Nichole + Ben {Santa Margarita}

I recently photographed Ben + Nichole’s proposal on a beautiful mountaintop in Avila. Just a couple months later we found ourselves exploring Santa Margarita for their engagement session. We started out in the old town on Main Street. I set up the couple in front of some corrugated metal and before I took my first shot a man approached us and asked, “You aren’t going to photograph them in front of that old tin shed are you?!” Kindly we replied with an affirmative and Ben followed it with, “You got somewhere better for us to shoot?” He said, “How about my stone house?” We hoped in our car and followed him to his lovely home tucked in the foothills of Cuesta Ridge. There was a mountain stream running through his property line and I was in photographer heaven! It’s amazing the opportunities that open up when we explore and discover new territory.

Can’t wait for their wedding tomorrow out at Grand Chenier Ranch! If you are looking for a killer venue that includes a barn, horses, and rolling private hills then this is the place.

And of course because Ben is part owner of Cana Video Productions, no shoot would be complete without a beautiful movie! Great work to Ben's partner Drew Barefoot! He writes and records the soundtrack to all of their films. Amazes me every time.

Engagement Shoot: Ben & Nichole from Ben Potter & Drew Barefoot on Vimeo.

Here is Drew and Tyler at work shooting HD video on Canon SLR photography cameras. I had to keep telling them to get out of my shots. ;)