Suprise Proposal
How to Plan the Perfect Proposal (From Your Photographer’s POV 💍📸)
So you’ve found the one (yay!!), picked out the ring, and now you're planning the big moment—cue the butterflies. Proposing is one of the most exciting things you’ll ever do, and if you’re thinking about having it photographed (first of all, YES PLEASE), I’m here to give you the inside scoop on how to make it seamless, emotional, and totally unforgettable… all from a photographer’s perspective.
Here’s how to plan a proposal like a pro:
1. Let’s Chat Early
As soon as you start thinking about popping the question, reach out! Even if you don’t have all the details locked in yet, the earlier we chat, the more we can brainstorm together. I can help you figure out timing, location options, lighting, and how to make it all feel natural and personal.
Bonus: I’ve seen a lot of proposals, so I’ve got plenty of ideas if you need inspiration.
2. Pick the Perfect Spot
The best proposal locations are the ones that mean something to you both. Whether it’s the beach where you had your first date, a lookout you love hiking to, or even your backyard with fairy lights strung up—it doesn’t have to be over-the-top, just you.
From a photography perspective, I always look for beautiful light, clean backgrounds, and space for me to be nearby without being super obvious. Don’t worry—I’ll help scout the spot or even do a sneaky visit beforehand to make sure it’s picture-perfect.
3. Timing is Everything
Golden hour (just before sunset) is your best friend—it gives us that warm, dreamy light that makes everything feel extra magical. But if you have a different time in mind, that’s okay! I’ll help figure out how to work with whatever time and lighting we’ve got.
We’ll also chat about your exact timing so I can be in place and ready to go (aka hiding behind a tree or pretending to be a tourist—whatever it takes 😉).
4. Make a Game Plan
Once we’ve picked the spot and time, we’ll make a solid plan so everything runs smoothly:
Where you'll stand
Which direction you'll be facing (hello, best angle!)
A signal for when it’s go-time
What happens after the “YES!” (Cue the hugs, tears, and ring shots!)
I’ll help you think through everything, and I promise it won’t feel stiff or awkward. My goal is to capture the real, emotional, beautiful moment—without you having to overthink it.
5. Keep It a Surprise (but not stressful)
If it’s a surprise proposal, let’s come up with a cover story that makes sense. Whether I’m “doing a photo shoot for someone else” or just casually wandering nearby, we’ll make sure your partner doesn’t suspect a thing until the moment happens.
And if you want to include friends or family afterward, I can help plan that too!
6. Celebrate With a Mini Session After
After the big YES, that just-engaged glow is everything. We’ll take some sweet portraits of you two basking in the moment—it’s always full of so much joy and happy tears, and it’s the perfect way to celebrate.
You can even turn it into a full engagement session if you like!
Final Thoughts
Your proposal is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and having it photographed means you get to relive the joy over and over again. I’m here to help every step of the way—whether you need a location scout, timeline guide, or someone to calm your nerves beforehand (been there!).
If you're ready to start planning the most epic surprise of your life, let’s chat! I can’t wait to help bring your vision to life—and capture the moment your love story takes the next big step.
Big hugs + happy planning,
Jarrah x