I decided to go to OHS’s website to start. I was amazed that I could filter by personality traits. Laid back, affectionate, playful, good with children, and good with cats… our little Cougie had lots to fill! My results were just shy of one page, and Cougar stood out. I spent a couple of days thinking about going to meet him. Then the night before we were going, he got transferred to an outreach location, Cedar Mill Veterinary Hospital.

We went early on a Saturday morning, and they brought him into a private room to spend time with us. He was instantly kissing us and seemed to even like Mackenzie. I say even because many cats we met were scared of her since she can be loud and make sudden moves, like most toddlers. I wanted to take him home but hubby being the practical one said we should think about it. So we left and continued our day of meeting cats at Sherwood’s Cat Adoption Team shelter. I’m not sure why we went because all Dan and the little one could say all afternoon was “Cougar”.

When we got home the vet’s office was at was closed for the weekend so we had to wait for Cougar. First thing Monday morning I called and was very happy to hear he was still there. Mackenzie and I went to pick him up that afternoon. He didn’t care for the car ride much but seemed to make himself at home pretty quickly. What used to be referred to as my office is now called Cougar’s room.

He posed wonderfully for my camera on Easter, when he wasn’t trying to rummage through Mackenzie’s basket.

Dress in something that represents you. Think about where we are photographing when you choose your outfit. High heels and a dress may not work well if you want photos in a field, unless you are a kick off your shoes and run barefoot type.

Talk to each other before dressing. You don’t need to match your fiance but you shouldn’t clash. You’ll want to be about the same formality. One of you in a suit, and one in your favorite ripped jeans might look silly. Being a little aware of how your colors go together is good too.

Avoid clothing that will over power the photograph. I had business portraits done last year and wore a top that was patterned with bold flowers all through my mid-section. If you are a size 2 this might be okay and give the illusion that you have more curves. On me, it draws attention to my mid-section and the pattern is just too bold, drawing attention away from my face. I still really like this shirt but not for photos. Logos, even small ones, and writing are even worse.

Think about color. Most people look best in certain colors. Black is a difficult one for photos. For some it works okay, but it can wash out pale skin. It also tends to fade and show every little piece of lint.

Break the rules. Always feel free to bend, twist, or break the rules. Maybe your fiance always wears bright blue polka dots suits, and you love all black. Then this is who you are and by all means express it!

When in doubt, bring a couple of outfits or at least shirts. Email me, or comment on this post, if you have specific questions.