I must be living under a rock, because I only just discovered that Prince William is engaged to be married to his long-time girlfriend Kate Middleton.
Two official engagement pictures were released to the public over the weekend, and I have to say that I love the work of fashion photographer Mario Testino, who was chosen to document the royal engagement. Not only does the couple look exquisite, the photos (especially the more formal portrait) have a painting-like quality to them that makes them seem appropriately regal. I’d love to know what type of equipment Testino shoots with, what settings he used, and what type of post-processing work he performed, if any.
Kate’s engagement ring, which is prominently displayed in the first photo, was the same one given to Diana by Charles. Some have criticized William for choosing to gift Kate the ring of his late mother — because not only did his parents’ marriage end in divorce, his mother died a tragic death — but I think it’s utterly romantic. (Plus, I have an affinity for oval stones, as my own engagement ring is a gorgeous oval diamond. 
)
I was too young to remember the wedding of Charles and Diana, but I do know that it was the fairytale wedding of my generation. I have no doubts that William and Kate’s wedding in April 2011 will garner similar attention.
Congrats to William and Kate!
Via Luxist.
I like books, gadgets, spicy food, and art. I dislike shopping, hot weather, and the laws of entropy. Although I am a self-proclaimed computer nerd, I still have a love for handbags and makeup... and I am always teetering on high heels. To learn more about me, visit the 
I am so glad you posted these! Everyone has been talking about them, but I haven't seen them yet. I hope their wedding is a big deal like Princess Di's, I was much too young to enjoy it. Good for them. 🙂
LOL Jenny you're so funny! you JUST found out!? LOL. oh well. it's better that you don't know gossip because it makes you seem like a real grown up!
I hadn't seen these, so thanks for posting. They look absolutely beautiful. Curious to see if they choose to get a 'royal pet'. 🙂
My husband doesn't understand America's fascination with the royal family, but I'm a complete sucker for it. I think Kate has that same 'realness' and beauty that Di embodied. I hope she can live up to the shoes she is going to fill. Such a beautiful ring, too, and I also think it's incredibly romantic that it has a history.
I think it's utterly romantic and to be honest, I'm utterly jealous. When I was a girl, I vowed I'd meet and marry him. I am glad that William found happiness in Kate. I wish them the best of luck and damn, they are a fine looking couple! She's so glam!
I never realized this, but Prince William has stubby sausage-fingers like his dad. Everything is so attractive about him, from his deep voice to his debonaire charm, but the fingers are a let down. Fortunately Kate has regal hands…and hopefully her good genes will silence the ugly ones from centuries of european royal inbreeding.
I'm so excited for this engagement! Regarding the photos though, many photographers are disappointed in Testino's work above. If you notice, he totally made some basic errors (like having vertical lines jutting out of William's head, blowing out highlights, spread fingers in portraits are clumsy looking). Post processing appears to be minimal. He appeared to be shooting with a small black compact, perhaps a Leica M9 or Contax TVS-III, and his assistants used a reflector. I like the emotion captured in the first shot, but really, there are SO many wonderful, wonderful photographers out there, that to choose Testino, and have him produce glorified snapshots, is so disappointing.