Lucas & Bekah

  

   Lucas and Bekah allowed me drag them all over Leflore County and experiment with a variety of poses. Taken with my old point-and-shoot camera, their pictures were the start of me becoming frustrated with what I was able to produce. Still, I thought the shots were worth posting, if for nothing else than comparison sake as my skills have improved. 

   

  From the first day to the yes day, this pair has been so happy together...

 

     Choosing a nice location is a main part of the challenge ...our town has a limited selection of picturesque places, and the weather - ahh, the weather. We count ourselves lucky when we at least have green grass for a backdrop!

     We make our own sidewalk cafes out here, guys.

     Downtown Poteau is my all-time favorite spot. At least I always have that to fall back on!

     Re-enacting the engagement moment here...

     There's no one for me but you and no one for you but me...

     Did I mention the weather? For best results, plan your engagement for March or April. October leaves us with the dead, dry brown leftover from our long, hot summers.

    Bridges are another permanent option. We have plenty of those here...but they are not for everyone, nor are they for the cameras who conveniently blend the background and the subject into one smooth layer.

     So...yes. These feel as if they are from another life. My new camera makes me so so happy! :) 

Seth & Melody

    
    Ahhh...the anticipation and anxiety of first dates! There's nothing to match it, not even the thrill of engagement. Seth & Melody did a wonderful job of posing naturally for this first time of being together. Taken with my old camera still, this was when Sterling officially decided to upgrade my equipment.

     Let's just say that Seth had an unfair advantage over Melody when it came to reveling in his new position as boyfriend. He certainly had no trouble grinning - and if you catch a bit of smug satisfaction in that smile, you just might be right.

     I mean, who wouldn't be proud with a girlfriend like that?

     I feel a twinge of jealousy at those who are so photogenic - like Melody. And yes guys, she actually Was this tanned up and lovely!

     Would you take a look at that beauty?

      Here we catch Seth doing what he did best for how many years was it - 4? 5? - slyly observing Melody while she innocently went through life. He had to wait on her (or was it him?) to grow up a bit...

     And now for a row of personal favorites.

     In {Seth's} heart there rings a melody...

    (Melody sneaks a peak at her handsome suitor.)

     Thanks, Sterling, for this smashing pose. Seth & Melody seemed quite incredulous about our confidence that this really was a good idea!

     Why, it took gymnastics. 

     But the end result was worth it. <3