photographer – Corrie LeeAnn Photography

Some photo sessions just feel special from the moment you start and my recent shoot with gospel artist Jonathan White in Logan, Ohio was one of those. Midday light isn’t usually a photographer’s dream, but with the fall colors glowing and Jonathan’s easygoing spirit, it turned into pure gold.

Jonathan recently released his new album, Jesus, and if you haven’t listened yet, go do that first especially the song “I Know a Name.” It’s one of those tracks that reaches deep and reminds you exactly why gospel music matters. The entire album carries that message of hope, and I wanted the photos to feel the same warm, authentic, and full of light.

Capturing Personality, Not Just a Portrait

From the moment we started, Jonathan brought the energy. He laughed, cracked jokes, and made it easy to forget we were working in the bright midday sun. That’s one of the things I love about photographing musicians they know how to connect, not just with a crowd, but with the camera too.

We started around an old barn that instantly fit his vibe, weathered, grounded, full of story. Between the rustic textures and Jonathan’s casual, confident look, everything came together naturally. There’s something about those timeless, simple backdrops that just lets a person’s heart shine through.

He trusted the process completely. That trust is everything in a shoot. It’s what allows real expressions and those in-between moments where a person’s joy just shows up, no posing required. By the time we wrapped, we had a mix of classic portraits, genuine laughs, and those easy, soulful moments that perfectly fit the heart behind his music.

Behind the Lens: Making Midday Light Work

If you’re a photographer reading this, you know midday sun can be tricky. The key is to find open shade or natural reflectors like light gravel paths or wooden porches that bounce soft light upward. Shooting around the barn gave us those perfect pockets of filtered glow that made his features stand out without harsh shadows.

If you’re a client reading this, here’s the takeaway: trust your photographer. Great photos can happen any time of day if you stay relaxed, have fun, and let your personality lead. The best portraits aren’t about perfect light, they’re about real connection.

Corrie’s Notes: Posing Tips for Guys

Guys, if you’ve got an upcoming shoot, here are a few quick tips inspired by Jonathan’s session:

Relax your shoulders. Tension shows fast in photos. Take a breath, loosen up, and let your stance feel natural.
Hands matter. Keep them casual — in pockets, one hand hooked on a belt loop, or resting lightly against something nearby.
Movement helps. Walk, lean, shift your weight — small movements make portraits feel alive.
Don’t overthink your smile. The best expressions happen mid-laugh or when you’re talking, not when you’re forcing it.

Jonathan’s new album Jesus is available now, and you can learn more about his ministry and music at jonathanwhitemusic.com.

This shoot was a reminder that light, laughter, and faith can come together in the simplest ways — even on a bright fall afternoon in Logan, Ohio.

Okay, friends, grab a coffee and get cozy, because I have to tell you about Ben and Anna’s engagement session. These two are seriously the sweetest couple, and their downtown Spencer, Indiana engagement photos turned out better than I could have imagined…..even with a torrential rainstorm trying to ruin our plans!

Ben and Anna’s love story started in the most unexpected way. They met at a Bible study that neither of them really planned on going to (classic, right?). Anna beat Ben in one of the games that night, and after that, Ben just couldn’t get her out of his mind. Fast forward, and this past spring, Ben popped the question and now they’re planning their September wedding surrounded by family and friends at a private venue in Owen County, Indiana.

When they asked me to be their wedding photographer, I was so honored. I always include a complimentary 30-minute engagement session with my wedding packages because it’s such a fun way to connect and get comfortable in front of the camera. And Ben and Anna’s session? Pure magic.

Here’s the thing: three hours before our shoot, Spencer was getting hammered with rain. Like, torrential downpour levels. But with Ben working out of state as a lineman apprentice, we had no choice but to go for it, rain or shine. Lucky for us, golden hour showed up right on cue, giving us dreamy light and an epic sky.

Since Anna’s wedding theme is contemporary black and white, we chose downtown Spencer’s square for their engagement photos. It’s the perfect spot for an engagement session in Spencer, Indiana with cool urban textures, historic buildings, and tons of variety, all in one walkable area.

Normally, I guarantee at least 25 poses in a 30-minute shoot. But Ben and Anna were such naturals (and up for anything!) that we ended up with over 100 amazing shots before the sun went down. Seriously, these two have the best chemistry. I’m still dying to know what Ben whispered in Anna’s ear to get those giggles, and I learned quickly that if you want Ben to laugh, just tell him to keep a serious face. Works every time.

One of the absolute highlights of the night was when we were about to shoot under the historic Tivoli Theatre sign. My original plan was to add their wedding date in post-editing, but the theatre manager, Andrea White, noticed what we were doing and offered to change the marquee right then and there. HOW SWEET AND EPIC IS THAT?! It’s one of those moments that makes me love being a Spencer Indiana engagement photographer so much.

I couldn’t be happier with how Ben and Anna’s downtown Spencer engagement session turned out. They were so fun, so down-to-earth, and totally open to trying new ideas which, honestly, is my favorite kind of couple. I absolutely can’t wait for their wedding in September!

Planning your own engagement session in Spencer, Indiana (or anywhere in southern Indiana)? Let’s connect! Whether it’s rain or shine, I’m all about capturing your story in a way that’s uniquely you.