Yannis Malevitis

Category: Engagement

  • Surprise proposal at the Morgan Memorial Park

    Surprise proposal at the Morgan Memorial Park

    At the end of December, I was asked to photograph a surprise proposal at Morgan Memorial Park. A significant snowstorm was forecast for that day, and there was uncertainty as to whether the weather would allow us to proceed with the plan as envisioned.

    I arrived at the agreed location around 2:45 pm. To remain inconspicuous, I positioned myself as a nature photographer, seemingly focused on photographing birds along the waterfront. I was holding a Canon 200mm f/2, which helped reinforce the illusion and allowed me to observe the scene discreetly from a distance.

    James and Jordana soon walked along the path. Just a few feet past me, James stopped, turned toward Jordana, and kneeled to propose. She was completely taken by surprise. Her reaction was priceless — genuine, emotional, and filled with joy. Being present for such an intimate moment and capturing her authentic response is one of the reasons I love this work.

    As they embraced, I switched to my 50mm f/1.2, moving quietly around them to document their connection from multiple perspectives while preserving the intimacy of the moment.

    After the initial wave of emotion settled, we walked together through the park to find two to three thoughtfully chosen locations for their engagement portraits. The light was very flat due to the overcast conditions, so I introduced a 400W monolight, using it subtly to shape the light and create depth through controlled highlights and shadows.

    Despite the winter conditions, the result was a series of images that felt timeless, intimate, and true to the moment they experienced.

    Surprise proposal at the Morgan Memorial Park
    Surprise proposal at the Morgan Memorial Park
    Surprise proposal at the Morgan Memorial Park
    Surprise proposal at the Morgan Memorial Park
    Couple sharing a tender moment by the water at sunset.
  • The importance of an engagement shoot

    The importance of an engagement shoot

    I would like to discuss the importance of an engagement shoot in the wedding photography process. There are couples who believe that an engagement shoot may not be necessary.

    I always suggest to my prospective clients to meet and have an engagement photo shoot or a mini photo session for a number of reasons.

    Review of wedding day schedule

    First, when I meet the couple, we have the opportunity to discuss the details and the schedule of the day. I show them real wedding galleries and explain how I photograph each segment of the day. They are able to better understand my photography style. After our discussion we go for a short walk and take a few candid photos. As I photograph them they realize that by being themselves the images are authentic.

    This is an image at the beginning of the engagement photo shoot. I asked the couple to slowly walk away from me.

    This is an image at the beginning of the engagement photo shoot. I asked the couple to slowly walk away from me. The following image captured a romantic moment that happened without my intervention. I was staying away from a distance knowing that they would express their emotions.

    This is an image at the beginning of the engagement photo shoot. I asked the couple to slowly walk away from me.

    The couple tells their story and I capture their feelings

    Second, during an engagement photo shoot we have the opportunity to talk about our lives. I often ask them how they met each other. As they tell their story, I am able to make so many wonderful images. They laugh and touch each other. I try to remain unobtrusive and let them enjoy each moment. The following three images were captured with a Canon 85mm f/1.2 lens.

    During an engagement photo shoot we have the opportunity to talk about our lives. The couple tells their story and I capture their feelings
    During an engagement photo shoot we have the opportunity to talk about our lives. The couple tells their story and I capture their feelings
    During an engagement photo shoot we have the opportunity to talk about our lives. The couple tells their story and I capture their feelings

    Lenses and their artistic effects

    Third, I use a range of different prime lenses in order to show the importance of gear. As they see the various effects and the artistic rendering of each prime lens, they can choose a photography package that better suits their needs. I offer a variety of packages with different gear options. Clients that love film photography tend to choose packages with medium format cameras. The following image was captured with a Canon 17mm TS-E lens.

    During an engagement photo shoot I use a range of different prime lenses in order to show the importance of gear.

    Every couple should understand the importance of an engagement shoot in the wedding photography process. It will lead to better decisions in selecting the most appropriate photography package and coverage. You may view samples of my work on my website.

  • How I handle difficult lighting situations

    How I handle difficult lighting situations

    Prospective clients often ask me how I handle difficult lighting situations. Each photographer has a different style and handles light requirements accordingly. I consider myself a wedding photojournalist using mainly available light. However, there are occasions when I decide to use additional lighting to create the image that I have in mind. In the first part of the blog post I will present two images and explain how I handle difficult lighting situations.

    If there is sufficient quality of light, I prefer to use a prime lens with a f/1.2 or f/1.4 aperture which has a higher light gathering ability compared to a f/2.8 zoom lens. The following image is from a destination wedding in Spetses, Greece. I used a Canon 50mm f/1.2 lens at 1.2 aperture with only available light. The white sandy beach was reflecting the moon light to the bride and I did not have to use any additional lights.

    Another example of using just available light is the following image. It was made during an engagement photo shoot in Rhinebeck, NY. I noticed the beautiful warm lights which were placed on a tree during the Christmas season. On the left side of the couple there was a white wall reflecting the sun light on the woman’s face. I needed to increase the size of the background lights and use them as a backdrop. For this reason I used my favorite portrait lens the Canon 200mm f/2 lens at f/2 aperture.

  • Intimate engagement photo shoot

    Intimate engagement photo shoot

    I love photographing an intimate engagement photo shoot. I try to approach the scene in a romantic way and capture the real character of the couple.

    I met Julie and Dean at the Interlaken Inn on a cold and cloudy day. I usually prefer using only available light as long as there is a good quality of light. Being a wedding photographer I have learned to adapt and adjust my photography approach according to the conditions. I decided to use a single flash with an umbrella and create artificial sun light. In this way the tone of the scene became warmer and more inviting.

    I used a Fuji GFX 50S II medium format camera with my favorite prime lens, the Zeiss Otus 100mm 1.4. I believe such a camera and body combination creates images with a character similar to film photography.

    Tags: intimate engagement photo shoot