Kim and Andrew's E-Session

During the last engagement session I photographed Downtown, I noticed a beautiful old tree. Its branches were very long and almost touched the ground. I thought it would make a perfect backdrop for a future e-session. When I met up to discuss their e-session, Kim & Andrew decided on Downtown Orlando. I mentioned the tree and they liked the idea. We decided to meet Saturday morning.

Kim and Andrew did an excellent job selecting their outfits. They looked amazing! To shake off any nerves they may have had, I asked them to climb the tree (I loved climbing trees as a kid!). All of a sudden, we were greeted by a four legged friend! I think he helped break the ice before being called away by his owner.

I suggest to all of my clients that early morning or late afternoon is the best time to schedule any photography session. Kim and Andrew decided on the morning. There was ample warm light coming through the trees.


Kim and Andrew were just about to change outfits when I noticed a white blanket in Andrew’s truck. I always suggest to my clients to bring props. Props can be a blanket, old cameras, umbrellas, colorful heels, or anything else that brings some fun into the photography session. I was delighted to see the white blanket! They laid it out under the tree and I captured some wonderful moments. If you don’t know, black absorbs light and white reflects light. The blanket acted as a reflector to make the images really pop.

We packed up, Andrew and Kim changed, and we walked down to Lake Eola. Kim and Andrew brought bread and fed the various swan, ducks, and birds.

Continuing our way around Lake Eola we stopped in front of some beautiful flowers. Kim and Andrew showed off their great dance skills.

The session wrapped at the Walt Disney amphitheater.


I had a wonderful time with Kim and Andrew’s e-session. I cannot wait to photograph their wedding this fall, their theme is Victorian!

Amy Van Epps Photography
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Stacey and Kory E-Session

Don’t you just love a great love story? This just so happens to be the case with Stacey and Kory. Although they hung out in the same circle of friends, they never really thought about dating each other. It wasn't until their friend Jon decided to play matchmaker that things became interesting. His matchmaking skills worked! After dating for eight years they are engaged and are getting married this October!

Stacey suggested having the engagement session in Downtown Orlando. It was a really great idea. We started the shoot at 9 am (I know, it’s early, but the best light is early morning or late afternoon!) around Lake Eola. If you aren’t familiar with Lake Eola, it is infamous for their vast array of birds, especially swans.

As with most people, it’s kind of awkward to be in front of the camera and act natural. Having Stacey and Kory attempt to interact with the swans was a great decoy! While their attention was focused away from their nerves and from me, I was able to get some awesome shots.

We started walking around the lake and I incorporated some of the skyline into the photographs. The natural beauty of the rocks and foliage of the lake really added some interest.

It’s plain to see that these two are madly in love. I could tell with the way they interacted with one another and by the way they look at each other.

55 W is an apartment/condominium complex off Church Street. Their grand staircase provided for some more intimate photographs.

We hopped across the street to Hamburger Mary’s. Kory & Stacey changed and shared a strawberry milkshake followed by two Shocktops. I think the sugar/alcohol combination finally helped break any other anxiety being in front of the camera and they really started to open up.

Stacey and Kory both wanted traditional photographs, but Stacey is a big fan of different. I am too! Hamburger Mary’s really provided a fun, relaxed atmosphere. After they finished the drinks we headed to the railroad tracks to wrap up the shoot. Kory started to come out of his shell more and let loose in front of the camera. [After Stacey viewed the photographs from her e-session, she asked if I could do something "funky" with one of the photographs of her engagement ring. This is what I came up with. I really saturated the tones and incorporated a vintage map of Boston of where they lived for two years.]

My two-hour shoot lasted four hours and it was well worth it! Kory and Stacey are a big ball of F-U-N and really made this engagement session my most favorite to photograph to date.


I cannot wait to photograph their wedding in October.