he did not. You'll get to see the proposal journal and book in a second.

There's our GQ stud!

"Awwh, he looks so happy! He must be looking at Kelly!" Nope, puppy. 

Huge points for Pablo Neruda. HUUUUUUUUUUGE.

Note: They had already been engaged for a little while. This was more of a pictorial capture of the materials he used. These two were so lovely. You could just tell they were good people. That's important. I don't like photographing the baddies. I mean I will, but I won't talk doughnuts and beer with you. I wish them nothing but the best. Their wedding sounds like the stuff the galaxy is made out of, friends, food and love. If you are interested in talking pastries and getting some pretty pictures taken of yourselves, don't hesitate to reach out and say hello. I love new friends and I love to make photographs for you that last. 

"You're going to wear those khakis Mark, and you're gonna like it!"

CONGRATULATIONS! You're engaged! Oh, my, gosh! That ring (or any other non-conformist engagement thang) is beautiful! What's next? Well, about a billion things. Luckily this blog post will be short, informative, and focus on one thing, engagement photography!!! An engagement shoot, or "e-session" as the cool kids say (they don't say that), is a great way to express to the world you're getting married. It also is the best way to get to know you as a couple before your wedding. Generally, if I'm shooting your wedding, my first experience with you as a photographer will be your engagement shoot. We can iron out all the wrinkles and get comfortable with me dancing around with a camera. I've witnessed many engagement sessions go beautifully and some...not so much. So here are some much needed tips in having an amazing first photo shoot with a photographer.

1. Pick a photographer that feels like they match your style.

Sounds like a given but you would be surprised. Are you a quirky couple? Do you like studio or natural light? Dark and dramatic or light and airy? A photographer's portfolio will give you a general idea of what your shoot will be like.

       2: Wardrobe, wardrobe, wardrobe!

Dress for the job you want, not the job you have. Okay wait, maybe this isn't an interview but it's definitely a chance to be impressive. I am not saying you should go out and purchase new clothing. I'm actually against that. New clothing generally makes people feel a little more uncomfortable. It's a total sensory thing. Think about what looks good on you, what makes you feel good. This goes for both bride and groom to be. Select details that sparkle or make you feel that much more special. Khakis and a polo shirt won't do it. As photographers we are here to help make things look aesthetically pleasing, so pick some options if you are in doubt and ask us!

        3: Where should we do this? Make it personal.

There are tons of places that are adequate for photos. I'm sure there is a nice park or area that would work just fine but go deeper. Is there a place in the memory of the both of you that makes you smile? Maybe a coffee shop or restaurant? Us photographers do not mind asking to shoot at these places at all. Trust us, we get more "yes's" than "no's" when we inquire nicely. Pick a location that's special to you and if you don't have one, let's come up with one together.

       4: "Now hug and kiss."Look like you're in love and other things that you should never be told to do.

There is nothing more unromantic than being posed. Sometimes, it may have to happen but those times should be infrequent. We don't want to tell you how to hold your partner's hand. We just want you to love doing it. Sometimes we use a telephoto (long) lens so that we aren't in your faces. We want couples to have the space they deserve to feel comfortable. If you feel awkward in front of a camera that's okay. We've got many tricks up our sleeves, like awful dad jokes, crazy stories about mexico in 1998 or even better, getting the couple to talk about themselves. The ice will slowly break.

       5: Golden hour is a great hour.

If you're not familiar with the term, golden hour, it is the time before dusk. About an hour or two before sunset. These are great times to take pictures, why? The sun is low creating softer light. That light is more of a golden, reddish hue. Ah, see "golden" hour.It's a magical time for a magical couple. If we are indoors, mid day works fine but generally photos in that part of the day have less contrast and tend to look more washed out.

      6: Look for inspiration

Not quite sure at the look you want? That's okay. You don't have to know all the answers. In the fashion world photographers create mood boards before shoots. You can too! Just use Pinterest. It's a great way to see ideas that you may not have readily in your head. Make it a dialogue between you and the photographer so we know what we are working toward. Remember, it's your shoot. Show us your love.

There, don't you feel better? I thought you would. It isn't scary. Engagement photos are something that should be the icing on the cake. You've done the hard part, proposing and bringing someone else into your life, this is just a pictorial celebration. Here are some of my favorite moments. Any questions, or to book your very own awesome shoot, click the booking tab on my site!