Don't Lose Focus!

My love of photography has been developing for a long time. 

There was a time I could snap at any moment.

Don't like a good photo pun? It was worth a shot.

But seriously, photography is an important part of my life. I received my first camera when I was seven years old. My crowning achievement that year was taking Van William's portrait (the star of the original Green Hornet) and hearing him compliment my tiny camera and tiny self at a convention with my dad. I was a fan (I'd watched every episode of The Green Hornet reruns my dad played for me), and I was always taking pictures.

My tribute to the fallen Green Hornet: My first camera, merch from the movie remake, and my personalized autograph from Van Williams himself.

In high school I rose up the ranks to President of Photo Club. I developed my own black and white pictures. I carried a digital camera in my purse until cell phones became the cameras. Today I collect vintage cameras and volunteer to take pictures of therapy dogs, even though I rely on automatic settings way too much. I also never shy away from being in a photo that captures a memory.

What I'm getting at is that I did not take my engagement photo shoot lightly.

First, I prepared. I researched photographers thoroughly, marking down a list of 20 photographers in the notebook--people I'd heard of, found online, or were recommended to me. One by one I checked out their style to see if it fit my tastes and vision. Writing a plus sign next to their name meant they were a contender. A minus sign meant they were out. When I got down to three finalists, I contacted them all to see if they would be available on my potential wedding date and find out their pricing.

The winner was Deidra Wilson, a bubbly blonde woman who not only came off as friendly online, but also took pictures that captured natural romance, perfect lighting, and beautiful composition. I told her about my Beauty and the Beast theme and she helped me decide that our engagement photo shoot might be best at the library where my fiance works.

In anticipation of my library engagement photo session, I prepared some more. I collected props. I made signs. I fretted over my terrible cursive lettering and stickers that peeled off on a whim (talk about ready to snap at any moment).

I bought a new blue shirt for my fiance. I whipped out my favorite gold dress (bought at a mall store that closed long ago, sorry). I would be ready. I couldn't wait.

To make a long story short, the photo shoot was everything I'd hoped it would be. Deidra's cheerful attitude made me feel right at home and giggling the whole hour (which makes for great smiley photos). She got in all the poses and ideas I'd sent her, and made sure to adjust lighting and swap lenses to get everything just right.

While I wait to share the final results, Deidra was also kind enough to appease me with a few preview photos, so I can keep sane until everything else is finished being processed. Yes, it's still developing. I can't lose focus. The shot is worth it.