The Process of Working with a Proposal Photographer (Step by Step)
Who is the right photographer for you?
Make sure you match each other’s energy. You NEED to trust this person to capture this moment the way you want. Do they seem organized and dependable? Will they make it a fun and comfortable experience for you and your partner? How much experience do they have? Do they specialize in proposals? Will they remain cool, calm, and collected? Don’t be afraid to ask questions and over-prepare.
Tell me about y’all!
This is the time to learn more about you, your partner, and your relationship. What is their name? How did you meet? How long have you been together? What do you like to do together? I’ll also ask if there are any special places that you and your partner like to frequent together. Do you have a place in mind that you’d like to pop the question? If not, don’t worry! I’m here to location scout and offer suggestions.
Time to plan (and then plan some more)
There are a couple options to execute a surprise proposal. The most popular way is to have the photographer hide and photograph from a distance. This is great if capturing the scenery is a priority to you. The other option is setting up a regular couples session and get on one knee in the middle. This is suggested if you want a close-up shot of your face and their immediate reaction. If booking a couples shoot seems out of the ordinary for you, your partner may catch on and therefore, the first option may be best for your surprise proposal.
We will discuss the best place and time to meet. Ideally, we would be able to meet ahead of time to scope out the spot and go over the plan in person. If not, I will go myself and can either FaceTime you or send photos at no additional charge. We will set an exact time, but things can happen and we may deviate from the plan. No need to panic! I will be there to take on any challenges big or small. Communication is key.
Is there anything I can bring that will make this moment even more perfect? A bottle of champagne, balloons, flowers, a string quartet - I’ve got you.
The day of
It’s here! The day you’re going to propose! What now? The plan is set, we have confirmed the time and place, and now it is your job to not ruin the surprise. No pressure. On my end, I will have my two cameras ready to go, memory cards cleared, and an alarm set. I will arrive at the designated location at least 30 minutes before you and your love are scheduled to arrive. I will ask that you provide an ETA and let me know what you both are wearing so I can spot you easier.
When the time comes and the anticipation is bubbling up inside of you, stay focused. Focus on the moment and your partner. Don’t rush it. Take a beat and stay down on one knee, not only for you and your partner, but for your photographer! Make this special moment last.
After they say yes and y’all have some time to yourselves, I will approach and introduce myself. From here, we will take some formal portraits for 15-20 minutes. At this time, it is very clear why the best proposal photographers are empaths. Your partner was just bombarded with a lot of lovely things. They were surprised with a ring and a heavy question to then meeting a stranger who has a camera pointed at them. Not many people are comfortable in front of the camera and need to mentally prepare, but when being proposed to, they are not granted the luxury of time to adjust. As an empath, I understand this and work extra hard to make this transition fun and easy and comfortable while also creating amazing images for y’all to look back on for many years.
Now comes the easy part - planning the wedding! ;)
Searching for the right photographer to capture this once-in-a-lifetime milestone? Let’s chat!