I’m not really a morning person. My ideal wake up time is anywhere between 8:30 and 9am, but being a responsible grown up means getting up before my kids do. Other than tending to my children, I only get up early on Sundays to lead worship at church. But when my old friend Justin told me he was going to be in town and asked if I’d want to go on one of his sunrise shoots, I couldn’t say no – especially when he offered to come all the way out to the country. So I set my alarm for 5am on Sunday, got up after hitting snooze a few times, and threw on something I could go straight to church in.
I met Justin in college through my friend Garrett. We were all a bunch of artsy kids with lots of side projects and helped each other out however we could. They both taught me a lot about marketing and design and took pictures for my jewelry business, and in turn I would model for different projects they had going.
I’ll spare you any of those images, as we’ve all come a long way (their photography has improved and I’ve lost my college 15), but it was fun to step back to what we used to do.
All those years ago, I never had any interest in photography. I remember wondering why it took photographers so long to figure out light and what all of the fuss was about. Now that I’m usually the one behind the camera, it was nice to be on the other side again with a new appreciation.
My in-laws and I try to go on a long walk down the backroads around here several times a week. There is a lot of beauty I’ve been wanting to capture, and I thought now would be the opportune time (when I’m not trying to exercise). We started off getting some shots before the sun made it up over the horizon. I knew Justin would want me in pictures, but I figured I could learn a thing or two along the way, and as someone who is self taught, I jump at any chance I can get to learn from professionals.
Justin also brought his friend Logan along (an amazing wedding photographer) and he gave me lots of tips as a fellow Canon user.
We headed to a new spot and waited for the sun to come up.
It’s extremely popular to shoot at sunset (what’s known as the golden hour), but shooting at sunup had never really crossed my mind. It does make sense though. You hear of photographers chasing light to get all of their shots in, but when the sun is coming up instead of going down, there’s no chasing necessary.
I definitely needed a nap that afternoon, but it was an amazing experience that I would certainly be up for again. Thanks again, Justin and Logan!
Are you a morning person?
ElevenGables says
Gwen! I've said it once, I'll say it again, "Your hair is so long and silky, it looks like a scarf!" In all seriousness, You are so lovely… inside and out! Beautiful photography. Beautiful Subject (the one with the long hair)! xoxo, Emily
Marianne Six says
Gorgeous pictures !!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Marianne!
Rachel Rardon says
So beautiful. And you sing too? Wow girl, you are a super hero.
themakerista@gmail.com says
I certainly wouldn't go that far. Doer of many, master of none. 🙂
Chelsea Craig says
Stunning Gwen. I mean, seriously stunning. You guys are amazingly talented. Justin did our engagement/wedding photos and they are seriously pieces of art!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Chelsea, I know, Justin does such great work and he's just fun too!
Jennifer Lippi says
Absolutely stunning photos! I have gotten more into photography since I started blogging and there is such an art to it. I would love to study under those two talented photographers!! I am NOT a morning person either, but am forced to be because of my kiddos as well.
jennifer@decoratingdelirium.com
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Jennifer! Yes, it was totally worth getting up too early. 🙂
Jennifer @ Dimples and Tangles says
Beautiful, lady! Sounds like a perfectly lovely morning!
Elizabeth @ The Little Black Door says
Now that's something worth waking up for. You look fab my friend!
Summer Hogan says
You are beautiful!!! The photos are amazing and I love all of the ones with the greenery! I'm sure it was fun! I'm not a morning person at all but when the need arises it is nice and this was certainly one of those occasions!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Summer! You're right, I'm good with getting up early once in a while for something fun!
Emily Morris says
Beatiful photos!! The morning sun makes them look so warm and inviting. You'll have to share your new tricks!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Can't wait for dinner!
Jennifer BNHblog says
These are really beautiful! Every blogger needs some photographer friends ; ]
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Jennifer! I totally agree. 🙂
Beth of designPOST Interiors says
I am trying so hard to be a morning person so I can see my son off to school each day without looking like a troll 🙂 I could be persuaded though for photography like this!
Caitlin @ Desert Domicile says
So gorgeous! I'd make myself a morning person for photos like those!
Albertina M. Cisneros says
These photos are really spectacular! The last one is my favorite. I am a morning person for sure…and I don't drink coffee!
Jana Meister says
You look absolutely gorgeous! What a fun experience and you couldn't have asked for better scenery! I'm not a morning personal at all but the light is perfect at sunrise. I love the photo of you looking back over your shoulder its beautiful!
Xo Jana
http://www.janastyleblog.com
Jessie Miller says
Ummmmmm, HELLO GORGEOUS!!!!! You and these photos are incredible.
Also, I do not believe in waking up before 8 am. Also, holy hair!
Bethany DeVore says
Stunning!
Tracy Laverty says
Gwen, you are so beautiful! What great light you guys captured in these photos. I love the dress you're wearing too. And oh you're hair- you're like Rapunzel.
Kristin@bliss-athome.com says
Such a stunner you are all the time 🙂 How fun to get together with old friends like that. I always charish those times I get to be creative with friends from the past. Special times 🙂
Shavonda@AHomeFullOfColor says
nope not a morning person AT ALL. But, you are one freakin gorgeous lady.