Grrrr, I had a whole post written and then my browser crashed!
We did have a great time, and it was fun getting all made up and dressed up. Aside from our wedding day, this is the only time we've had really good pictures done, too. The photographer was
Jeff Sciortino, and I was surprised to see he worked in medium format film -- something you don't see too much anymore. He let me have a couple of the Polaroids taken to test exposure levels.
He really put us at ease. Howie had to take several breaks to sit down, but in all it was a fun experience. He stuck to the one pose of us standing arm in arm, then did the shots of us in the pants together. "Hold her close, Howie!" he'd say, and when Howie would sqeeze me closer and I'd laugh, he'd take a shot. It was a good time.
The pants picture was a real trip. At first, he tried having us in them facing each other. That didn't work! We ended up getting in them the same way we did for the Advocate picture. I'd brought Howie his walking stick for support, and ended up leaning hard onto it myself. It was either that or we'd both topple to the pavement.
By the time he'd shot the roll of film, my hand was falling asleep from the pressure. But it'll be worth it to have that unique shot.
Since they did everything outside, there was a big shade board the assistant held up, plus the flash umbrella. Quite a few cars slowed down in passing - it was really weird. LOL
The stylist, George, arrived before everyone else, and got us situated with the clothes. All of the clothes were too large, so the outfits chosen for the shoot were safety-pinned in back so they were more form-fitting. Best, we DID get to keep whatever we'd worn; I only had the two pieces, jeans and a blouse, but Howie had several. Since they were too big, we'll take us a shopping trip into Columbus and exchange the clothes for ones that fit us. There's about $300 worth of clothes!
Susie, the hair and makeup stylist, did a good job. My hair wasn't anything like I normally style it, but Howie said it looked good. The makeup was nice, and she tamed my bushy eyebrows.
We feel really blessed.
It's the January 2006 issue it'll be in.
:. After they leave and you have time to catch your breath, get on over here with all the details, okay? 
