Scott and Natalie both go to my church, but before their engagement session, we had never met. This was mainly because they go to the north campus while I attend the south campus. Like most engagement sessions, this was my chance to talk to and get to know the couple. After their Arkansas engagement photos, I felt like I knew them pretty well.
Scott and Natalie’s Arkansas Engagement Photos
Most of the session was in the northern part of the state. I met them initially at the Bentonville Square, and our first few shots were very industrial. I had the couple in an alley, on some metallic stairs, and leaning up against a brick wall.
The rest of the session was more about nature. Just a few minutes from the Bentonville Square is Compton Gardens. It’s a network of trails that wrap around toward Crystal Bridges. It’s a pretty impressive place. Every turn they have some kind of different flower, plant, or tree, giving us a variety of opportunities for photos. Throughout the trails, there are other structures as well. One place that I’ve used a multitude of times is the giant, red, rusty bridge. If you can manage to dodge the walkers and bike riders, it makes for great photos. Right next to that is this giant concrete structure that is used as an observatory. Not really sure how it works, but that’s what I’ve heard. If you walk enough, you’ll find all types of things. An area new to me was this bamboo forest. It involved some maneuvering, but we all got back into it, and it turned out great.
The last location was technically Crystal Bridges. We never went inside, though. Right by one of the parking garages is a walkway leading inside. The concrete walls curve, creating a leading line. As we were leaving, Scott liked the look of the parking garage, so we shot in two different spots. I’m glad he said something because my favorite shot was there. Toward the end of the structure was a stairway leading outside. All the light was flooding down and highlighting the stairs. I had them stand on them and interact. With the darkness of the garage and the lightness of the stairs, we got some great contrast.
Scott and Natalie’s Arkansas engagement photos were so much fun. Natalie is a ball of energy and constantly talking, which makes sense for an elementary teacher. Scott is a bit more on the quiet side, but he smiles all the time and has his funny moments. It’s strange to think that I could have gone to the same church as them and never really met. I’m really glad I got the chance to meet them and help out with their photos. In a few days, I’ll be posting their wedding day photos as well. They are some of my favorite of the year.
