What do you do if one of you feels comfortable in front of the camera, and the other is more self conscious. You have an engagement shoot of course. This is what Pete & Nick decided was the right course of action, whilst getting to know ‘me’ the photographer at the same time. I understand not everyone has the relaxed nature that some clients appear to have right off the bat. But build in being gay and affectionate in public to the mix as well, this was gonna be a tough call. It wasn’t until meeting Pete & Nick that I learnt how a gay couple showing affection in public is still considered taboo. Something hetro-sexual couples take for granted such as walking down the street hand in hand is a considered thought if you’re gay, bi, lesbian etc. Having Pete & Nick feel comfortable therefore in the public park was paramount, so keeping affection low key was probably best! It really is a shame this is the case though, and makes you realise what prejudices still exist in society, even if you don’t have them yourself.
Anyway, that’s kidna heavy stuff for a blog post. What we should be focusing on is that Pete & Nick are getting married, clearly love each other and wanted to have some photos together as a pre-wedding warm up! So, that’s what we did. Hung out in the park, jumped when we should’t have (yes Nick put his back out….please don’t sue me!) and took advantage of some golden evening light. Hopefully the results speak for themselves. Take a peak through these same sex engagement photos, and hopefully overtime the tide will turn and seeing gay couples being affectionate in public won’t even be a ‘thing’! It’ll just be the norm.
Pete & Nick will be getting married in August later this this year at Friars Court. I hope the weather is equally as delightful, and this photo shoot helps them settle into the photos on the day with ease.
If you’re looking for an engagement photographer or perhaps some relaxed family photographs then please contact me for a chat.
