A guided connection experience—beautifully documented.

Gentle guidance. Real connection. Urban storytelling for couples who want to slow down, be present, and leave feeling more connected.

Serving Seattle + Tacoma

Why People Book Us

“More than a photo session—it was an opportunity for my wife and I to reconnect and share some really special moments together. From start to finish, Dan & Esme made it comfortable and seamless.”

Martin & Amber

What Is Connection Photography?

We’re not here to grab a few “smile at the camera” shots and we’re definitely not going to twist you into poses that require a yoga membership. Our sessions are guided and relaxed, built as a connection-focused experience from start to finish.

We’ll give you simple prompts and easy direction the whole time, so you always know what to do without anything feeling stiff or forced. You focus on being together, talking, laughing, slowing down and we capture the semi-candid moments that happen naturally when you’re actually present with each other.

“My husband and I had the most amazing experience working with Dan and Esmeralda! They had great communication from the start.”

— Elizabeth & Jordan

Meet Your Photographers

Hi! We’re Dan & Esme, a husband and Wife team! We have been together for over 21 years and have just recently celebrated our 16 year wedding anniversary! A great accomplishment given we are only 38 (Dan) and 36 (Esme). We are the proud parents of 3 crazy kids, Kashmir (13), Achilles (10) and Coda (6)-Bonus points for you if you caught the Led Zeppelin name theme!

Over the course of our lives together, we have learned the importance of slowing down and intentionally putting our attention on each other and on our relationship. We have learned though, that far too many couples don’t take enough time to do that. For that reason, we created our Signature Couples Connection Sessions. We have made it our mission in life to help couples slow down, be curious, and reconnect with each other.

“I can’t recommend them enough. Easy to schedule, fun to be with, and beautiful work!”

— Jessica & Blue

MORE THAN JUST PRETTY PICTURES…

This isn’t just a photo session. It’s a guided experience built to create a comfortable space for real connection, easy conversation, shared attention, and closeness, without feeling forced. We lead you through a simple prompt flow that helps you relax, be present, and enjoy each other so the photos feel natural, because the moments are. Life gets busy, and it’s easy to slip into routine. This is a chance to slow down, laugh together, and walk away with photos that feel honest, with memories you’ll want to come back to.

Keepsake Date

Our Signature Connection-First approach to photography. We’ll guide you through connection-focused prompts—starting light and playful, then easing into more connected moments that feel honest and spontaneous. This session includes a private, guided keepsake moment where you get to receive something real from your partner—quietly, personally, and in a way that tends to land deeper than anything said out loud alone can. It’s the heart of the experience, and it’s the reason couples remember this session for years.

Includes:

  • 60-90-minute session

  • Curated online gallery (Typically about 100 images)

  • 40 included digital downloads (choose your favorites)

  • Priority gallery delivery within 10 days

  • Signature Keepsake Included:

    • 16x20 canvas

  • Option to purchase additional downloads and prints

Let’s Get You Scheduled

  • You’re our FAVORITE kind of couple!

    A lot of people freeze the second a camera comes out and then hate how stiff the photos look. That's the whole reason we work the way we do. We're not going to bark poses at you. Our Connection Sessions put you both in the drivers seat, you will be focused on each other, not the camera. We are there to capture the story that unfolds!

  • For the most part yes. We love the look and the feel of the Urban landscape. The deep and rich reds, reds browns and greens really make a difference in how your images will look and feel. Our style is very rich and contrasty with a cinematic sprinkle tossed in for good measure. The urban landscape keeps that intact.

  • NOPE! We love to shoot in Tacoma and Olympia too! Really, any place that has that old Brick look to it, we can hold a session. We will decide on a session location after your consultation call.

  • No worries! We will send you a Style & Prep Guide that will help you coordinate colors, patterns and styles! Plus Esme is always happy to help you decide on outfits!

  • After our consultation I will send you the invoice and contract. You will be able to break up the payments however you like to fit your budget. The final payment will be due the day before the session.

  • Yes! Dan runs a YouTube channel called Practicing Presence where he dives into our 21 year relationship and reflects on mistakes that he made and the actions that brought us back together. You can find his channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@Practicing_Presence1

Your Questions, Answered

Two people hugging warmly in front of a red brick wall, smiling and expressing affection.
Two people walking hand-in-hand down a brick alleyway in an urban area, with tall brick buildings on either side, during dusk.
A young woman with long dark hair and earrings smiles while leaning her head on a person's shoulder, holding their collar with her hand.
A couple standing close in an alley, with the woman holding the man's neck and the man holding her waist, against brick buildings.
A couple embracing with foreheads touching, romantic kiss, woman with black hair and red sweater, man with dark hair and black jacket, outdoor setting with blurred background.
A man and woman embrace each other outdoors during sunset, gazing into the distance with expressions of affection.
A man and woman holding hands outdoors during sunset, with tall buildings in the background.
Couple kissing outdoors at sunset with a city skyline in the background.
A smiling woman hugging a man with crossed arms in front of a modern building.
A woman and a man standing close together outside a grocery store with a large red sign that says "PUBLIX MARKET." The woman touches the man's chest and looks up at him, while the man looks back at her.
Smiling woman with dark hair and a beige sweater holding onto the arm of a smiling bald man with a beard wearing a red polo shirt, standing outside near the Pubbatic sign.
A smiling couple, a man and a woman, sitting on a concrete ledge outdoors amid greenery with a cityscape of tall buildings in the background during daylight.
SEE MORE OF OUR WORK