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The Ring Fits and She said YES!!

This is the story of a very special engagement photography session. It took place on August 31, 2012 – the day of the beautiful Blue Moon. Most guys that I speak with about photographing their wedding proposal have an idea in mind of how they want it to be orchestrated. This case was no different:

The Idea
This young man had grown up riding horses in the Hamptons and had a special location in mind – a giant field lined by beautiful trees and near a large pond that he used to ride by. This was easily arranged.

The Ruse
So how did he get his soon to be finance to the spot? He told her: “There is a photographer in the Hamptons who needs a model to photograph at this location. It has to be when light is best (at 7am!). Can you help her out and be the model?” Thankfully, she agreed.

The Moment
I arrived at the location with the attractive young couple and proceeded to set-up “the shot.” After a few exposures, the young man turned to his lady, spoke softly, dropped to one knee, and presented the ring.

Engagement Photography

The “Phew!”
She was surprised and elated. They embraced and laughed. I asked if she was caught off guard and her reply, “I was planning to spend the rest of my life with him anyway.”

Secret Engagement Photography

The Big Difference
This engagement photography session was unique: it was my son proposing to his girlfriend! I knew the backstory, which started months before in search of a ring. It turned out that my brother had the family heirloom rings: a platinum band surrounded by square cut diamonds from my son’s great, great grandmother and a platinum wedding band with diamonds from his grandmother. The big question was: would it fit?  We had discussed several scenarios for finding out what size ring she wears, but all were vetoed acknowledging she was too smart and would figure it out.

Engagement Portraits

In the end, the ring fit perfectly and she said, “Yes”.

Click here to read: The Hidden Camera Wedding Proposal.
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Here are some tips to make sure your family portrait session is enjoyable and produces wonderful photographs that you will treasure forever:

1. Clothing: Keep clothing simple. No stripes, patterns or logos. Lighter is better than darker. Everyone does not have to be identical; have the clothing similar in tonality. Make sure that girls can sit comfortably as well as stand (so stay away from the tight skirts and short dresses). Babies need bloomers and plain underwear for white dresses. Boys in collared shirts are a nice look. Make sure the clothing fits your child properly (i.e. sleeves not too long, pants not too long).

2. Hair: For those with long hair, please bring hair ties, clips, ribbons, gel or hair spray in case it’s windy. For adults or children in need of a haircut, have the appointment a week before the session.

3. Colors: If you have a favorite outfit that is bright and colorful, pack that as well. It’s better to have too many clothes to choose from than too few.

4. Snacks: Bring drinks and easy to eat non-staining snacks like Cheerios, Teddy Grahams, pretzels, crackers, cheese, or carrot and celery sticks. It’s not a good idea to bring candy to the session. We need the children to focus and stay relatively calm.

5. Don’t Say Cheese! Please think about songs and stories that will make your children relax and laugh. (It’s better to have your mouth moving than theirs!). Please do not practice “Cheese” or “Smile” – it’s best if they are encouraged to play, use their imaginations, and have a good time. With young children, it’s important that parents are ready with silly things that you know will make them laugh. Be prepared to act ridiculous if called upon (all for the sake of fine photography). We promise not to tell your friends that you danced on the beach or jumped up and down or made funny noises. We want you to have fun too. (Don’t worry, if you can’t be ridiculous, we can.)

6. Be Rested: If possible let the kids have a quiet afternoon before the session. I know this sounds like the doctor who says “keep your child in bed for 24 hours.” Just do your best. We need them rested. They will be very active during the session.

Good preparation helps to ensure a successful family portrait session.

 

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