The CFHFP: Session 1

Some blogs have a Mail Bag, from which the bloggers will often pull questions or comments from their devoted readers.

Well, here at Nod and Smile, we have what I like to call the Cry For Help Fanny Pack. Let's see what we find...

Josh from Los Angeles writes:

Dear Madman,
What is the point of engagement portraits?
Love, Josh
(p.s. Love the font.)

Dear Josh,

Thanks for the email. 

Well, as with most things that make no sense whatsoever to men like us, we have to see this one from the woman's perspective. Like with chocolates. We see a chocolate and think, "Ooo, chocolate." Women see chocolate and think, "Ooo, chocolate -- oh, wait, no, calories, I don't have enough points -- well, but I have been good this week, and I did bike to work -- but I might have cake tomorrow -- but I should live in the present -- no-no, those are the devil's words -- " etc., etc.

And so it is with engagement portraits. Let's look at all of the advantages in the female mind:

1. "These will look great on the walls after we purchase our first home."

2. For some women, an engagement shoot is a means of bragging. You're worth bragging about. Take it as a compliment.

3. For other women, an engagement shoot is an act of retribution. Her high school classmates teased her, told her she'd never tie the knot, or if she did she'd be 40 and the groom would be that waifish, waffle-faced kid from the special ed class. If this is the case, don't ask questions. It's best to not get involved. Rather, refer to #2 above and take this as a compliment.

4. Women enjoy dressing up.

5. Women enjoy posing for photographs.

6. Women enjoy seeing themselves dressed up and posed in photographs.

7. Engagement photos make wonderful table-toppers at the wedding ... because god knows there won't be candles or centerpieces or table numbers or food or stuff.

8. The wedding website.

9. The wedding announcement.

10. Facebook.

11. General merriment. And, last but not least...

12. Her mother.

Love,
Madman