Russell Orchards & Crane Beach Engagement – Veronica & Ryan

Fall is known as a time of great foliage and apple picking here in New England.  What better place to do fall engagement photos than an apple orchard which has both?  I’ve been to a few orchards around here but I’d never been to Russell Orchards in Ipswich.  As soon as I arrived, I noticed all of the bright foliage right in the front of the property, which was perfect for fall pictures.  Since I was there early, I walked around a little to scope out some photo spots while I waited for my clients to arrive.  There were geese and ducks wandering around, and all kinds of other animals in fenced in areas on the road leading up to the orchard.  Unfortunately, the you-pick part of the orchard was already closed, but we still managed to get back into the trees for some awesome pictures.  Of course we asked permission to do so.  It’s always a good idea to ask permission when it comes to photography locations!

As soon as Veronica & Ryan arrived, we got to shooting since we didn’t want to lose the sunlight.  She loved the bright foliage too, so that’s where we started.  Sometimes it can be difficult to come up with lots of varied poses so each couple’s session is a little different, but these two made it so easy for me!  They would pose the way I was thinking before I even said it.  Veronica even joked that they practiced beforehand, not that I would complain if they really had!  I always have a few go-to poses for each session, but I try to mix it up a bit so each couple’s personality shines through.  It really makes a big difference in the feel of the pictures.

The sun was beginning to set, so we wrapped up our session at the orchard.  They had one other location where they wanted to do a few more photos, but not before Ryan bought us all some cider donuts.  Another couple on my favorites list that gave me a tasty treat! 🙂

We finished their session at the beautiful Crane Beach, which is just down the road from the orchard.  I know I’ve been to Crane beach at some point in my life but not for a while.  Since I live so close to the beaches here in Beverly, we don’t really go anywhere else.  It’s very beautiful!  We were losing light fast, and they close the beach gates at sunset, so we took as many photos as we could with the use of my flashes and called it a wrap!  Not a bad way to end my last engagement session of the year!  I can’t wait for their wedding at the York Harbor Inn in York, Maine this April.  It will be my first full wedding of the year!