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Our engagement pictures with our amazing photographer (I’ll tell you about her soon) are fast approaching, and we still need to decide what we are wearing and pick the final locations. But right now I keep thinking about whether or not we should bring any props.
Not exactlly the kind of props I’m talking about.
Props can be simple, like a balloon or an umbrella:
Or you can use props to stage elaborate scenes like this adorable picnic with our own Mrs. & Mr. Socks:
Photo by Georgi Anastasov (source)
Aren’t they adorable?
Another sweet picnic:
Photo by Laura Leslie Photography (source)
And check out this fiesta-styled shoot:
Photo by Sarah Yates (source)
But there is also something so classic about photos with just the couple:
Photo by Kim Fox Photography (source)
Photo by Erin Hearts Court (source)
Photo by Jason + Anna Photography (source)
Part of me thinks having some sort of prop (I’m partial to heart-shaped balloons and umbrellas, but I think a pile of books or cupcakes could also work well) will give us something to focus on while we are striking a pose. But I also worry that we’ll be awkward with the props and have a hard time looking natural while trying to hold up an umbrella or the likes. Mr. Cheetah and I don’t have a lot of experience in front of the camera, so we are hardcore studying by watching America’s Next Top Model. After another episode or two I hope to have my “smizing” down. 
As for the props, I think I might just throw some things in the car, and if we use them great—and if not, well that’s fine, too. And is it bad that I think the Groucho Marx glasses and nose that Carrot Top is modeling might actually be cute in engagement photos?
Where do you stand: props or no props?
I would do props. We didn’t do props because I didn’t really think about it at the time, and now I regret it. I think you can get some really fun shots with fairly simple props. I like when couples use props that are indicative what they like and things like that. Like the Mrs. Hot Wings bookworm engagement props.
And if you decide you don’t like the prop shots you end up with or look silly…you’ll still have classic non-prop shots.
We both used our favorite books and I had signs with our wedding date on it that we’ll hopefully use for our STDs, and I think it turned out well! If you’re not super comfortable in front of the camera, using props really isn’t any less awkward than not using them :). I liked it, because it was our chance to incorporate something we both love (books), but to each their own!
I was sorry we did bring at least one prop to our first e-pic shoot. I am so happy that we had the opportunity for a second shoot with out Kindles and sweatshirts. 
haha! “smizing”… I’ve been thinking about that, too! Oh, those posing pearls of wisdom from Tyra. We’re thinking about props, at least maybe a newspaper and a deck of uno cards. FI is a free-lance writer and we love playing uno.
We didn’t use props and didn’t miss them. But…if you are craving a heart shaped balloon (cute by the way!) I say go for it. You don’t need to use the prop in every picture.
I wish we had done props…I always love looking at photos with them..I also think it would be much easier to get comfortable for photos when you have something like a prop to distract you.
We brought a blanket and books, as one of our first dates was reading on a blanket outside. We took some pics with them, but I’m glad that for most pics we weren’t tied down by props.
we used a football and a red umbrella. I was glad we did! They’ll take so many photos that if you look awkward with the props there are plenty of other photos.
I thnik a mix of props and no props would be good- more variety!
I really thought we’d do props, but ended up just taking a few in the apartment with a meal I had set up. Honestly, the pictures that were the best didn’t have props. They just weren’t us and were too posed!
That being said, I have seen gorgeous engagement shoots with props!
We had pictures with and without props. Like Starfish, I think the mix makes for more variety.
We tried using bubbles and the pictures came out reaaaaaaally awkward! We are just an awkward couple really, I don’t think we could ever pull it off. I think your plan of bringing props just in case is good!
We brought umbrellas to our engagement shoot (out of necessity — it was raining when we got there) and we look kinda dopey in all the shots where we’re holding them, but I’m glad we tried it! Just make sure if you do include them, you also get plenty of photos without them, too. =)
Very fun prop ideas. We didn’t choose any, but mostly because the location we chose was like one giant prop! You can’t really beat an antique old west town. Maybe you could pick a really fun location, and dress the part! I’ve seen the one where the couple went to the vintage carnival, and dressed like the performers. So cute.
We didn’t use any props but only because we never even thought about it, it would have been so cute! I think you’ll be adorable either way.
I totally love the balloon trend, but we didn’t use any props because we got them done in a forest (just last weekend, with the changing leaves) and I figured a balloon would… you know… pop. lol.
I totally love e-pics with props, but I do see your point about maybe being awkward with them. Maybe do some with and some with out props, then you’ll have the best of both worlds!
Props are cute! I think if you do props, you should do some without too.
We used several props and they turned out amazing! I definitely say to have some props on hand.
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Ms. Cheetah, Los Angeles/Palm Springs Age and Occupation: 31, Artist, Educator Fiance's Age and Occupation: 32, TV Finance Engagement Date: April 2010 Wedding Date: March 2011 Venue: The Viceroy About Me: I’m a silly, sassy lady with a compulsion to create. I love to sing and dance, despite the fact that I lack any talent doing either. I somehow manage to be messy and organized at the same time. I like to spend my days road tripping, watching '80s movies, reading true crime books, buying things on sale, sending postcards, playing board games, dining at food trucks, snuggling, and drinking ginger ale. I have a weak spot for all things sweet, especially Mr. Cheetah! I’m a Chicago girl and he’s a Nor Cal boy but we love living in the City of Angels. After 10 years as a couple we are planning a fun-filled semi-destination wedding in Palm Springs. Hope you enjoy the ride!
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