John W. Farrand Photography Blog

One of the greatest parts of being a lifestyle and wedding photographer, is that you really get to know your clients better than probably any other genre of photography.  A lot of times, you get to become friends of the people you shoot.  The very nature of “lifestyle” portraiture depends on a different interaction between the photographer and client than just posing and shooting.  That’s even more true shooting a Disneyland lifestyle engagement or family session.

Jeremy and Michelle have become good friends of ours, and excellent Disneyland companions!  So after shooting their engagement session in Disneyland, and their wedding (which sadly was NOT in Disneyland), we jumped at the chance to do a maternity session there.  We also knew that this wouldn’t be a “normal” maternity shoot.  :)  We just wanted to show how much they love each other, and how much fun they have together.  I think you can see that in these.

Thanks again Eurtos… and little Jude Michael…  We can’t wait to meet you!

What a fun day!  Once you glance through the pictures, you’ll see what I’m talking about.

I’ve known Jeff for a few years now, as we used to work together in TV.  I may not be there anymore, but Jeff is still producing greatness!

Speaking of greatness!!  What a great day this was!  Melissa and I were honored to be asked to shoot some family photos in Disneyland.  If anyone reading this knows us, the answer to this question was “Um, Yes!”  The Lenk’s were celebrating Madeline’s 2nd birthday, and we were lucky to tag along.

For some time now, I’ve been curious how I would end up shooting a family session inside Disneyland.  My predominant style of shooting is a “lifestyle” approach, and hoped that I could give the them (or anyone else) something they could cherish for many years.  When we go to Disneyland we see cameras everywhere.  EVERYWHERE.  With this session, I really wanted to try to produce images that were taken in familiar places, but maybe in a way people haven’t seen before.  I was really anxious for the challenge of shooting this sweet family at our favorite hangout!

I hope anyone finding this page will enjoy the pictures, because they make me happy too!  I think what I enjoy most about them, is seeing that sweet bond between brother and sister in these.  I love the honesty kids show and live.

Thanks Madeline for letting us be a part of your day, and life!!

In case you couldn’t guess from the title of this post…  Fair warning: It includes gratuitous pictures of people in love, in The Happiest Place On Earth (can I get sued for using that title?).

Fun. Epic. Busy.

That about describes the 2 fantastic days we all got to spend together.. in Disneyland.  Melissa and I have been itching to shoot a couple in Disneyland for some time now.  Jeremy and Michelle are almost as obsessed with Disneyland as we are!  Knowing they had gotten engaged at Disneyland we knew we had to try.  We casually (read: not so subtly) mentioned that there was a “strong possibility” we could all hang out at Disneyland, and call it an “Engagement Session.”

We had So. Much. Fun!  These two are hilarious!

It was everything we hoped it could be, and BUSY.  The park was so packed!  We didn’t really expect the park to be as full as it was, but whatever.. We had a blast!  The thing I love most about these images is to see Jeremy and Michelle’s honest feelings for each other.  They’re just pretty people inside and out… and as you can tell, they just adore each other.

Anyone would be lucky to call these two friends, and after this trip.. We get to.  :)

We can’t be more excited for their wedding this November!

PS.. It was tough to work around the crowds, BUT I was able to do a little homage to one of my favorite pictures of Walt Disney.  See if you know which one I’m talking about… ;)