justine + mike = L.O.V.E.

We met Justine and Mike for their engagement photos on a springy morning in northern Idaho.

It was, in fact, Justine's birthday. (And in our opinion, photos of their love was a Perfect way to commence her special day.)

Justine giggles. A Lot.

We like it.

Mike is a teensy bit more quiet, but definitely adores Justine and is a bit of a romantic as you'll see in the following photos.

We asked them what things stood out in their relationship, what things were "them" and she said Music. So we worked on incorporating that special part of their relationship into their shoot.

 We were just talking about music being a huge part of our relationship. Mike plays guitar, and we love to worship together at my apartment or whatever. I also collect records....

{This lemonade isn't just cute-it tastes yummy too. Just to note.}

Congrats Justine and Mike! We know your love will go the miles and we are so, so happy for you!

Artist Spotlight: Jake Mason//Photographer

We love great art and get inspired by fellow creative souls.

We've been doing random "Artist Spotlight" entries as a periodic feature on here, but are going to make it more of a consistent feature.

So look for Great Artists here on the first Monday of each month.

And now-meet Jake.

We met Jake over 5 years ago, on that tiny rock in the ocean called Kona. His love for God, sweetness and huge heart are unforgettable. We've bumped into him and his beautiful wife, Katherine, a few times in the last couple of years, and love following his adventures daily, on intagram.

{Follow him, follow him, follow him.}

:: Jake + Katherine ::

:: wifie ::

  :: selfie ::

And in his own words: I would not consider myself a professional photographer, for me it's a hobby and a pleasure. It all started a few years back when I found a Minolta SRt-101 with a few lenses at a random Salvation Army. Since then I've explored many of the facets and intricacies of film photography.

There are many reasons I've stuck to film over the years, the biggest one is because I don't have the cash to get a setup I would enjoy shooting with. Once you go full frame, it feels wrong to shoot anything else. And the most I've paid for an old minolta lens is 75 bucks. The most I've paid for a camera is 85.

The other reasons are more personal. I enjoy the time it takes to consider a potential photo and commit to capturing that shot. Slow down and think if I want to have a print of this and look at it everyday or give it away to someone else? Does this image reflect my idea of beauty or creativity? If the answer is no, then I usually wait. But if the answer is yes, then *click* no hesitation. Also the weight of the metal body and knowing I have a piece of equipment that is 40+ years old that still puts out great images make me feel like a boss. :)

Starting with film forced me to understand the whole process of photography before I started snapping. My first roll I didn't have a battery for the light meter and I think maybe 6 shots actually turned out. So I had to push through all my frustration of failed shots, learn from my mistakes, and keep shooting. I'll keep getting better over time, but I know that if I like my shots, then that's all that matters at the end of the day. Until maybe I start getting paid...but until then I'll keep doing my thing. :)