July 12 Emma and Kota

Sunday afternoon: Emma asked me last week if I would come with her and Kota and photograph their engagement "event" -- Kota actually proposed on July 2 over at Pioneer Park, so these pictures are just to celebrate that fact. 

We had perfect weather Sunday afternoon and we KNEW the beaches would be super crowded. Where could we go that was beautiful but where we could find less people? We decided on Muskegon State Park because there is such a long stretch of beach there. Sure, people were there--but if we walked far enough we could get them pretty much way in the background. 

I'm going to post a whole bunch of pictures that I have edited--you know, fix the horizon line, sharpen the color, etc. I may make several posts, depending on how I feel about it.

I liked this first picture, especially of Emma, but every time I tried to remove the background people nearest to her face, everything messed up and got all out of line. I gave up trying. I still like this picture though.

I cropped a bunch of people out of this photo (including Kota) but I wish Emma had been smiling ...

I like this one of both of them!

I super like this one. I love Emma's smile, and I love how Kota is looking at her.

Okay ... by now, you have quickly realized I am NOT a professional photographer (as if you didn't already know this!). A pro-photo person knows exactly where to have the subjects stand, which way to face, how to place their hands, etc. AND that photographer bosses everyone around until they get the result they are looking for. I'm not that person!

I do favor this first picture of their hands though (look at Emma's beautiful nails and engagement ring).

I am shooting into the sun in a lot of these pictures, so my fine-tuning isn't exactly the best; however, I do like these pictures--so there!

A very sweet kiss ...

The sun is right exactly in Kota's eyes in the next shot ... he looks pained (because he is!).

He moved just slightly and smiled (below), so that one is better I think.

I did order both of them INTO the water ... I surprised myself ... I'm not good at being the boss.

I think all of these are lovely ... I have more to follow ... bear with me.