Say Cheese...

Most people would consider me reserved and low-key, so when it came time to take engagement pictures I wasn't too sure of what to expect or how I would handle the whole experience of being photographed professionally.

Brigitte and I began with three ideas for our shoot, teacher theme, Ann Springs Close Greenway, and fun. Little did we know that the afternoon would take us to several different locations and a last minute favor called in to get what we needed to put it all together.

The session started out with Brigitte and I meeting our photographer Critsey Rowe and her husband Thomas at the Dairy Barn in our "formal outfit". It took us both some time to get warmed up to the idea. Thoughts such as; how do we stand? do we wait for directions? can we do what we want? all went through our heads. The first few were definitely awkward, but it didn't take long for us to get comfortable. Then the bus came, our "favor". Brigitte and I promptly got on and started to become more in our element.

The shots on the school bus were a lot of fun and unique. Afterwards we took several more around the the area, some in the grain silo, and even some on the bench where I asked Brigitte to marry me. After the Dairy Barn we moved over to the orchard.

Once at the orchard, the first order of business was an outfit change into the "casual outfit". After some prompting from Rhiannon, I was ready for my next round. The second part of the session in the orchard was an improvement because we were becoming more comfortable with Critsey and Thomas. The orchard pictures were more casual with the apples and chalkboard props to play with.

The third and final location was downtown Fort Mill. I was surprised and many of the fun photos that came from this session. Sitting in the road, standing under the windows, and laying on the ground all turned out great. As we wrapped up our last session I glanced at my watch and realized the time had passed so quickly that it hardly seemed that we had been taking photos for two hours.

The whole engagement picture experience was more enjoyable for Brigitte and I than what I thought it would be. I credit this to Rhiannon, the perfect weather, fun props, and a great location. With our first experience with Critsey a success I can't wait until March 24, 2012 to say "cheese" again.