Engagement Photo Pose Ideas

tsavilla · July 2011

Hello all! My fiance is in the Air Force and we wanted to have some of our engagement pics done with him in his dress blues. I have googled for days to try to find cute pose ideas for it, but so far I have only found a couple. I was wondering if any of you fellow military brides (any branch!) had engagement photos with your fiance in uniform that you wouldn't mind sharing so I can guide my photographer in the right direction : ) Thanks in advance!

KendallR10 · July 2011

Yeah thats against the rules. FYI

prettyirishgirl · July 2011

Yeah I don't think we were allowed to take photos in his dress uniform (Army). He nixed it based on his command not being ok with the idea, which I would assume was because of rules other wise I can't see why they would care.

As par as poses go our photographer has known me since i was like 10 we had an amazingly fun shoot with him out all over the quarter here in new orleans. Photographers have different opinions on this but really they know what works, they know what flows in the frame and they can unbiasedly look at you as a couple and look at your flaws and strong points. in the photography I've done and the portrait sots I've helped other photographers with (sister is a photographer along with some very good friends) they love ideas of places and will be nice about taking ideas, but anyone worth their salt as a photographer shodl know how to place you and that's part of what your paying for. If it is a friend or a discounted rate I would be ok with coming up with ideas on your own, but if your paying a good chunck for these it's there job not yours to worry about.

now that i got that out of the way when we did ours we goofed off on streetcar tracks, went climbing around by the river, walking around the quarter being stupid and took pictures on Jackson square at a friends restaurant doing everything from me making fun of the photographer to my FI pretending very convincingly to push me off the balcony, dancing, kissing which was funny as all get out btw. I would say be yourselves and the shots will just happen. I'd prefer some not so flattering shots that show who i am as a person to a bunch where i look like i could be on the cover of a magazine but looking back i don't see me in them. thats what bridal photos are for :P

TeamBaby · July 2011

There is nothing in any military regulation that says you (or your FI) cannot wear the uniform for pics. It's not even something you need to discuss with the chain of command. If that's what you want for your e-pics- go for it! And like Irish said- that's what you're paying your photographer for. Let them do what they do best, and I think you'll be surprised at how great they turn out. Have fun and GL!

KendallR10 · July 2011

Its frowned upon and if your CoC was to see you it could cause problems. just an FYI

iluvmytxrgr · July 2011

Please keep in my AFI 36-2903:

2.13.6. When in uniform or civilian clothes (in an official capacity), Airmen must not engage in public displays of affection including, but not limited to, holding hands (except when holding a young child’s hand), walking arm-in-arm, embracing, caressing, and kissing. Public displays of affection are inappropriate as they violate a long-standing custom of the service and may be service discrediting since indiscriminate displays of affection detract from the professional image the Air Force intends to project to the public.
2.13.6.1. Brief displays of affection, such as a modest kiss or embrace, may be permitted in situations where physical contact is commonly accepted etiquette such as weddings, graduation, promotion, or retirement ceremonies; and upon departure for or return from deployments.

(Many thanks to a dear friend for the info)

iluvmytxrgr · July 2011

Basically, the above info means you can pretty much stand or sit side by side. You can't touch, kiss, cuddle, or show any affection to each other while he is in his uniform unless it is durring your wedding, a ball or at any of the other listed events.

SamiJoeB · July 2011

Actually ladies, the OP wrote that her FI intended to wear his AF dress uniform, and that's okay. His dress uniform would be appropriate for this sort of thing as long as it's worn correctly (cover on outside, ribbons and medals in the appropriate places). It's a combat type uniform (ACU's and Cami's) that are inappropriate for frivolous things like E-pics. It's also pretty disrespectful.. That was the basis of the epic e-pic post back in April {http://tinyurl.com/3thkwam}.

Zimsgirl · July 2011

My fiance was going to wear his ACUs but he wanted to wear a more formal outfit. He did the research and it was ok. Maybe try googling engagement pictures not just military. I found a pose I liked from a photographers homecoming blog. Our photographer ended up having us do it before I asked

She had lots of great poses for us

iluvmytxrgr · July 2011

In Response to Re: Engagement Photo Pose Ideas:

Actually ladies, the OP wrote that her FI intended to wear his AF dress uniform, and that's okay. His dress uniform would be appropriate for this sort of thing as long as it's worn correctly (cover on outside, ribbons and medals in the appropriate places). It's a combat type uniform (ACU's and Cami's) that are inappropriate for frivolous things like E-pics. It's also pretty disrespectful.. That was the basis of the epic e-pic post back in April { http://tinyurl.com/3thkwam } .
Posted by SamiJoeB

But the AFI still applies to the dress uniform.

SamiJoeB · July 2011

No where did I say that it didn't apply. The newest version of that instruction (put out last week) has a list of times it is deemed inappropriate to wear a dress uniform, as well as when it is appropriate. The part about walking arm-in-arm is incorrect, because that is how you are told to escort your date/SO/whatever while in uniform (at least in the Navy and Marine Corps). The instruction doesn't specifically say that a member can or cannot wear a dress uniform to church while home on leave, or to a baseball game to sing the national anthem (both of the prior I did while AD, and yes I researched and spoke to my chain), or to a HS/College graduation, yet these things are done all the time, and barring that they are worn correctly and that the SM acts appropriately it is fine.

My point is that of the uniforms he could wear, his dress uniform is the most appropriate. True that the PDA needs to be kept at a minimum, but I've never seen E-Pics where the couple is straight up making out the entire shoot. Besides that most couples have 2 outfits. The dress uniform would be fine for pics that are tasteful and not too touchy feely. The kind of pics that display the ring, or them as a couple. Like everyone's favorite Duke and Duchess..

In both of these, touching is at a minimum.

but for the more fun huggy and kissy pics tasteful civilian attire will be more appropriate.

Zimsgirl · July 2011

I love William and Kate's e pics!

iluvmytxrgr · July 2011

In Response to Re: Engagement Photo Pose Ideas:

No where did I say that it didn't apply. The newest version of that instruction (put out last week) has a list of times it is deemed inappropriate to wear a dress uniform, as well as when it is appropriate. The part about walking arm-in-arm is incorrect, because that is how you are told to escort your date/SO/whatever while in uniform (at least in the Navy and Marine Corps). The instruction doesn't specifically say that a member can or cannot wear a dress uniform to church while home on leave, or to a baseball game to sing the national anthem (both of the prior I did while AD, and yes I researched and spoke to my chain), or to a HS/College graduation, yet these things are done all the time, and barring that they are worn correctly and that the SM acts appropriately it is fine. My point is that of the uniforms he could wear, his dress uniform is the most appropriate. True that the PDA needs to be kept at a minimum, but I've never seen E-Pics where the couple is straight up making out the entire shoot. Besides that most couples have 2 outfits. The dress uniform would be fine for pics that are tasteful and not too touchy feely. The kind of pics that display the ring, or them as a couple. Like everyone's favorite Duke and Duchess.. In both of these, touching is at a minimum. but for the more fun huggy and kissy pics tasteful civilian attire will be more appropriate.
Posted by SamiJoeB

What I posted is the one that was released last week. It came straight from my favorite AF legal expert, Ojo.

LOLways · July 2011

I agree with the new AFI... I think the PDA rules have been locked down even further. Engagement pix by nature involve a little affection between the couple, so it may be that it's inappropriate... Obviously what you wear is a personal choice, but for us I found just a polo and shorts to be acceptable for him. I didn't want to be too terribly formal throughout the whole wedding process, as our wedding will probably be pretty formal, with mess dress.

shan87 · July 2011

My husband in a Lt in the Air Force. His interpretaton of 11-3609 regarding public displays of affection would not include those of photos assuming you're not taking them in the middle a crowded park and completely macking on each other. It would be very applicable if you were escorting your gf or wife around the squad and making out infront of everyone.

If it is one on one with the photographer in his/her studio or somewhat secluded/private location(s) its totally okay. Keep the photos tasteful; you'll be fine.

You would have to have some Colonel walk by and tell you to stop so go for it. Also be discrete about sharing the photos. Don't have the more affectionate photos plastered all over your desk at work (on base) or all over facebook.

shan87 · July 2011

In Response to Re: Engagement Photo Pose Ideas:

No where did I say that it didn't apply. The newest version of that instruction (put out last week) has a list of times it is deemed inappropriate to wear a dress uniform, as well as when it is appropriate. The part about walking arm-in-arm is incorrect, because that is how you are told to escort your date/SO/whatever while in uniform (at least in the Navy and Marine Corps). The instruction doesn't specifically say that a member can or cannot wear a dress uniform to church while home on leave, or to a baseball game to sing the national anthem (both of the prior I did while AD, and yes I researched and spoke to my chain), or to a HS/College graduation, yet these things are done all the time, and barring that they are worn correctly and that the SM acts appropriately it is fine. My point is that of the uniforms he could wear, his dress uniform is the most appropriate. True that the PDA needs to be kept at a minimum, but I've never seen E-Pics where the couple is straight up making out the entire shoot. Besides that most couples have 2 outfits. The dress uniform would be fine for pics that are tasteful and not too touchy feely. The kind of pics that display the ring, or them as a couple. Like everyone's favorite Duke and Duchess.. In both of these, touching is at a minimum. but for the more fun huggy and kissy pics tasteful civilian attire will be more appropriate.
Posted by SamiJoeB

FTR I read this to the Hubs and he agrees

kyrgyzstan · July 2011

FI and I were very careful to obey uniform orders in our engagement pics. We read the Maradmin before we selected the uniform we did (service uniform), and we refused to do anything we felt was inappropriate (like having me put on FI's garrison cover

like the photog asked if I would).

I love the new AFI, I think it's great, and the Marine Corps has similar rules for MARPAT. FI and I only kiss in private in MARPAT/flight suits (with the exception of when he proposed on the flight line), and I'm glad to see the AF is treating its combat uniform like it should be.

http://stanandsmooch.weebly.com/photography1.html

KendallR10 · July 2011

In Response to Re: Engagement Photo Pose Ideas:

FI and I were very careful to obey uniform orders in our engagement pics. We read the Maradmin before we selected the uniform we did (service uniform), and we refused to do anything we felt was inappropriate (like having me put on FI's garrison cover like the photog asked if I would). I love the new AFI, I think it's great, and the Marine Corps has similar rules for MARPAT. FI and I only kiss in private in MARPAT/flight suits (with the exception of when he proposed on the flight line), and I'm glad to see the AF is treating its combat uniform like it should be. http://stanandsmooch.weebly.com/photography1.html
Posted by WishIcouldbeinthe'stan

I wish Photographers looked in to the rules. I've had to tell a few on some that they need to blur out names and rank. You can wear it but nothing can be on it

kyrgyzstan · July 2011

In Response to Re: Engagement Photo Pose Ideas:

In Response to Re: Engagement Photo Pose Ideas : I wish Photographers looked in to the rules. I've had to tell a few on some that they need to blur out names and rank. You can wear it but nothing can be on it
Posted by KendallR10

Enh, it's not the photographer's job to know the rules. It's always up to the service member.

DaKelliAB09 · July 2011

@ STAN Love your e pics! They're beautiful!!! FI and I are taking ours when he gets up here... I've been trying to think of ideas too... but just wanted to say yours are so awesome!

kyrgyzstan · July 2011

Thanks!

KendallR10 · July 2011

In Response to Re: Engagement Photo Pose Ideas:

In Response to Re: Engagement Photo Pose Ideas : Enh, it's not the photographer's job to know the rules. It's always up to the service member.
Posted by WishIcouldbeinthe'stan

I think its both. A wife/gf/ FI isn't always going to know the rules. If a SO is taking B pics in a top. I know the rank and all the jazz isn't supposed to be on there. but most SOs don't. If its a heavy military area, I think the photographer should know

kyrgyzstan · July 2011

I think you're expecting a lot out of someone who isn't even necessarily associated with the military.

KendallR10 · July 2011

In Response to Re: Engagement Photo Pose Ideas:

I think you're expecting a lot out of someone who isn't even necessarily associated with the military.
Posted by WishIcouldbeinthe'stan

I don't. If a photographer lives on or near a base and most of their clients are military I think they should know the uniform rules. or at least the basics

prettyirishgirl · July 2011

But not all photographers taking pictures live near there it also isnt what you are hiring them for. You are hiring them for composition lighting and art. It is the person that is earing the clothes that needs to know the rules. Photographers have jobs and unless they work on post exclusively they aren't responsible for what is our responsibility. Like the guy that took our photographs he lives over 2 hours from a base/post at the least. Just like it isnt his job to know what we are and aren't allowed to wear or do while FI is in uniform at the wedding - thats on us.

That is why they make all new recruits learn to set up their uniform and why when you get tested on it you get reprimanded if everything isnt in the right place. If it was someone else's responsibility to dress you you'd never have to learn to dress yourself- it is part of the lifestyle choice. That isnt to say that everyone needs to know it by heart but that is why they have it all written down and why people ask these questions of friends, superior officers etc. Photographers have enough to do without having to study up on this stuff that a lot of us don't even know which is evident by the questions being raised.

kyrgyzstan · July 2011

In Response to Re: Engagement Photo Pose Ideas:

In Response to Re: Engagement Photo Pose Ideas : I don't. If a photographer lives on or near a base and most of their clients are military I think they should know the uniform rules. or at least the basics
Posted by KendallR10

Oh Kendall, you're very motivated right now, and believe me, I get that, but this is silly. It's not their responsibility. It is the service member's. When I was asked to wear FI's garrison cover, I said, "I'll wait until I get my own." No harm, no foul.

Zimsgirl · July 2011

I agree with Stan. That's not what you hire a photographer for

calindi · July 2011

It's no one's responsibility but the service member's to know their uniform rules and regulations. It's helpful if the spouse learns them, or at least knows to ask (and not pressure their siginficant other into wearing uniforms out of regs), but not required. I wouldn't expect anyone who isn't directly affiliated with the military to know the rules. We made it very clear to our photographers that they have to get written permission to publically show photos of FI or any of our guests in uniform (like their blog and such).

When in doubt, have the service member ask their chain of command.

megz8941 · August 2011

My fiance' and I are both in the Air Force and we're getting our engagement pictures taken next weekend. We actually checked into it, asked higher ups, etc. If you think about it, when you go to a military ball, you're in uniform correct? You can still dance, hold hands, touch, whatever, because you're in your dress blues not your duty uniform. Like some of the other people have mentioned, I wouldn't go into a crowd and be all over eachother, but taking pictures in his dress blues is not a huge deal. It's something to be proud of and remember, so why not take pictures? If he were to wear his daily duty uniform, that may be a different story, but dress blues are meant to go to balls in and be formal in and even take pictures in, so go for it!

sduenas147 · August 2011

My fiance and I are having our pictures done next friday and I wasn't sure whether or not it was allowed. Course, he'd be wearing his blues but the pictures would be privately taken in a secluded area. He nixes the idea, but I no idea whether to go for it or not since some of those pictures would be shown at the wedding. =/

jr2013 · January 2013

In Response to Re: Engagement Photo Pose Ideas:

My fiance' and I are both in the Air Force and we're getting our engagement pictures taken next weekend. We actually checked into it, asked higher ups, etc. If you think about it, when you go to a military ball, you're in uniform correct? You can still dance, hold hands, touch, whatever, because you're in your dress blues not your duty uniform. Like some of the other people have mentioned, I wouldn't go into a crowd and be all over eachother, but taking pictures in his dress blues is not a huge deal. It's something to be proud of and remember, so why not take pictures? If he were to wear his daily duty uniform, that may be a different story, but dress blues are meant to go to balls in and be formal in and even take pictures in, so go for it!
Posted by megz8941

So we can have him wear his blues for a more formal engagment photoshoot? I was going to be in a simple offwhite dress and he was going to be in his blues.

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