After an extended time behind my camera, squinting and focusing, I usually have a little bit of smudged mascara (thank goodness for the popular smokey eye look)  and disheveled hair from the salty ocean breeze. Behind my big camera, you’ll find an even bigger goofy smile. Taking photos makes me happy.

I cleaned out my computer desktop the other day and came across a few behind-the-scenes shots from various photography sessions, ranging from engagements at the beach, outdoor weddings, anniversary portraits, and newborn shoots. As I clicked through, I caught myself laughing at myself. As a warning, many of these are not very flattering, but that’s OK. Like my style of photography, these behind-the-scenes photos tell a story… with a theme of how I like to climb on things to make myself taller.

I climbed and jumped onto a windowsill to capture the “first look” of the groom seeing his bride for the first time at La Jolla Darlington House. There’s a flight of stairs below us and it was a narrow hallway, and it seemed there was nowhere to go but down, so I climbed up!

Behind the Scenes | Darlington House La Jolla Wedding | Kristine Marie Photography
Photo credit: 2S Images

I hid in some rose bushes and captured the bride with her bridesmaid. My dress got snagged a couple of times, but I got the shot!

Behind the Scenes | Darlington House La Jolla Wedding | Kristine Marie Photography
Photo credit: 2s Images

I’m getting sand in between my toes and chasing daylight during a beach engagement at La Jolla Shores. You gotta love the airy office space with an ocean view. 🙂

Behind the Scenes | La Jolla Shores Engagement | Kristine Marie Photography
Photo credit: Katherine Maglunob
Behind the Scenes | La Jolla Shores Engagement | Kristine Marie Photography
Photo credit: Katherine Maglunob
Behind the Scenes | La Jolla Shores Engagement | Kristine Marie Photography
Photo credit: Katherine Maglunob

Newborn Brooke was super alert and wouldn’t go to sleep. No biggie, I soaked up the extra snuggle time until she was ready for her close up.

Behind the Scenes | Corona Newborn Photography
Photo credit: Katherine Maglunob
Behind the Scenes | Corona Newborn Photography
Photo credit: Katherine Maglunob

I love this photo because of  how silly I feel looking at it. I’m not quite sure what new dance move I’m doing in this photo below.  I’m actually directing the lovely Nicole to slightly push off the train car for the pose. I promise that the shot I took is better than the lizard move I’m doing here.

Behind the Scenes | Poway Portrait Photography
Photo credit: Zach Sullivan
Behind the Scenes | Poway Portrait Photography
Photo credit: Zach Sullivan

During a shoot, I will often distance myself from my clients and tell them to just enjoy themselves and the beautiful scenery.  I can capture some great candid and natural photos this way.

Behind the Scenes | La Jolla Shores Engagement | Kristine Marie Photography
Photo credit: Katherine Maglunob

I sometimes bring my collapsible step stool along with me to get some great bird’s-eye-view shots if there aren’t any easily accessible trees to climb.  I bought this bad boy for only $12 and it was the best $12 I ever did spend. Wait, I bought a really good bloody mary at an airport for $12.  I digress… The point is: I’m taller and that not all photography gear costs an arm and a leg.

Behind the Scenes | San Diego Wedding Photography
Photo credit: Katherine Maglunob

I hope that you enjoyed seeing behind-the-scenes images from photoshoots. Have you seen a photographer doing strange things to get a shot?  Share in the comments below or tell me which one is your favorite.

xoxo,

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COMMENTS

so cool to see behind the scenes stuff!

Haha I love the purple stool! And that was my dress you snagged on those bushes, but at least you got the shot. What’s next stilts? 🙂

Love the action shots! I need to remember to take those when I'm shooting.

You are very hands on, like me! haha

Love it! It's nice to see others at work 🙂

Katherine Maglunob

LOL, trying to get a picture of you hustling your way down the beach is like trying to catch a hummingbird!

Love all of these behind the scene images! And I’m totally with you on the smudged mascara comment. It’s everywhere after a wedding! haha.