Engagement sessions are a lot of fun for me. It's that new love excitment that's fun to be around, nervous energy because most people have never had their photos taken by a professional before, and just fun really! When I first start talking to a couple about their engagement session (ok 90% of times it's just the bride and I hashing out ideas....lol) I like to emphasize that this is about them, and should reflect their personalities, likes/loves, locations that are special to them etc. (These are NOT the engagement sessions from the past - I had ones taken in a studio, and we were wearing MATCHING denim shirts in front of a white background, could you feel the love? Um, no.)
Jill was READY though. We started at the restaurant in Clackamas where they met, and tried to capture their other biggest love - college football.
We did intend to shoot the rest of the session on a football field, but neither of us thought that through all the way, and low and behold all the local schools had games going on on this Fall Saturday morning, doh! But we went to plan b - and headed over to the "neutral" ground of Reed College in SE Portland.
(full disclosure time) Jill is a former classmate/sorority sister of mine from Oregon State - so I may be a bit biased....lol
Being a Duck and a Beaver is so "them" that they plan on integrating the themes into their wedding decor as well.
And this is my favorite shot and the one they chose for their wedding invitation
These photos are probably some of the only "nice" photos you will have of the two of you together not in your wedding attire. Make them something to remember, and something that shows your personalities as well!