Secrets to Successful Surprise Proposal Photo Sessions
A surprise proposal is a huge undertaking filled with love, excitement, and anticipation, and sometimes (good) nerves. Many people spend months planning details such as rings, speaking to family and friends, the when and where…so naturally you want those moments captured forever. As a photographer, I specialize in turning heartwarming moments like this into stunning visual stories for you!
I have been receiving so many inquiries from many people to help plan and capture their surprise proposals recently (which I LOVE). I understand the significance of this moment so I wanted to write a blog to share some tips and tricks to ensure your surprise proposal photo session goes as well as it can!
Location Location Location
Select a location that has meaning to you, while considering elements like lighting, scenery, and sentimental value. I can always help you with location ideas that fit your vibe, but remember that your proposal should be sentimental to the two of you - whether its a specific location you have been to or wanted to go to, or it resonates with who you are. Consider the time of day and potential for how crowded it may be. Remember to take into account if your partner values privacy or is okay with a more public display.
What time is it? (It’s party time - uh - I guess after?)
When people ask what time I suggest - it’s usually a “it depends”. Different times of day provide different lighting aesthetics, and then depending on physical location it can change more (think shadows of buildings, or direct light between spaces). Early morning and golden hour usually provide some of the best and softest lighting, while mid day provides some of the most direct and harsh lighting. While I have extensive experience photographing in all types of lighting situations, when you cannot control every aspect of the photo (because its a surprise) it can be difficult to give you stunning images if you are unsure of EXACTLY where and how to stand in difficult lighting situations like mid day direct sun.
You already have enough on your plate with planning, so eliminating unnecessary worries is always best!
What do I Wear!?!?
I personally think this is a highly personal preference - but something that is authentic to the two of you! Something that is nice, but is not something you feel forced wearing. Even jeans and a blazer with a plain shirt underneath is a great example! Just remember to keep the weather and location in mind. (If you’re thinking of somewhere like Old City Philly on cobblestone, I advise against high heels - but its not impossible).
Make sure you are wearing or carrying something that you can easily conceal the ring in.
Communicate with your photographer!
Your photographer is your top secret, super fun ally for this moment! Share as much information about your idea and plans as possible with your photographer such as location, timing, direction you are walking, cues, signals! While we can be really good at anticipating what will happen, we are not mind readers unfortunately. Ask for their professional input when it comes to the location and be open to discussing alternatives. We want to make sure everything goes as well as it possibly can, with our experience we understand some potential roadblocks from a mile away when others may not consider them.
A great example of communication with my most recent couple was that the person planning actually wrote me an e-mail reiterating the time, the cross street location, describing the specific location (ie. look for the flags), a google map street view with an arrow showing how they would be walking and a dot showing the spot he was planning on stopping, and two photos of them so I could be sure it was the right couple. About 30 minutes before the proposal, I texted that I was at the location, and he kept me in touch with an estimated arrival time. Though I was behind a tree talking to someone else, I made sure to peak out and make eye contact with him to be sure he knew where I was.
Know your angles!
Honestly, with all the planning, nerves, excitement, and details that go into the proposal, it is SO easy to forget about this: knowing which way to stop and propose. I also realized that some people just have different ideas in their head as to which direction is best to face - which is TOTALLY normal, and one of the reasons you hire a pro!
The top choice to photograph the proposal would be with the couple facing each other with their shoulders to the photographer (think side view) so you can see both people’s faces.
The second choice would be with the proposers back to the photographer so we can capture the reaction of the person being proposed to.
Embrace the moment!
You don’t need to rush along! Enjoy the moment, embrace, talk with each other, these all make for amazingly cute photos after the proposal and are totally candid! Sometimes family and or friends are waiting nearby to celebrate, and these make for more candid storytelling!
Post-proposal photos!
A quick photo session after your proposal allows you to slow down and enjoy each other’s company and have some amazing moments to look back on - not just the proposal itself. Think of it as a mini engagement session - but it’s in the moment where you are THE MOST excited, you’re not in the middle of planning a wedding, not caught up in day to day work. These photos will radiate so much of your natural happiness and love, which only adds to the storytelling of the photos!
Your proposal idea can be as detailed or as simple as you wish, but make sure it is representative of who you are together. Be flexible and ready for changes. Despite meticulous planning, any circumstances can arrive from weather, to other people not involved in the proposal. What matters most is the sincerity and love behind the gesture. A surprise proposal photo session in an incredible way to freeze-frame and tell the story of one of the most important moments of your life. Collaborating and planning with a photographer who can hype you up and celebrate with you while documenting your story is an amazing addition.
