Destination Elopement WEDDING in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico | Michael & Michelle

As golden hour gave way to sunset, a single flash transformed the historic walls of Old San Juan into a dramatic cinematic backdrop.

Some weddings begin with years of planning. Others begin with a decision to stop waiting.

For Michael and Michelle, life had already happened. They had been together for ten years, built a family with three wonderful children, established successful careers, and created a life they were proud of. What they hadn't done was celebrate their marriage in a way that truly reflected who they were.

So instead of planning a large traditional wedding, they chose something far more meaningful: an intimate destination elopement in Old San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Michelle is half Puerto Rican, making the island much more than simply a beautiful destination. It represented heritage, family, and a connection to a place that already held significance in her heart. For the two of them, Puerto Rico was the perfect place to finally experience the wedding day they never had.

From Texas to Puerto Rico for an Intimate Elopement

A close look at the ring that symbolizes a decade together and the beginning of a new chapter celebrated in Puerto Rico.

Michael and Michelle traveled from the Fort Worth, Texas area to celebrate their love in one of the most historic cities in the Caribbean.

Their story began over a decade ago at a local hookah lounge. Michelle was a regular there before eventually working at the lounge herself. As fate would have it, Michael later moved across the street, and what started as a chance connection slowly grew into a relationship that would last a lifetime.

They dated for five years before legally getting married, but life quickly became busy. Careers advanced. Michael transitioned from commercial real estate into his current role as a Department of Defense contractor, while Michelle built a career in healthcare. Along the way, they welcomed three beautiful children into their family—a nine-year-old, a four-year-old, and a two-year-old who, as they lovingly joked during our consultation, was "a happy accident."

Like so many couples, the wedding itself kept getting postponed while life took priority.

Eventually, they decided it was time to celebrate their marriage properly.

Why Puerto Rico is Perfect for Destination Elopements

A timeless black and white portrait celebrating the intimacy that comes from ten years of love, friendship, and building a family together.

There are countless reasons couples choose Puerto Rico for their destination wedding or elopement.

For some, it's the tropical scenery.

For others, it's the convenience of traveling to a Caribbean island without needing a passport if traveling from the mainland United States.

For Michael and Michelle, it was also deeply personal.

Puerto Rico offered beautiful beaches, centuries-old Spanish architecture, incredible food, vibrant culture, and a meaningful connection to Michelle's Puerto Rican heritage.

It's one of the reasons I believe Puerto Rico elopements continue to become more popular every year. Couples aren't simply traveling somewhere beautiful—they're creating an experience they'll remember forever.

A Hidden Corner of Old San Juan

When people think about eloping in Old San Juan, they almost immediately picture El Morro.

Overlooking San Juan Bay, Michael and Michelle paused to take in the beauty of Puerto Rico before continuing their celebration through the city's historic streets.

It's certainly iconic.

But iconic doesn't always mean ideal.

Originally, we planned to photograph their ceremony there. After scouting the location, however, it became obvious that it wasn't going to deliver the experience they deserved.

The grass had turned yellow from the summer heat.

The fort itself was partially covered in scaffolding.

Dozens of families were flying kites across the lawn.

Tourists filled nearly every frame.

Instead of spending hours removing thirty people from every photograph in Photoshop, we pivoted.

One of the greatest advantages of hiring a local elopement photographer in Puerto Rico is knowing when to abandon the obvious location in favor of something even better.

We moved to Bastión de San Agustín.

It's one of my favorite hidden gems inside the historic walls of Old San Juan.

Quiet.

Private.

Intimate.

The kind of place where couples can exchange vows without an audience.

Sometimes the best locations are the ones most visitors never discover.

Beginning with Connection Instead of Posing

A quiet forehead kiss as the afternoon light sculpted every detail of their portraits before sunset.

I almost never begin an elopement session with complicated poses.

Instead, I ask couples to simply be together.

To talk.

To laugh.

To remember why they're there.

Those first few minutes allow real emotions to replace nervous energy.

As Michael and Michelle settled into the experience, genuine smiles appeared effortlessly.

Those authentic moments are always more meaningful than anything I could direct.

Using Short Lighting for More Dramatic Portraits

That’s a look that’s been ten years in the making.

One technique I rely on throughout nearly every portrait session is short lighting.

Rather than photographing people from the same direction as the sun, I prefer photographing from the opposite side of the light source.

Doing so creates deeper shadows across the face while beautifully sculpting the jawline and adding separation from the background.

Golden hour in Old San Juan creates the perfect conditions for this approach.

The warm Caribbean sunlight becomes a natural studio light, producing portraits that feel timeless, dimensional, and cinematic.

It's subtle, but it makes an enormous difference.

Editorial Composition Through Offset Photography

Watching the sun disappear beyond San Juan Bay together after finally celebrating the wedding day they had waited years to experience.

Once we captured intimate close-ups, we transitioned into what I often call offset photography.

Instead of placing couples directly beside each other, I stagger their positions.

Sometimes one partner stands slightly in front.

Sometimes one stands behind.

Sometimes they're offset just enough that I can layer them against the background while using a shallow depth of field to isolate one subject.

This approach creates photographs that feel less traditional and more editorial.

It also gives every image movement, depth, and a sense of intentional design.

Old San Juan offers endless opportunities for these kinds of compositions because every stone wall, tree, and pathway naturally adds layers to the frame.

Golden Hour and Flash Photography

I call this the ‘almost’ kiss; the Sun was a paid actor.

As the sun approached the horizon, I introduced flash.

Many photographers pack away their lights during golden hour.

I tend to do the opposite.

By carefully balancing ambient sunset light with a single flash, I can preserve the incredible colors of the sky while adding dimension and clarity to my subjects.

For this session, I intentionally limited myself to just one lens and one flash.

Creative limitations often force better decisions.

Instead of constantly changing equipment, I focused entirely on light, composition, and storytelling.

Looking back at these images, I genuinely believe they're among the strongest flash portraits I've created all year.

Perhaps even in my career.

Sometimes less equipment leads to more creativity.

More Than Just Beautiful Portraits

When you have no words for a moment, your eyes speak for you.

Michael and Michelle's elopement wasn't about trends.

It wasn't about impressing guests.

It wasn't about creating a production.

It was about finally celebrating ten years together in a place that meant something to them.

Watching them walk through the historic streets of Old San Juan, surrounded by centuries of history and overlooking San Juan Bay at sunset, it became obvious that waiting hadn't diminished the significance of the moment.

If anything, it had made it even more meaningful.

Planning Your Own Puerto Rico Elopement

What a way to end an epic elopement in Puerto Rico!

If you're considering leaving behind the stress of a traditional wedding, Puerto Rico offers one of the most rewarding destinations anywhere in the Caribbean.

Whether you envision exchanging vows inside the historic walls of Old San Juan, standing atop dramatic coastal cliffs, walking along secluded beaches, or celebrating beneath towering tropical trees, every location offers something uniquely unforgettable.

As an elopement photographer in Puerto Rico, my goal isn't simply to create beautiful images.

It's to help couples discover locations they may never have found on their own, adapt when circumstances change, and document their day in a way that feels authentic, elegant, and timeless.

Every couple has a story worth telling.

Michael and Michelle's reminds us that it's never too late to celebrate the life you've built together.

If you're dreaming about your own Puerto Rico elopement, I'd love to help you create an experience that's every bit as unforgettable as the photographs you'll take home.

The Best Luxury Resorts in Puerto Rico for The Escapade Experience

For decades, Puerto Rico has quietly become one of the Caribbean's premier luxury wedding destinations. While many couples immediately think of Italy, Hawaii, or the French Riviera when planning an intimate celebration, Puerto Rico offers something few destinations can rival: effortless accessibility, remarkable diversity, world-class hospitality, and an extraordinary variety of landscapes within just a few hours' drive.

In a single weekend, couples can wander the centuries-old streets of Old San Juan, relax on pristine white-sand beaches, sail turquoise waters, hike through America's only tropical rainforest, and enjoy five-star dining—all without needing a passport for U.S. travelers.

These qualities inspired The Escapade, my signature experience that transforms wedding photography into a curated celebration spanning unforgettable experiences rather than a single photoshoot. Instead of treating photography as another item on a timeline, The Escapade encourages couples to immerse themselves in Puerto Rico while every meaningful moment is naturally documented.

Choosing the right resort is the foundation of that experience.

Here are fifteen exceptional properties that perfectly complement The Escapade.

I. Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve

You and me. That’s all we need.

Few resorts in the Caribbean embody understated luxury quite like Dorado Beach.

Originally developed by Laurance Rockefeller, the property blends modern sophistication with complete privacy. Oceanfront residences, secluded beaches, award-winning dining, and one of the Caribbean's finest spas make it one of Puerto Rico's most prestigious destinations.

Why couples love it

• Ultimate privacy

• Personalized luxury service

• Stunning architecture

• World-renowned Spa Botánico

• Spectacular beachfront ceremony locations

Why it pairs perfectly with The Escapade

A morning paddleboard session, an afternoon spa treatment, a sunset beach walk, and an intimate candlelit dinner naturally become part of your wedding story instead of separate activities.

II. The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort

Us over everything.

Nestled between El Yunque National Forest and the Atlantic Ocean, Bahia Beach offers something incredibly rare: luxury immersed in nature.

Miles of nature trails, lagoons, wildlife, and pristine beaches create a peaceful environment unlike anywhere else on the island.

Why couples love it

• Rainforest atmosphere

• Exceptional privacy

• Oceanfront elegance

• Golf course

• Butler service

Why it complements The Escapade

Every walk through the property becomes an opportunity for storytelling. Sunrise bicycle rides, wildlife encounters, beach sunsets, and leisurely afternoons unfold organically before the camera.

III. Fairmont El San Juan Hotel

The sunset can be all ours.

Classic glamour never goes out of style.

Located in Isla Verde, Fairmont El San Juan blends vintage elegance with vibrant nightlife, making it ideal for couples seeking sophistication with energy.

Why couples love it

• Iconic architecture

• Elegant ballroom

• Fine dining

• Lively nightlife

• Prime beachfront location

Why it pairs beautifully with The Escapade

Spend your morning exploring Old San Juan, relax by the beach in the afternoon, enjoy handcrafted cocktails before dinner, and conclude with an elegant evening celebration.

IV. Condado Vanderbilt Hotel

Intimacy is what it’s all about.

The Vanderbilt has defined luxury in Puerto Rico for over a century.

Overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, its timeless architecture, impeccable service, and Michelin-level dining have made it one of the island's most recognizable luxury hotels.

Why couples love it

• Historic elegance

• Oceanfront suites

• Exceptional culinary experiences

• Central San Juan location

Why it complements The Escapade

Its proximity to Old San Juan makes it easy to blend historic architecture, fine dining, rooftop cocktails, and oceanfront portraits into a seamless multi-day experience.

V. Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico

Let’s Escapade…to Puerto Rico.

Located in Río Grande, this expansive resort offers dramatic mountain views, beachfront scenery, and easy access to El Yunque National Forest.

Why couples love it

• Spacious luxury

• Beautiful beaches

• Family-friendly accommodations

• Exceptional event spaces

Why it works with The Escapade

Couples can combine rainforest adventures, beach sessions, private dinners, and relaxing resort experiences without ever feeling rushed.

VI. Royal Isabela

Big things have small beginnings.

For couples seeking exclusivity, Royal Isabela is unlike anywhere else.

Perched atop dramatic ocean cliffs on Puerto Rico's northwest coast, the property offers breathtaking views that rival some of the world's most celebrated coastal destinations.

Why couples love it

• Incredible cliffside scenery

• Boutique atmosphere

• Ultimate privacy

• Luxurious casitas

• Championship golf course

Why it complements The Escapade

Every sunset feels cinematic. Every cliffside walk becomes unforgettable. The slower pace encourages couples to simply be present while extraordinary imagery unfolds naturally.

VII. Copamarina Beach Resort & Spa

A commencement only we will remember.

Located on Puerto Rico's tranquil southwest coast, Copamarina offers a completely different atmosphere from the island's bustling metropolitan resorts.

Why couples love it

• Secluded beaches

• Relaxed elegance

• Easy access to nearby islands

• Beautiful sunsets

Why it pairs with The Escapade

Perfect for couples who value simplicity, nature, kayaking, sailing, and quiet evenings beneath the stars.

VIII: El Conquistador Resort

The anticipation of seeing…just you.

Perched above the Caribbean Sea in Fajardo, El Conquistador combines dramatic coastal views with endless adventure.

Why couples love it

• Private island access

• Marina

• Cliffside vistas

• Endless recreational activities

Why it complements The Escapade

Charter a yacht, explore nearby islands, enjoy sunset sailing, then return for elegant evening portraits overlooking the sea.

IX. Caribe Hilton

Holding you feels better when we’re alone.

Birthplace of the Piña Colada and one of Puerto Rico's most iconic hotels, the Caribe Hilton balances history with modern luxury.

Why couples love it

• Oceanfront location

• Tropical gardens

• Historic significance

• Close proximity to Old San Juan

Why it works beautifully

It offers the flexibility to combine urban exploration with peaceful beachfront experiences throughout your celebration.

X. La Concha Renaissance Resort

Memories made together…in solitude.

Modern, stylish, and energetic, La Concha appeals to couples seeking a contemporary luxury experience.

Why couples love it

• Vibrant atmosphere

• Beachfront location

• Modern design

• Exceptional nightlife

Why it complements The Escapade

Perfect for younger couples wanting city life, rooftop cocktails, beach sessions, and an elevated social experience.

XI. Olive Boutique Hotel

All I’ll ever need? You.

An intimate luxury property inspired by European elegance.

Why couples love it

• Boutique charm

• Rooftop ambiance

• Romantic atmosphere

• Personalized service

Why it pairs beautifully

Ideal for intimate celebrations where every detail feels curated and personal.

XII. O:LV Fifty Five

Eloping in Puerto Rico: the best decision you’ll make.

Sophisticated interiors, waterfront views, and contemporary design make this adults-only hotel especially attractive for stylish couples.

Why couples love it

• Boutique luxury

• Romantic suites

• Designer interiors

• Lagoon views

Why it fits The Escapade

Its intimate scale encourages slow mornings, rooftop evenings, and elegant storytelling.

XIII. Wyndham Grand Rio Mar

In ‘The Escapade’, the only decision you have to make is saying ‘yes’ to yourself.

Set between rainforest and ocean, Rio Mar offers one of Puerto Rico's most diverse landscapes.

Why couples love it

• Beachfront ceremony options

• Rainforest access

• Championship golf

• Spacious luxury

Why it complements The Escapade

A single weekend can include waterfalls, beaches, golf, fine dining, and unforgettable sunsets.

XIV. Palacio Provincial

The only voice I want to hear is yours.

Situated within Old San Juan itself, Palacio Provincial immerses couples in centuries of history.

Why couples love it

• Colonial architecture

• Rooftop pool

• Walkable location

• Historic charm

Why it pairs perfectly

Every street becomes part of the story. Every doorway, balcony, and cobblestone path offers authentic romance.

XV. Hotel El Convento

Let’s get away together…just you and me.

Perhaps no hotel captures Old San Juan's timeless romance better.

Originally built as a convent in the 1600s, it remains one of Puerto Rico's most iconic luxury properties.

Why couples love it

• Historic architecture

• Boutique luxury

• Incredible ambiance

• Walkable city center

Why it complements The Escapade

History becomes part of your celebration. Morning coffee in a centuries-old courtyard naturally leads to portraits through colorful colonial streets before an unforgettable evening dinner.

Why These Resorts Were Made for The Escapade

Luxury is no longer measured solely by thread count, marble bathrooms, or Michelin-starred restaurants. Today's discerning couples value something far more meaningful: time together, genuine experiences, and the freedom to celebrate without feeling confined by a rigid schedule.

That philosophy is the foundation of The Escapade.

Rather than viewing your wedding as a single day, imagine it as a curated journey. Sip aged rum at Casa Bacardí, sail into the sunset aboard a private catamaran, unwind with a couples spa treatment, stroll hand in hand through Old San Juan's historic streets, or watch the sun disappear beyond the Atlantic from a secluded beach. These aren't distractions from your wedding—they become part of your wedding story.

Each of the resorts featured above provides the ideal setting for that kind of celebration. Whether you're drawn to cliffside vistas at Royal Isabela, rainforest tranquility at The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, the refined grandeur of Dorado Beach, or the timeless elegance of Condado Vanderbilt, your resort becomes more than a venue. It becomes the backdrop for a deeply personal experience.

When the celebration ends, what remains are not just beautiful photographs, but vivid memories of a journey shared together. That is the heart of The Escapade: preserving not only how your wedding looked, but how it felt.

A Chicago Love Story Meets Escambrón Beach: Christina & Eric’s Intimate Puerto Rico Elopement

Some love stories begin with a glance that refuses to be ignored.

Some love stories begin quietly.

Others begin with a glance that refuses to be ignored.

Christina and Eric’s story began in a crowded bar in Chicago during an event where strangers mingled and conversations overlapped. Across the room, the two locked eyes for only a few seconds, but it was long enough for both of them to realize that they needed to speak with one another.

Eric later told me he immediately knew he had his hands full that night. Christina had the kind of presence that naturally drew attention, and plenty of guys were eager to introduce themselves. Yet by the end of the evening, Eric was the one who had captured her attention.

Sunset over the Caribbean never disappoints.

What began as a conversation quickly turned into something deeper.

Two years later, they were inseparable in the Windy City and ready to begin the next chapter of their lives together.

For both of them, this would be a second marriage. Rather than planning a large wedding filled with expectations and obligations, they chose something more meaningful: an intimate elopement experience.

And for the backdrop to their union, they chose one of the most beautiful coastal settings in Puerto Rico—Escambrón Beach.

An Intimate Ceremony at Escambrón Beach

A Chicago love story meets the shores of Puerto Rico.

Escambrón Beach is one of San Juan’s most beloved coastal locations. With sweeping ocean views, historic fortifications, and the rhythm of the Caribbean just steps away, it offers couples a setting that feels both expansive and intimate at the same time.

For Christina and Eric, the location perfectly matched their vision: cozy, personal, and meaningful.

The ceremony was officiated by Tim Blackford—known on Instagram as @peace.love.weddings—who has become a familiar collaborator of mine over the years. Tim and I have worked together on countless elopements along Puerto Rico’s coastline, and each ceremony carries its own unique story.

This one, however, began with a small surprise.

Elopements allow couples to slow down and savor every moment.

When we arrived at Escambrón Beach, we quickly discovered that a marathon-related event had taken over much of the venue grounds. Nearly three-quarters of the area was temporarily closed off, leaving us with only a narrow stretch of space along the side of the beach near a cluster of large boulders.

Fortunately, creativity is part of the job.

Tim set up a beautiful floral archway, and within minutes the limited space transformed into a charming ceremony setting overlooking the water.

Sometimes the best moments come from adapting.

A Ceremony Interrupted…By Cats

Intimate weddings allow couples to experience their day without distractions.

As Tim began the ceremony, I prepared my gear for both photography and video coverage.

My Canon R5C was set up to record a static shot of the ceremony, while Tim was equipped with DJI Mic Minis tucked discreetly beneath his blazer to capture clean audio. The sound was synced with my DJI Osmo 360 camera, which was mounted to a Stuntman shoulder harness for immersive footage of the moment.

Once everything was dialed in, I clipped on my Spyder Holster and moved freely around the ceremony to document the experience.

The weather couldn’t have been more cooperative. Despite a steady breeze rolling in from the ocean, the sky remained remarkably clear.

Then, unexpectedly, the ceremony paused.

Two people, one coastline, and a brand new beginning.

A gentleman nearby began calling out loudly in search of stray cats he was feeding along the beach.

While the interruption was certainly unexpected, Christina and Eric handled the moment with grace and humor. It was the last thing anyone would anticipate pausing a wedding ceremony, but in hindsight it became one of those small, memorable moments that couples laugh about for years.

Once the cats were happily fed and the beach grew quiet again, Tim resumed the ceremony.

Vows were spoken, rings were exchanged, and Christina and Eric shared their first kiss as husband and wife against the sound of waves rolling onto the shoreline.

After signing the paperwork to make their marriage official, Tim bid the couple farewell, leaving the three of us alone with the evening ahead.

Two Hours of Creative Freedom

Sometimes the most meaningful ceremonies are the quietest ones.

One of the greatest joys of photographing elopements is time.

At traditional weddings, photographers often have only a brief window—sometimes as little as fifteen minutes—to work exclusively with the couple. Elopements are different.

Christina and Eric had reserved two full hours for portraits, which meant we could explore the area freely and allow the experience to unfold naturally.

We began beneath nearby palm trees where the shade created beautiful directional light. I used the surrounding foliage and architecture to frame the couple in ways that felt organic and cinematic.

A few minutes later, Eric noticed the historic fort nearby and asked if we could explore it.

I was more than happy to oblige.

The structure overlooks the ocean, and as we approached I noticed the sky beginning to transform with subtle streaks of color as sunset approached.

For photographers, this is the moment when anticipation turns into excitement.

Sunset at the Fort

Escambrón Beach continues to be one of Puerto Rico’s most beautiful elopement locations.

As the sun dipped toward the horizon, the sky painted itself in warm tones that mirrored the energy of the day.

I leaned into symmetry and architectural lines, framing the couple within the geometry of the fort’s walls and staircases. Christina and Eric proved to be adventurous partners, climbing stairs and exploring the structure without hesitation.

Then came my favorite moment of the evening.

As darkness began to settle, I reached for my trigger and mounted it to my Canon R6 Mark II, syncing it with my Godox AD200 Pro and V100 flash.

With a CTO gel applied to mimic the warmth of sunset light, I created dramatic backlit portraits against the stone walls of the fort. The glow echoed the last golden tones of the sky while the Caribbean stretched quietly behind them.

We captured portraits along the railing overlooking the water, silhouettes against the horizon, and quiet moments framed by the fading colors of dusk.

In what felt like an instant, two hours had passed.

Why Elopements Like This Matter

The fort overlooking Escambrón provided the perfect backdrop for evening portraits.

Experiences like Christina and Eric’s are a powerful reminder of why I fell in love with photographing elopements in the first place.

When couples remove the pressure of a traditional wedding, something remarkable happens.

The day slows down.

Moments breathe.

And the focus remains exactly where it belongs—on the couple.

That philosophy is precisely what inspired The Escapade, a luxury elopement experience in Puerto Rico designed for couples who want something more intentional than a traditional wedding, yet more curated than a simple ceremony.

The Escapade blends photography, planning support, and meaningful experiences into one seamless celebration, allowing couples to fully enjoy their wedding day without the stress and complexity of a large event.

For Christina and Eric, their Escambrón Beach elopement captured exactly what makes these moments so special.

Two people.

One coastline.

And the beginning of a new chapter written entirely on their own terms.

A GQ-Inspired Portrait Session in NYC With a Fellow Creative I Admire

Susan’s use of the dark aesthetic is easily one of the things that made it a no-brainer for me.

     As a wedding photographer in Puerto Rico, I spend most of my life behind the camera—photographing weddings, proposals, and destination celebrations. But for quite some time, I’ve been wanting to experience the other side of the lens. I had tried plenty to refresh my portfolio using behind-the-scenes content from weddings, having team members photograph me while I worked. While those images were helpful, they didn’t reflect the polished, editorial look I had in mind.

     What I truly wanted was something with intention: a stylized, GQ-inspired portrait session that captured the way I feel as an artist. Clean, sophisticated, timeless. And once I finally slowed down enough to think about it, the person I wanted to collaborate with became obvious.

It’s almost as if Susan knew she’d be rocking me in front of black V-Flats

     I wanted to work with Canon Explorer of Light Susan Stripling — someone whose work I’ve admired for a while and whose approach to light, mood, and storytelling aligns closely with my own. Among photographers in New York City, she’s someone whose artistic values mirror mine: thoughtful use of light, a love of shadows, and a natural intuition for mood and tone that feels familiar to me. We were already speaking the same language creatively, so reaching out felt natural.

     I emailed her with a laid-back, friendly pitch about the idea. She replied warmly, and soon enough we set up a FaceTime call. From the first minute, it felt like catching up with someone I’d known for years. We laughed, swapped stories, introduced our pets, and even got to say hello to Bill, her partner and fellow photographer. The energy was easy, familiar, and genuinely fun. A few days later, the invoice was in my inbox; I paid it and immediately booked a flight straight to Midtown Manhattan.

Landing in New York City

Susan made me look tough but I’ll have you know I’m a Pop-Tart: hard on the outside but soft in the middle.

     On November 9th, I arrived at JFK and—despite the federal shutdown—managed to get through smoothly. From there, I hopped on the train and headed to 38th Street to check into the La Quinta by Wyndham, which happened to be directly across from Susan’s studio.

     The next morning, I laid out my outfit: a light gray suit we’d already talked about through text, paired with a black shirt and tie. But the real star, as it turned out, was the black pea coat I packed for the cold weather. The second she saw it, she knew it had to be part of the session. Honestly, she wasn’t wrong.

Walking Into the Studio

I’ll probably hear from the modeling agency very soon if I’m being honest.

     With the studio just across the street, I left five minutes before the session. Susan greeted me at the door with a hug—warm, friendly, no pretense—and Bill followed with an outstretched hand and a smile. It immediately set the tone for the whole shoot: relaxed, collaborative, and comfortable.

     After a quick catch-up, Susan complimented the outfit choice and started pulling out V-Flats. We headed toward the massive windows overlooking 38th Street, planning to use them as our main light source. Both she and I love natural light, so it made perfect sense to keep the setup simple and let the city do the work.

Gotta throw in a good black and white. Am I right?!

     I loved that we didn’t need flash. With only an hour together—and plenty of conversation in between shots—working with window light kept everything flowing. Before starting, I suggested playing some Lucy Dacus, one of her favorite artists. I always feel that when you’re listening to something that inspires you, the creativity just comes easier.

Shooting With a Colleague Whose Work I Respect

Had to sneak in a pick out in the streets because, you know…New York City. C’mon…

     Throughout the session, Susan moved between her Canon RF 28-70mm f/2 and the 85mm f/1.2, making small adjustments, finding interesting angles, and shaping the light with both light and dark V-Flats. Her use of shadow and negative fill felt very much in line with my own approach—and that’s exactly why this collaboration felt so natural.

Might actually be my favorite from the bunch.

     She positioned me near the window, playing with pockets of light and areas of darkness in ways that reminded me of how I work during weddings in Puerto Rico. We weren’t trying to reinvent anything; we were simply two photographers who share similar instincts.

     She didn’t show me the back of the camera—and I didn’t want to see it. I trusted her completely; I made this very clear. Susan also let me record the entire session using my new DJI Osmo 360 camera and even let me clip a mic on her for crisp audio. Those behind-the-scenes clips are going to be gold.

Why This Session Mattered

Quick tip: pretend to reach for your wallet for a classic male pose.

     As someone who spends every weekend photographing couples across the island as a Puerto Rico wedding photographer, I’m always creating, directing, managing timelines, and adapting to unpredictable environments. Being in front of the camera—especially in a controlled, intentional environment—felt refreshing in the best way.

     It reminded me of why I love this craft. It reminded me that even photographers need portraits that feel true to who we are. And collaborating with someone whose style aligns with mine made the whole experience feel effortless—not like working with an unreachable expert, but like creating with a colleague I genuinely connect with.

I need to work on my hands. They’re starting to call me ‘scissor fingers’.

     Among New York City wedding photographers, Susan is someone whose approach I respect deeply, and shooting with her reaffirmed just how valuable creative collaboration can be. I’m genuinely excited to share the images from this session—and the behind-the-scenes footage—very soon.