The Art of Photographing Surprise Proposals
Last Updated on October 14, 2024 by Erin Donahue
Photographing surprise proposals can be one of the most rewarding experiences for an events photographer. You have the unique opportunity to document a pivotal moment in a couple’s relationship, creating images they’ll cherish for years to come. However, this exciting task comes with its own set of challenges.
Similar to when I selectively photograph weddings and elopements, this is not my main niche. I came to photograph many proposals because when I first went into photography as a side hustle to my corporate job, my existing network consisted of my coworkers, and friends of friends, getting engaged and married. Most of the time when you start in photography, you get paid work through the people around you. I’ve photographed dozens of surprise proposals over the years, here’s how to navigate and capture stunning proposal photos for your clients.
Proposal Preparation and Planning
First things first: preparation is key.
Communicate with the proposer
After the first inquiry, if a prospective client wants to move forward with you as their photographer (after you’ve sent your services guide and rates) schedule a video call to discuss the proposal details. Learn about their plans, preferences, and any specific requests they might have.
During this phase, I also send my portfolio and full galleries of my previous work so they know my style and there’s no risk of a future disgruntled client. Nine times out of ten, they just really care about someone being able to capture the moment intentionally.
Scout the location
Visit the site beforehand to familiarize yourself with the lay of the land and identify the best vantage points. It’s best to go around the same time the proposal is scheduled for to see what the lighting will be like, and take test shots to prepare for potential challenges.
Conduct a walkthrough
If possible, meet with your client for an in-person walkthrough. Every client I’ve done this with was so happy we did a walkthrough. This allowed them to get an understanding of what they can expect, and it allows us to get on the same page of where they’ll be and where I’ll be. When you’re there, you can understand the lighting conditions, potential backgrounds, and hiding spots.
Obviously, it’s not always possible to schedule a walkthrough because sometimes schedules don’t align. For instance, I once had one client who flew in from Canada the same day as his proposal. To mitigate something like that, as a best practice, I always ask my clients the proposal is to share their location with me for that day and send me a text they’re approaching (if they remember to do that).
Lighting Considerations
Natural light is often ideal for photographing surprise proposals, but the big question is: to use flash or not? Personally, I avoid using flash for proposals because it can be distracting and ruin the moment. Instead, I work with natural light or existing ambient light but if you’re like me who’s had to shoot in numerous low light conditions, you’re going to have to bump up your ISO. It’s unavoidable!
Unfortunately, what’s dimly lit and romantic in person, is a photography nightmare. What I do though to mitigate this, and ensure I get crisp, sharp shots is I ask them to recreate the scene…So some of my couples technically get two proposals in a night! If you’re thinking that’s embarrassing, or a lack of skill, I can tell you I’ve never had a client complain. They care more about the image.
As their photographer, if your picture has too much noise, and it’s too dimly lit, don’t be afraid to be like “Hey, I want to make sure you have the perfect shot, so how do you feel about getting on your knee one more time but this time I’m going to use flash”
Pros of using flash:
- Adds light in low-light situations
- Helps freeze motion for sharper images
Cons of using flash:
- Can be intrusive and potentially ruin the surprise
- May create harsh shadows or highlights
Composition and Storytelling
The heart of photographing surprise proposals is capturing genuine emotions. Be prepared to shoot in burst mode to catch fleeting expressions. Focus on candid moments of both partners’ natural reactions immediately following the proposal.
During my walkthroughs with the proposer, I tell them to try and remember that we want their soon-to-be fiance’s left hand visible so we practice a few times how they’re supposed to walk in.
While at first, you may have been hiding as to not give away what’s about to go down, when the proposal is actually happening, it’s ok to get close. The couple does not care. They’re enthralled in the moment. The one getting proposed to has probably been waiting for this to finally happen for forever! After the initial surprise is over, be sure to also capture some formal posed photos of the happy couple. This is where you become the director, like a typical portrait shoot.
Level of service
Finally, let’s talk about something that’s often overlooked but incredibly important: client service. As a proposal photographer, you’re not just taking photos – you’re part of one of the most important moments in a couple’s life. Clear communication is essential. Being responsive over email, or text (within reasonable hours) helps quell the client’s anxiety.
I come from a business background, so having a sense of urgency and frequent communication is ingrained in me. It’s just more professional.
After the proposal, give the couple some space to enjoy their moment before stepping in for posed shots, and then stick to your turnaround time. Obviously, the sooner the better, but if you have a lot of volume, then it’s important to manage expectations of your turnaround time. I typically deliver galleries in a week, but I’ll also send a sneak peek within 48 hours.
To wrap up, remember that photographing surprise proposals is about more than just technical skills. It’s about being present, being prepared, and being ready to capture one of life’s most beautiful moments.
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If you’d like professional photos of your proposal in NYC, don’t hesitate to reach out!