Adventurous Mountain Elopement in Big Bear, CA - Amy Van Vlear Photographer

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About Amy
Approach
My Work
Investment
Q&As
Contact

About Amy
Approach
My Work

Menu

About Amy
Approach
My Work

Investment
Q&As
Contact

Menu

Investment
Q&As
Contact

Adventurous Mountain Elopement in Big Bear, CA

February 15, 2019

Flowers by the amazing Florally Yours Co.

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About Amy
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My Work

Menu

About Amy
Approach
My Work

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Q&As
Contact

Menu

Investment
Q&As
Contact

Instagram post 17883768845086589

Normally there are somewhat predictable seasons in my work (engagement season, wedding season, booking season, etc) but 2020 disrupted everything even up until this point, and I’ve found myself at strange times of the year with my schedule wide open and unsure what will be coming my way next. Among many other things, this weird time has taught me to create my own opportunities, and has been reconnecting me with my creativity. I’ve been making stuff since I was old enough to hold a pencil but I only just feel like I’m learning who I am as an artist.

Planning / Photographer: @amyvvphoto
Coordination: @herestothemevents
Venue: @luceloft
Florist: @crimson_floralco
Videographer: @hello.monocle
Hair and Makeup: @tmsmakeupartistry
Dress: Vicki by @truvellebridal from @loveandlacebridal
Suit: @stitchandtie
Rings: @rawbyoliviamar
Tablescape Rentals: @borrowandbash
Table Rentals: @rusticurbanevents
Chair Rentals: @adorefolklore
Desserts: @thelayered_life
Calligrapher: @calligraphybymichellet
Invitations: @rachelmarvincreative
Models: @lexitorresss and @sean.ledesma

Instagram post 17896963543825033

A recent thought I have about engagement sessions:

I have a large bank of location ideas from years of scouting around, but recently I have shifted my focus while planning an engagement session with a couple to encouraging them to find a place that is meaningful to them specifically, whether it be somewhere that holds nostalgia or somewhere they’ve been excited about exploring!

My goal is to capture photos that best show who you are and catch a glimpse of your relationship together, and I find that that is often best achieved spending time in a place you resonate with and feel comfortable in.

Harmony and Andy chose the Griffith Observatory for multiple reasons- Andy studied astronomy in college (he actually wore a shirt with tiny constellations on it for our shoot!) and La La Land was the first movie they saw in theaters together and they thought it would be fun to integrate that classic Los Angeles look. They also had originally looked into the observatory as a wedding venue but realized it would be better suited for engagement photos.

Thought I would also add that being excited about the location makes it a lot easier to wake up at 4am to beat the crowds for a sunrise session 😉

Instagram post 17887178425963895

Lots of thoughts tonight:

1. How badass is Brittany creating magic in her studio space?? I was on such a creative high from this branding shoot that I’m considering opening up opportunities to document other artists at work in the future.

2. I’m over cropping photos into squares, hbu?

3. Getting v excited for an engagement shoot tomorrow. I’ve been absorbing HEALTHY content focusing me toward my own creativity and inspiring me to seek out more elements of story in my sessions, so I’m looking forward to putting some of that to good practice tomorrow.

4. I have a lineup of 6 sessions underway with editing! Couples waiting for that magical photo delivery day, it’s almost here! ✨

Instagram post 17860583690463469

At the tail end of our southwestern deserts road trip and already feeling like we’ll need to plan another one ASAP. We loved Sedona so much that we decided to stay two more days, and cut out going to the Grand Canyon entirely 😂

I’m excited to get back to take a look at the self portraits we took in Anza Borrego, Glamis, and Sedona! Also stoked to finish up all the shoots from the last two weeks that are waiting at home.

Enjoy this snap of Erin and Manoah at a desert that’s more local than the ones I’ve seen this week ⚡️

Instagram post 17874241091195442

Instagram post 17883695780032114

LOOKING FOR COUPLES!!! I’ll be on a road trip next week hitting up DESERTS in CA, AZ, UT, and NV and I’m looking for adventurous couples with modern/artsy style to make art with me (gotta be comfortable with each other / taking prompts in front of the camera!)

Currently looking for couples for Anza Borrego on 2/7-8, Glamis Sand Dunes on 2/8-9, and Death Valley on 2/12-13!

OC peeps, this is a day trip to an INCREDIBLY gorgeous location at the perfect time of year! DM me if you want in, and also if you spread the word to couples who might be interested I will love you forever 🌵

***Adding that I’m actually down to shoot if it’s just 1 person too!

Instagram post 17883768845086589

Normally there are somewhat predictable seasons in my work (engagement season, wedding season, booking season, etc) but 2020 disrupted everything even up until this point, and I’ve found myself at strange times of the year with my schedule wide open and unsure what will be coming my way next. Among many other things, this weird time has taught me to create my own opportunities, and has been reconnecting me with my creativity. I’ve been making stuff since I was old enough to hold a pencil but I only just feel like I’m learning who I am as an artist.

Planning / Photographer: @amyvvphoto
Coordination: @herestothemevents
Venue: @luceloft
Florist: @crimson_floralco
Videographer: @hello.monocle
Hair and Makeup: @tmsmakeupartistry
Dress: Vicki by @truvellebridal from @loveandlacebridal
Suit: @stitchandtie
Rings: @rawbyoliviamar
Tablescape Rentals: @borrowandbash
Table Rentals: @rusticurbanevents
Chair Rentals: @adorefolklore
Desserts: @thelayered_life
Calligrapher: @calligraphybymichellet
Invitations: @rachelmarvincreative
Models: @lexitorresss and @sean.ledesma

Instagram post 17896963543825033

A recent thought I have about engagement sessions:

I have a large bank of location ideas from years of scouting around, but recently I have shifted my focus while planning an engagement session with a couple to encouraging them to find a place that is meaningful to them specifically, whether it be somewhere that holds nostalgia or somewhere they’ve been excited about exploring!

My goal is to capture photos that best show who you are and catch a glimpse of your relationship together, and I find that that is often best achieved spending time in a place you resonate with and feel comfortable in.

Harmony and Andy chose the Griffith Observatory for multiple reasons- Andy studied astronomy in college (he actually wore a shirt with tiny constellations on it for our shoot!) and La La Land was the first movie they saw in theaters together and they thought it would be fun to integrate that classic Los Angeles look. They also had originally looked into the observatory as a wedding venue but realized it would be better suited for engagement photos.

Thought I would also add that being excited about the location makes it a lot easier to wake up at 4am to beat the crowds for a sunrise session 😉

Instagram post 17887178425963895

Lots of thoughts tonight:

1. How badass is Brittany creating magic in her studio space?? I was on such a creative high from this branding shoot that I’m considering opening up opportunities to document other artists at work in the future.

2. I’m over cropping photos into squares, hbu?

3. Getting v excited for an engagement shoot tomorrow. I’ve been absorbing HEALTHY content focusing me toward my own creativity and inspiring me to seek out more elements of story in my sessions, so I’m looking forward to putting some of that to good practice tomorrow.

4. I have a lineup of 6 sessions underway with editing! Couples waiting for that magical photo delivery day, it’s almost here! ✨

Instagram post 17860583690463469

At the tail end of our southwestern deserts road trip and already feeling like we’ll need to plan another one ASAP. We loved Sedona so much that we decided to stay two more days, and cut out going to the Grand Canyon entirely 😂

I’m excited to get back to take a look at the self portraits we took in Anza Borrego, Glamis, and Sedona! Also stoked to finish up all the shoots from the last two weeks that are waiting at home.

Enjoy this snap of Erin and Manoah at a desert that’s more local than the ones I’ve seen this week ⚡️

Instagram post 17874241091195442

Instagram post 17883695780032114

LOOKING FOR COUPLES!!! I’ll be on a road trip next week hitting up DESERTS in CA, AZ, UT, and NV and I’m looking for adventurous couples with modern/artsy style to make art with me (gotta be comfortable with each other / taking prompts in front of the camera!)

Currently looking for couples for Anza Borrego on 2/7-8, Glamis Sand Dunes on 2/8-9, and Death Valley on 2/12-13!

OC peeps, this is a day trip to an INCREDIBLY gorgeous location at the perfect time of year! DM me if you want in, and also if you spread the word to couples who might be interested I will love you forever 🌵

***Adding that I’m actually down to shoot if it’s just 1 person too!

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Amy Van Vlear is an artistic and upscale wedding photographer based in Southern California, providing creative and modern photography in Orange County, Los Angeles, and open for travel worldwide.

copyright 2020 Amy van vlear photographer