Over the past year, I’ve gotten to know Stephen Knuth & Scarlett Lillian a bit more, and meeting them again and hanging out more at WPPI 2010 run by George Varanakis earlier this year we ended up solidifying plans to shoot their casual portrait session. They came up to San Luis Obispo and we set up their engagement session at a few of my favorite outdoor locations. We also hit up Farmers Market in San Luis Obispo and they loved it there, eating popcorn and buying produce/flowers. They wanted a true rustic golden California afternoon/evening. The weather cooperated perfectly and we had a beautiful day. We shot for 4 hours, which went by SO fast! (as shooting usually does) We had rented a 1973 Porsche Targa from J. Andreu’s Collectible Motorcars and it went perfect with the vibe of the day. It added a little bit of flare for their sporty personalities. My favorite part about shooting with them was how much fun they had, we laughed, as we shot and got to know them much better. Shooting people is one of my favorite ways to get to know people fast. Their true self comes out, all the elements that make up who they are and what they are like. Its easy to judge people by what you see in life, but what you personally experience with someone is objective and their love for each other is genuine. Its great to see how they honor each other and really strive to put serving each other above serving themselves. I must give credit to the California Sunbounce products used here, the sunswatter for the rust background walls and the sunbounce for all the shots we did. My sweet wife Rachel and our assistant Jen helped us out on this shoot.
Scarlett loved kissing Stephen on the back of the neck.
This is my favorite hill to shoot on! (my secret location)
Rachel actually shot this one below here, she is such a great photographer.
Just as the Porche was leaving, I grabbed this shot. Risking getting run over, it was totally worth it.
Red Velvet? Yea, its their favorite kind of cupcakes, so what better than to celebrate with those to end the shoot.
To cap things off, we did a night flash shot. When I do these shots, I love to have a horizon line that is above their heads. I shot this with a 50mm 1.2 @ 1.2, 1/50th, iso = 400 w/ 2 580exII flashes at 6′ high at 15′ away at an 80 degree angle from the camera at 1/128 power.
Thanks guys for such a great enjoyable day and for treating us to dinner afterwards! We really enjoyed capturing you guys and hope your engagement period is a blessing!
Leave a comment and share your love!
Reuben Poon — Awwww, how awesome!!!
Ginny Corbett — Killer shoot, Mike and Rachel! Congratulations, Scarlett and Stephen….you two make a beautiful couple! I love that you glorify God in all you do. I pray that the Lord will bless your marriage richly…and that you would experience the true love of the Father as you journey into marriage. :D
Rae Barnes — These are so great!! What a perfect shoot! I especially like the images in the dry tall grass and the image your wife caught in the car.
Angie Mack — W.O.W. ! First of all, Mr. Mike Larson, I recognize you. I celebrate you. You’re an amazing artist. Kudos to your wife Rachel and your assistant Jen. Secondly, Scarlett and Stephen — my spirit smiles everytime I see your pictures. I see God glorified in your relationship. I just know that your wedding day will be such a worshipful celebration of God’s covenant marriage. I rejoice with y’all \o/
Ingoman — When we have seen amazing shots and shootings u just come out and top it again!!! Awesome mike and rache. U guys rock. Hope seeing u soon. Caringo
Jen Otchy — Awesome shoot – that Porche shot is CRAZY good. Congrats Scarlett & Stephen!
Caelen W — Super nice set! Awesome work shooting into the sun! You two sure have that down pat. Great to see the Lord glorified so much through your skills and in the people you shoot. God bless! -CW
Stacey Romano — I really admire your work! I’m more of a videographer but I’m taking a photography class to learn the basics. I was wondering how you shot into the sun?
Eric Farewell — Aha! SO awesome… I love all the Porsche shots, the light is SO sultry.
Marj — Wonderful!!!
Joanne Thomas — No words can describe the beauty of a love God has created between two people who He has brought together by His divine will and you have captured that kind of pure, respectful and intimate love in this shoot. Stunning!!
xyz — Nice shots
Corinna Hoffman — Amazing lighting!! Great shots and of course, beautiful couple! :)
Arjan Bruinstroop — WOW Clear and crisp! It’s a beautifull couple. Love the images with the porsche !
Temecula Wedding Photographer Theresa Minnettee — The pictures turned out great you guys! Nice job Mike:)
kayla :) — GGGAAAAWWWWWWWRGEOUS!!!! :)
Zach & the Jodster Gray — Uh Mazing! Love this shoot! These two are the BEST!!! Sooooo cute!!
Lindsi Luffman — Love it! I can’t wait to see what Zach and Jody come up with too!
Brian Noah — Great job Mike! Stephen and Scarlett, you two look amazing!
Rowell — That car is so beautiful. Great prop to the photoshoot!
Jacq — So excited for these two. I loved the car series. Also loving your revised branding, Mike! Its an awesome logo. :)
Bill Sookie — Absolutely fantastic set of photos.
jim davis-hicks — wow, these are really great. I am so happy for both of them! such sweet people.
Feuza — wowzes, love the secret location and oh that light, my fav has to be the one in the market holding the sun flower just how love is day to day and beautiful relaxed, real, God Bless you Stephen and Scarlett, may God bless and light your beautiful journey together,, Mike thanks sharing the settings and the california sun bounce God Bless you and your great family
Jenny — Beautiful! That is an amazing location. I really loved the shot of the porche reflecting the horizon line. Every image you posted is awesome, it must have been difficult to choose some favorites!
Jaren — Awesomeness all round….the pics, the love, the earth…congrats again you guys :)
LARA RIOS — Beautiful pictures! I love the Cali setting and Scarlett and Stephen look great! Many blessings for you all…
Mike Larson — You guys are so kind & sweet. Its such a blessing to hear your wishes for them as a couple. Every couple needs people to encourage them, their marriage, and who they are as people, its how we grow. We don’t grow as solo people on an Island. As far as Zach & Jody, I can’t wait to see what they are going to do as well!
sophie — fantastico!!!! mi amo mucho!!!!!
Cheryl Joy — The ones behind the wind shield are almost surreal, like they came from another place and time. Absolutely gorgeous. These are the kind of photos you see and think, “I want my life to be like that.” So happy for Scarlett and Steven.
Aric Becker — Sweet shoot Mike!! Congrats Scarlett & Stephen.
Hendrik — WOW!!! What a nice car ;-)
Steve — Mike – you did it again. Incredible colors and the way you use backlighting is amazing!
Peter Dawson — Mike! These shots look sweet! Maybe Ill get to meet you some day. Yours Truly
Sophie — I see that it is your passion.
Caitlin — I absolutely LOVE your work!!! As soon as my boyfriend proposes to me (which is hopefully soon!!) I am calling you up to do my engagement photos! Beautiful pictures!
Amy Clifton — My faves are the two shots of just their feet with Scarlett on her tippy-toes and them on the hood of the car with their backs to the camera. I love images that show so much emotion without ever showing the subjects’ faces! Beautiful session!
Mike Larson — Caitlin, thanks for you post! I’d be honored to capture you guys. :)
Stephanie Koo — wow…speechless. What an awesome set of pictures!
wdwew — adsd
Andy Martin — Great Job Guys… Mike, Your secret location is amazing… Scarlet, don’t give away Mike’s secret. haha Scarlet… Can I come to your wedding? You guys are soo cute together. GREAT SHOOT!