As a pro surprise proposal photographer, what I love most is the the surprise part of proposals. There’s SO MUCH EMOTION! I love to capture the little moments; this is unlike any other moment in your life.
The emotions of a proposal go a little something like this: surprise, a shock that quickly turns into relief, with an outpouring of love and awe when they see the ring. Then you’ll hug and the kiss. All of that can happen within 60 seconds. You need a photographer who is on their game. That’s where I come in.
What is Proposal Photography?
Surprise proposal photography is where the photographer hides and tries to blend into their surroundings to capture a wedding proposal. Proposals are the start of your next big, whimsical adventure. As your proposal photographer, I’ll be your sneaky sidekick, who hides in bushes or blends in as a curious tourist, brimming with excitement, waiting for the perfect moment where you surprise your soon-to-be fiancé with the big question. To make it easy on you, I have two options for proposal photography that I’ll go over below.
Two Options for Proposal Photography
Let’s pretend we have already finalized the details of the actual proposal moment. Up next is planning how exactly I will photograph the moment. You have two options for how we can start:
- Option 1: You will introduce me as the photographer for a couples photography session between you two, or
- Option 2: I can hide from your fiancé until you’ve popped the question.
Neither is better than the other. The choice is yours. I go over the pros and cons of each option below.
How Far in Advance Should You Hire a Proposal Photographer?
Proposal planning can take months to accomplish. From getting the ring to picking the perfect date and time, there is a lot to think about. Whether you have a special place that means a lot to the two of you, or you rented a private room at a restaurant with loved ones, the best time to hire a proposal photographer is now! My schedule books out months in advance, so once you have a date in mind, secure your date right away.
If You Go for Option 1
If you decide to go with Option 1, which is having me already introduced to the two of you at the beginning as your photographer, most of the planning will come down to the prompt we decide on that will initiate that moment you ask for their hand in marriage. Here’s an example scenario:
For example, after we’ve warmed up into the couples session and already taken some photos, I will slowly guide our shoot towards the specific spot we’ve agreed on in order to have the background you really want for the official proposal moment. I will give a prompt similar to, “Alright, now I’ll have you face this way, and when I say go, Person A will run up behind you to tackle you from behind.” They are usually pretty oblivious to what’s about to happen next because at that point, I’ve already given you both a bunch of silly prompts, like chasing each other around and twirling everywhere.
Once Person B turns around, I’ll give Person A the signal that I’m ready for them to pop the question. I will wait for Person A to give me back the thumbs up, and say “Never mind, we’re going to do a different pose. Can you turn back around?” Then the moment happens! There are be different variations to the prompts, this is just an example of one of them.
If You Go for Option 2
If you decide for Option 2, I stay hidden until you propose. Most of our planning will come down to coordinating where we will both be standing when the moment happens.
We will work together to fine tune details. I will arrive at the location ahead of time, send you a photo of where you will propose, and let you know where I’ll be hiding.
I may ask you to give your partner a big hug right before you’re about to drop down to one knee, or to give me another signal that you are almost ready. This gives you a chance to sneakily rock your partner into position so I can see both of your profiles in the photo.
Pros of Option 1
- This is a good choice to consider if your proposal will be in a wide open area where it will be hard for me as the photographer to hide.
- There doesn’t need to be any secrecy in terms of me remaining hidden all the way up to the big moment. I will be interacting with the both of you from start to finish of our session.
- Since we will already be taking photos of the two of you, it’s easy to make up a pose that has Person B turn around so that Person A can go down on one knee to propose.
Pros of Option 2
- It’s much less obvious that you’re going to propose. Your proposal will play out in an organic way as if there isn’t a hired photographer involved.
- Your plan is to keep your proposal more of a private moment with just the two of you.
- If you two are private people, it’s more likely Person B will let out their true emotions with less hesitation because they don’t know they’re being photographed.
Cons of Option 1
- If your partner is already onto you and has the sneaking suspicion a proposal is on the horizon, this choice will confirm their bias.
- It may be obvious you’re going to propose when you say, “We haven’t gotten professional photos taken of us, so I hired a photographer for a session!”
Cons of Option 2
- There has to be more coordination between you and I as the photographer. We will have to plan where exactly the I will be vs. where the two of you will be.
Adequate planning ensures your partner’s reaction can be perfectly captured and shot at the right angle.
Proposal Photography Pricing
I’m excited to help you pull off the surprise of a lifetime. Here are the three packages I offer for surprise proposal photography.
Posh Proposal Package
The posh proposal package is everything you’ve dreamt of: where custom ideas come to life. This package offers one-hour of comprehensive proposal coverage with an engagement session, full planning, and execution of your proposal details.
Includes:
- Decor rentals and floral arrangements,
- Custom bouquet,
- The moment where you get down on one knee,
- Behind-the-scenes assistance with the logistics of your more complex proposal,
- Location recommendations specific for proposals based on preferred trail difficulty and crowds,
- 30-min portrait session with the two of you immediately to follow.
Starting at $2,500
Deluxe Proposal Package
* Most Booked *
I plan with you from start to finish. My Deluxe Package offers one hour of elaborate photo coverage and dedicated logistical support, including venue/vendor management and extensive communication between the two of us.
Includes:
- The moment where you get down on one knee,
- Behind-the-scenes assistance with the logistics of your more complex proposal, and
- Location recommendations specific for proposals based on preferred trail difficulty and crowds.
Starting at $950
Simple Proposal Package
You pick the location! This includes capturing the proposal moment, editing, and an online gallery of your beautiful photos.
Includes:
- The moment where you get down on one knee, and
- 20-minute mini portrait session with the two of you immediately to follow.
Starting at $650
Surprise Proposal Add-ons
Add-ons I currently offer include:
- Extra hour of coverage: $300
- Drone coverage: $200
- Fresh flower setup: starting at $400
- Fresh flower bouquet: $50
- Candles: starting at $100
- Champagne or cider to pop: $40
- Local wine: $40
- Sparklers: $20
- Contact me if you have any other ideas
Meet Your Proposal Photographer
Hey, I’m Tram
Stealthy extrovert who specializes in planning and capturing the big moment
My professional background involves event planning, so you can imagine my delight when clients ask me to help facilitate their proposal plans. I am a logistics queen. I’m Arizona based but travel all over the US for my couples.
My job is to let you know what you don’t know. Surprise proposals are exciting, and capturing that moment is memorializing this journey into the next special chapter of your lives together is one of my favorite parts of the job.
Book Photography for Your Proposal
Frequently asked Questions
What’s the process like?
Once you make an inquiry, I’ll reach out within 48 hours.
- Decide on your location. I’ll help you scout the perfect trail and location, giving you my best tips.
- Secure your proposal. After deciding on the day and time you will receive a contract to finalize the day.
- Once you sign the contract, and pay the retainer, I’m yours.
We’ll keep in touch leading up to your proposal to make sure I stay up to date. Keep me notified of the details- I’m all ears.
What’s included?
- Planning and location assistance
- Behind-the-scenes assistance with logistics
- Vendor communication (restaurant, winery, florist, decorator, etc.)
- Proposal moment captured
- Couples portrait session
- 50+ photos
When will we get our proposal photos?
You will receive sneak peek photos within 48 hours.
An online gallery link with all your photos is available within 2 weeks. You can download all the photos from the gallery, share with your family, choose your favorites, and order discounted prints.
Is there a retainer to reserve a proposal session?
Yes, there is a 20% non-refundable retainer due upon signing. The retainer allows me to decline potential future clients wanting to book your time slot and devote my entire attention to your proposal.
The second remaining balance is due two weeks before your proposal. You have the option to schedule this payment or you can pay any time! Photos are delivered after the second payment.
How far out do you book?
My schedule books out months in advance, so once you have a date in mind, secure your proposal date right away.
How many pictures will we receive?
Proposal galleries include at least 50 images for the Simple Package, and 100 images for the Deluxe Package.
