Picnic Engagement Session at Eno River in Durham - Cecily & Michael
For years I had seen photos of this adorable meadow at the Eno river, full of wildflowers but I had no idea where this magical land was. Apparently all it takes is diverting off the most popular path to find the most beautiful place. And honestly if that isn’t a metaphor for my life I don’t know what is. (I actually might even input this little truth nugget into my newest novel - who knows)
Cecily & Michael knew they wanted to have a casual picnic for their engagement session so they could get comfortable and loosen up. They also wanted to capture a moment in their time that they could re-create later in life. I like to suggest doing an activity you enjoy to loosen up before your engagement session. Sipping on tea and reading is an activity they both enjoy. And they brought along books along to thumb through
Anyways, Cecily & Michael are eloping this fall and even though most of my elopement couples don’t add an engagement session these two did and I’m so glad for it! They had the idea to have a little picnic, doing their favorite activities together, (reading and drinking tea) and then of course we had to explore the daisies that were blooming because my inner 70s flower child cannot ignore a daisy (I even tried to propagate my neighbors little patch of “weeds” and it didn’t work)
After we took advantage of the perfect summer weather, we headed down to the water to splash around. These two were so fun to work with and make the hour drive out to the Eno River totally worth it. Look for their wedding coming in October!
My favorite Tips for Relaxing and Getting Comfortable for your Engagement Session.
Do an activity that you do all the time, like picnics in the park, playing ice hockey, or roller skating. I’ve even had a couple hang out at the tennis court
Re-create a first date or a date night you have often
Take a few shots, or have a drink or two before your session. I find this always makes couples feel more comfortable and giggly.
Wear comfortable clothing. Nothing makes people more uncomfortable than wearing something they don’t want to wear or they don’t feel good in. Even if these photos are supposed to be “nice” they still should be a reflection of you. So if you’re not suit and tie types don’t wear one.
Be yourself. 90% of my clients tell me they are awkward or shy in front of the camera and let me tell you. I love to tell clients “Don’t worry about what you think the photo is going to look like, and trust that I’m going to take the best photos of you,” and it always works.
