5 Tips For Flawless Proposal Photos

Are you thinking about having a photographer capture your proposal? Do not leave your special moment to chance! Follow these 6 tips Grand Lens Photography has shared with you to ensure that your photographer is adequately prepared and equipped to capture your once in a lifetime memory!

Grand Lens Photography

pre-proposal meeting

It is quintessential that the photographer and proposer scope out the location together prior to the day of the proposal. This allows the proposal photographer and proposer to work out a general timeline and create a detailed plan for the location of each stage of the proposal. Nothing is worse than the photographer having the wrong angle and not being able to catch the proposer on one knee!  Or worse yet, having the proposee’s back turned to the camera and missing their reaction. This may sound like you are choreographing your proposal (and in a way you are) setting the photographer up for success is indispensable in terms of receiving the perfect proposal photographs.

Jason Hales Photography

Photographer's hiding place

Hiding the photographer is the MOST IMPORTANT aspect of your pre-proposal meeting. This is the key to keeping the proposal a surprise. Therefore, you should determine the hiding place prior to the proposal. Otherwise, there is a risk of compromise to the photographer’s location and the proposal is jeopardized (or worse, you startle the proposee when they discover someone is hiding in a bush taking photos of them). The hiding place must offer enough concealment to prevent the detection of the proposal photographer, but also provide the correct angles for photographing the proposal (note the location of the sun during that time of day). The nature of hiding means the proposal photographer will have imperfect ambulatory flexibility. Therefore, it is requisite that your proposal photographer uses a zoom lens. The best zoom lens for these situations is a 70mm-200mm f/2.8 or better. This will allow the proposal photographer to catch wider shots of both the proposer and the proposee, as well as the expressions of joy on either individual’s face. It is incomprehensible why some proposal photographers insist on capturing your special moment with prime lenses under these conditions.

Leeann Marie Photography

Communication  Is Key

Keeping in constant communication leading up to the proposal is essential. Plans change on the fly when the proposee is not cognizant of the timeline. Maybe he/she decides they desired dessert after dinner and the photographer has extra time to set up. Likewise, maybe the proposee decides to skip dinner altogether and the photographer has to be at the location an hour earlier. Any number of events can throw off the timeline on proposal day, constant communication will help ensure that you receive the perfect proposal photos.

Grand Lens Photography

photographer should arrive at least 15 mins early

If possible, request the photographer to be in position at least 15 minutes prior to the desired proposal time. Again, timelines are fluid when the proposee does not know there is a timeline. Any number of events could happen and you do not want your proposal photographer trying to climb into a bush while you are on one knee!

Grand Lens Photography

post-proposal  photos

This is a matter of preference and it is essential to discuss the post-proposal photos prior to the proposal. Some proposers prefer to do a mini-shoot immediately following the proposal. Other proposers prefer that the photographer come out of hiding, introduce themselves, snap a few photos to capture the initial reactions, and allow them to move on with their moment, call family, etc. Make your proposal photos better by adding a beautiful 30-minute portrait session. This gorgeous shoot allows you to fully capture your engagement story, especially if you and your other half are visiting a new city. Either way, it is essential that both the proposal photographer and the proposer are on the same page with this. Having a camera shoved in your face at the incorrect time could ruin the entire moment. 

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