Amanda & Terrance
Colt State Park in Bristol, Rhode Island
June 9th, 2018
As a photographer, shooting engagement photo sessions for your family members can be a difficult task.
For one thing, most of the time said family members have never seen you in "professional" mode and the adjustment can be a little awkward. For another, you've likely never seen your family members in "romantic" and "sweet" mode with their significant other.
Finding a balance between familiarity and professionalism is always a challenge in these sessions but, thankfully, my time with my cousin Amanda and her soon-to-be husband Terrance back in June at Colt State Park in Bristol was anything but awkward.
Amanda and Terrance have been together for longer than I can remember and getting to see this different side of them on a hot and sunny afternoon in one of Rhode Island's best parks was a true treat.
And if their engagement session is any indication, their 2019 wedding is going to be an absolute blast.
Amanda and Terrance's engagement session started at one of my favorite places in Colt State Park: The bridge pathway at the beginning of the park.
I've taken a lot of couples to this area as I think it's one of the most picturesque places in the massive park and, as a bonus, it's home to one of the most low-key awesome places as there's a beautiful hill that, when photographed at the right angle, gives an amazing view ... provided you watch for cars passing by.
Amanda and Terrance were joined by Amanda's son Gianni and while I normally don't photograph family portraits, we couldn't help but include him in a couple of the shots as he was super eager to be involved in the shoot.
I really had a great time watching Amanda, Terrance and Gianni do their best to accommodate my sometimes silly and sometimes mushy-gushy posing. It's not often my cousin gets to see this side of me (In fact, I think this is the first time she's seen me in "work mode") but I like to think the photos came out great and were a solid reflection of who she and Terrance are.
Family is an important part of everyone's life and getting to capture these sweet and sentimental moments for a member of mine was a pleasure.
So congratulations Amanda and Terrance and best of luck planning your upcoming wedding. I know it will be one I can't wait to see, for sure.
-PJS
