tropical engagement. { frost on flower }

On Sunday I had a quick engagement session at the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory at Como Park in St. Paul.  There aren't too many indoor places to go for photos in the winter months around here.  My list of free destinations is small and those that cost are small, too, but this couple suggested the conservatory.

It's a fun tropical looking location but is usually very busy on the weekends which makes the entire session rather challenging.  The conservatory requires the purchase of a $25 photography permit and enforces that strictly.  The permit is only good for 30 minutes so it's always a face paced session full of strategy because of the sheer volume of people inside.  Certain shots work with other visitors in the background but most do not.  So a lot of very quick thought has to be placed about where to spend time, what is worth waiting for, framing shots creatively, and trying not to bump into anyone or fall into a fountain.

I threw in a few outdoor shots of the conservatory in case they're making an album.





The conservatory is full of benches.







The Sunken Garden has wonderful light but is always packed full of people.  I photographed a small wedding in this garden a couple of years ago.  It was great to have the chance to photograph anywhere inside without people all around.

We're not supposed to bring props to the conservatory but they managed to sneak this pillow around with us.



These shots, looking down a path, are the most challenging and take a lot of waiting.. but we manage to squeeze in a few.











I can't wait to photograph their beach themed wedding later this year!

i love these engagement photos. :) { frost on flower }

On Sunday I met this wonderful couple at Battle Creek Park in St. Paul.  I had never been there before but had seen the parking lot from the highway and was always curious - so I was happy for the chance to explore it a bit.  As it was likely one of our last wonderful days in terms of Minnesota weather, Tyler and Olive joined me and went off on their own adventure while I photographed.

Sunday was my first time meeting this couple - I had spoken with them on the phone to set up our session but didn't really get to know them.  It isn't unusual for people to be a little uneasy about being photograph and a little concerned about the forced smiles and posing thing.  I'm not a huge fan of poses and I hate forced smiles, so I talked them through what we would be doing.  I like to give a little direction and some suggestions but overall I love when the results of a session come across as very natural and comfortable... like I just happened to be nearby with my camera.  :)



We started out in a shady spot and got to know each other a little bit.  I like to take it slow at first and let everyone get sort of "broken in" before we really get to work.





I did a bit of tipping over to get a plant between me and them to get that blurry texture to the left.  I wonder if they thought I was tipping over from being large and pregnant.



The bridge was relatively far away so I couldn't give them suggestions from where I was but they did a great job themselves.  :)



And then we switched spots.







While photographing them from the other side of the little stream I saw this wonderful sandstone walls and invited them over to join me.

























These few are some of my favorites from our time together.







This one is great.  :)  I love the fabric that they brought with.















Save the date!







Right after this shot they saw Tyler and Olive walk by and Olive started waving to us.









An attempt at a piggy back ride the other way around.  :)



Congratulations Melissa and Christopher!  :)