Engagement Pictures

This was a first for me.  I've shot weddings and senior pictures, but never an engagement session.  I was, as you may suspect, a bit nervous.  I was unfamiliar with the location and not quite sure about how to pose a couple.  Oh, sure, I had looked at (stalked) a few professional photographer's websites looking for ideas, but asking a couple to indulge in some PG-rated PDA is, well, a bit awkward. 

Lucky for me, Danielle and Shaun were fantastic!

We started our shoot at the restaurant where they not only had their first date, but also where he asked her to marry him.  If I have any complaints, its only that I wish my parents had blessed me with longer legs because my angle from beyond the hedge was not ideal.  Just a few inches more would have changed the perspective.  

This shot, on the other hand, is much better.  The color photo really didn't do anything for me, though, so I decided to apply some black and white filters. Much better! 

I also think the sidewalk cafe setting is simply adorable. 

After a delicious meal we tried a few poses in front of the logo.  I didn't even have to ask him to pose this way.  I think that makes this one of the best shots, because it was spontaneous and sweet.  Of course, because I'm not always confident that I actually captured the moment, I made him repeat this gesture a few times. 

On our way to the park we passed this lovely flower bed in someone's front yard.  Trespassing only slightly, I had them quickly pose.

At the park itself, we had a few "props" to play with.  First, the gazebo where they will be getting married.  Awww...

Then there was the rocks and the river and some trees...

The last few pictures were taken at yet another special spot.  According to them, they spent a couple hours talking on a park bench near this tennis court after that very special first date.

Oh, I almost forgot...the ring!

Before I hit the "publish" button, I just want to thank Danielle and Shaun for trusting me to take their engagement photos.  It was an honor.