Uptown Charlotte, NC Couple Session
I love a good adventure shoot in the mountains, but I think I love a good shoot in the city just as much! There’s something about the energy, the vibe, and the creativity that flows through a cityscape. The mountains are undeniably stunning and majestic, but cities hold a unique charm of their own. Whether it's the vibrant architecture, the bustling streets, or the quiet moments between the chaos, capturing love in the middle of all that hustle and bustle has its own magic. It’s an entirely different challenge, one that I eagerly embrace every time, and this day with Carlos and Sam was no different.
Let me set the scene for you. I had only been living in Charlotte for about six months when I met Carlos and Sam. They had also recently moved to the area, so this session was special for both of us—it was, in a sense, a new adventure for all three of us. What made this session even more fun was that this was one of their first times exploring Uptown Charlotte since moving here. And what better way to explore a new city than with a photo session, right?
We met on a chilly day in January, and I mean chilly. It was one of those cold days where you could see your breath in the air, and every step on the concrete felt just a bit colder. But as soon as we started walking around Uptown Charlotte, I was so focused on capturing their moments that I barely noticed the cold at all. Sometimes, the energy of a shoot is so infectious that it makes you forget about the little inconveniences, like freezing temperatures or tired feet. The connection between Carlos and Sam was electric, and they had such a great time being in front of the camera that the cold didn’t stand a chance.
I love how the city gives you endless backdrops to work with. From modern, sleek buildings to older, more textured walls, it’s a playground for creativity. One of my favorite spots during this session was a mirror wall at the front of a hotel. It was one of those unexpected gems I happened upon while we were walking around. It was one of those moments where everything clicked—the reflections, the geometry, and the way the light hit the surface just right. It was pure magic! Carlos and Sam, of course, were total pros, which made it even easier for me to work my magic with the camera. You can scroll down to see some of those images. I’m seriously in love with them—they just captured such a beautiful and authentic energy between the two of them.
As the session progressed, we found ourselves wandering through the streets, chatting about life and getting to know each other better. As a photographer, I love how sessions like these allow me to really connect with couples. There’s something so special about seeing two people share their love in a space that’s part of their daily lives, whether it’s the street they walk down every day or a special spot that’s meaningful to them. For Carlos and Sam, it was clear that their connection went beyond the photos. They were both so natural in front of the camera, and that made all the difference. It wasn’t just about getting the perfect shot, it was about capturing a moment of pure love and connection that they would be able to look back on for years to come.
As the shoot went on, we ventured to one of the city’s classic spots—a parking garage. If you’re a city photographer, you know that a parking garage is basically a photographer’s playground. The clean, minimalist backdrop, the sweeping views of the city—there’s just something about it that makes every shot feel special. We went all the way up to the top, and I’m so glad we did. The view of Uptown Charlotte from that height was breathtaking. The city stretched out before us, with the skyscrapers rising in the distance. It’s one of those spots where you feel like you’re on top of the world, and the photos we got there were some of my favorites from the whole session.
Now, I’ve got to admit something—during the session, I got a parking ticket. It was a rookie mistake, really. Time flies when you’re having fun, and I got so caught up in capturing these two that I lost track of time, and my parking meter ran out. I’ve got to be honest, I was pretty bummed about it at the time, but at least I was getting some epic shots! To make matters worse, I had to deal with the parking ticket afterward. But don’t worry—I ended up talking my way out of the fine, thanks to a technical error by the city. In the end, I would’ve gladly taken that ticket just to keep shooting. The vibe between Carlos and Sam was just that good, and those moments were absolutely worth it.
But back to the magic of this city shoot! What really made this session stand out for me was how well Carlos and Sam connected not only with each other but with the energy of the city around them. In the midst of the tall buildings, the busy streets, and the passing crowds, they were in their own world. There’s a unique kind of magic that happens when two people are so in sync that the world around them fades away. And that’s exactly what I captured in these photos.
One of the things I love most about shooting in the city is the contrast it creates. In the chaos of the city, you can find these serene moments between a couple, tucked away in an alley, on top of a parking garage, or even in front of a hotel mirror. There’s something so powerful about those moments. It’s like finding stillness in the middle of a whirlwind.
Overall, this city shoot in Charlotte was a dream. From the cold January weather to the breathtaking city views, and the fun we had navigating the streets, it was everything I could’ve hoped for. Carlos and Sam were the perfect couple to capture in such a dynamic setting, and I can’t wait to work with more couples in the city. There’s something special about shooting in a place that’s constantly evolving, constantly bustling with life. It’s a reminder that love can thrive anywhere—even in the heart of a busy city.
If you're considering a city shoot or just want to explore the vibrant energy of the urban landscape through photos, I’m all in. Whether it’s Charlotte, New York, or any city in between, there’s magic waiting to be captured. And I’m here for it!
