Went Sailing yesterday. Something I try to and most times get the privilege of doing every Sunday. It almost seems as if the weekend is not complete without this ritual I have grown a loving and learning relationship with. It’s a chance to get away. Even if within swimming distance from the shore, it still feels as if there is a new and distant journey ahead each time we go out.
I haven’t always been so drawn to the water, or sailing for that matter, until about 5 years ago. Hate to say a typical “girl” comment, but I met a guy, he swept me off my feet, and took me sailing on our second date. I was, to say the least, in love. I would presume I get my romantic feelings and ideas towards sailing by my first experience on the water and the enjoyment I had with such a new and different adventure. And also by the thought of controlling a 30 ft boat that is being powered purely by mother nature. What happens with the boat is between the captain and her to decide, with little communication or warning. Things can happen fast and things can happen slow. It all depends on the day.
Naturally, being a photographer, and sharing the same amount of interest in sailing as photography. I wanted to merge the two. Over the past couple of years I have photographed the boat at sunset, on trips, on the water, at the dock, etc. But never with a couple.
This brings me to these photos. My sisters engagement. I knew that I didn’t want to take someone out that wouldn’t appreciate the boat (and the captain who was doing all the work) as well as its surroundings. When discussing locations with my sister, she mentioned the sailboat. I had no hesitation in thinking that they were the right couple to take out. For two reasons.
One, Kristen is my only sister, and I wanted to make her engagement photos a little more sentimental than others because we have a personal relationship and this would only happen once for her and I.
And secondly, my sister and her fiance Chris have only been out sailing once. It was on this boat. And it was one of the most intense sailing days I have ever had in Julington Creek. I’m talking 25 knot winds, buckets of water splashing directly on people (mostly Kristen), things flying around in the cabin, 10 people on the boat, and overall not one of the best trips to be taking a first timer on.
When we finally got back to the dock, Kristen said she would never go out again.
This Engagement Session was her second trip. It was a slow , slightly rainy day. But it was just the four of us this time. And after about two hours of sailing around with no wind. A nice gust came through and a double rainbow came out.
Goes to show that if you let your guard down, beautiful things can happen.
Enjoy!
KiKi
amelia island engagement photographer
