How did I plan a photo Shoot on the cliffs of San Diego while still in the east coast- shooting weddings, packing for a move and planning for four consecutive trips? The short answer is, I didn’t. Well, not very well. With very little time to scout the location and zero knowledge of where it was safe to cliff jump, I admit I could have executed a much better shoot. I am so grateful to the organizer of the shoot, Rhonda Haiston of Weddings of San Diego, for spearheading the shoot and taking a chance on this east coast girl in her hunt for a collaborating photographer.

Fortunately, I will only improve and learn with every new photography experience, so there are many reasons I am happy that I pushed myself and made the leap. (So to speak). My biggest lesson: talk to the models well beforehand, even if I am not the one coordinating. Explain to them how they should be feeling, what my concept of the shot is, the approach. I realize if I had taken extra time for proper planning, research- and drawn up a concept for the models in the pre- stages, I may have been able to convey the look I was going for (All-out, exciting crazy-in-love jumping off of a cliff, life-changing amaze-balls moment between a bride and groom.)

So rather than bore you with the cliff shots (some were good, others so-so) I wanted to share my favorite shots from the day. Realizing that after the plunge into the ocean we would still have a model with a wedding dress-now wet- I jumped at the chance (hehe), to use my Underwater camera housing and mighty little powershot G-10. I suggested the underwater take, and Rhonda came through with a great location in Coronado following the cliff jump. The weather was perfect, and we had the whole pool to ourselves (bonus!)

The model, who was amazing, had done some underwater swimsuit shoots and also used to free-dive (cool!?!). She was very patient with my fumbling with the camera underwater and attempts to time the immersions. We looked through her Pinterest underwater shoot inspiration board before we went under each time, but it was really no way to predict how each image would look once I went under. I couldn’t see the screen, or the viewfinder, so I just pointed as best I could and relied on her talent and ability to connect with the camera. I love what she did, and I find the images captivating. It is remarkable to me how she was able to focus on emoting underwater while holding her breath, and trying to stay down among the folds of dress straining to pull her back up. I posted a few of the shots below.

So, I’d love to hear what you think! If anyone has done underwater work and has any tips for next time, I welcome them

-Kelly

*for those die-hards who are still reading and really want to see the cliff shoot: http://ijett.photoshelter.com/gallery/Sunset-Cliffs-Photo-Shoot/G00006uFOiWAsJ0I/