I just realized that I have gone on a long binge of arts and crafts articles. What could motivate us more than our own wedding to get a little crafty (and to save a bit of money while we are at it)? Well, I hope that you have enjoyed these articles, but I will give you a break from the crafts for the next two weeks (though I still have more!). This article, however, does stick with the theme of do-it-yourself and will not only save you a bunch of money, but will also give some helpful advice.

Many couples hire a professional photographer to take very expensive engagement photos. What are these photos used for? You tell me. As far as I know, their main purpose is for newspaper announcements. I am sure that many couples also give them out to their friends and family as gifts, but in my mind, the cost of these pre-wedding pictures is by far out-weighed by other things I would rather spend my money on - like the wedding photos. I, personally, would rather have really great wedding pictures, than very expensive engagement photos.

Still, that newspaper announcement IS important and we do want to have a nice picture for everyone to see of us happy and shining. So, after getting engaged, my fiancé and I asked my father if he would take some pictures of us. (If your father is not good with a camera, find a friend or family member who owns a camera and ask them if they would be willing to do it.) He bought some black and white film, as well as color, and one nice summer evening we went out into the backyard and snapped some pictures. Did I say SOME pictures? He snapped a lot of pictures!

Let me take a moment here to point out that one 24- exposure roll of color film will cost a little less than $5.00, one 24 exposure roll of black and white film will cost a little over $5.00 - total cost of around $10.00. Then you will need to develop the film - two 24 exposure rolls of film processed will cost you under $20.00 (and be smart, watch for coupons in the local paper and often right in the store).

My point? Having a friend or family member take 48 pictures of you will cost you around $30.00. That sure beats the expense of hiring a professional photographer! And no matter how non-photogenic you are, there are going to be a couple of nice pictures amidst the 48 of you and your fiancé.

Don't believe me? Well, give it a try anyway! All you have to lose is $30.00 and a couple of hours. Dress up in similar colors, head outside, and begin the pain. Here are some photography tips to help you out:

1. The best outdoor light occurs before 10 AM and after 4 PM when the sunlight is not so harsh.
2. Ideally, pictures should be taken with the sun as far behind you as possible.
3. If you are going to sit or pose in the shade, take the picture with a flash even though the camera will tell you that it is not needed.
4. Also, if posing in the shade, placing a piece of white cardboard on the ground or propped up in front of you will help to reflect the light and reduce shadows.

Now, as far as the announcement goes, don't forget to contact your local newspaper as well as the newspaper of a large city you may live near. Often your local newspaper will print your announcement for free (as do many city papers). Usually, there is a contact name and number available for you to call. Then they will send you a form to fill out about your upcoming wedding and where you are both from, etc. And, as long as you have them on the line they might as well send you the forms for your wedding announcement - to send in after your wedding.

After your pictures have been taken and developed, choose your favorite and send it in with the forms that the newspaper has sent to you. If you want your picture back, don't forget to include a self-addressed and stamped envelope. You may also want to place a piece of cardboard in the envelope, so that your picture cannot bend. And, write "DO NOT BEND" on the outside of the envelope in red ink.

If your pictures have a lot of empty space in them, don't worry, the newspaper will crop your picture to the size that they want it anyway. If you are really worried about it, include a little note and ask them to please crop the edges of your picture.

So, there you have it - engagement photos at an affordable price. And if for some reason it did not work out, you can still hire a professional photographer. But, I think it will work out for you! Let me know! I would love to hear about your experiences! Write to me at: kelly@bwedd.com

Well, I hope that you are having a wonderful time planning your wedding and that all is a success!

Sincerely,
Kelly Kons, kelly@bwedd.com
http://www.Bwedd.com/TrueCompanions/