Surprise Proposal Photography
Your Guide on How to Get the Best Proposal Photos
So you’re about to propose, congratulations!! Proposing is a thrilling and joy-filled event that you can truly own. Having this unforgettable moment captured through surprise proposal photography is vital. It’s a Snap Media is here to ensure you seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in the best possible way.
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.
Why Should You Hire a Professional Photographer for Your Proposal?
I love the secret and anticipation of a surprise proposal. As a professional proposal photographer, I do more than take the photos; I’m also a great story teller. Here are four reasons to hire a professional photographer for your proposal:
- Your proposal is kept intimate between the two of you.
- The surprise element of your proposal is well maintained. I’ll keep everything on the DL, and blend in really well to my environment. Your only job is to focus on what you’ll say and do in the moment.
- Hiring a photographer for your surprise proposal saves you or your loved ones the stress of making sure the right angles are covered.
- Let’s be honest, the moment goes by so fast; you’ll want the memory preserved forever! The genuine emotions and expressions of that day are truly priceless.
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.
What if you don’t know where to propose yet?
I help with that! We’ll start with a general location idea (ie. a city you’re visiting) and go from there. I’ll suggest hikes, off-the-beaten paths, restaurants with great views, or even a winery if you’re a sommelier.
How I help you plan your ideal surprise proposal:
- Location recommendations specific for proposals based on preferred trail difficulty, crowds, and other requests
- Vendor recommendations for picnics or florals
- Coordinating with wineries, restaurants, etc.
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What’s included
- Photography coverage of the proposal moment
- Couples session immediately following
- Sneak peek photos shared within 48 hours (that’s fast!)
- High-res, online gallery of all the gorgeous images
- Social media-sized photos
- Prints and wall art options available to order through your online gallery
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!
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.
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.
What Happens After the Proposal?
I arrive about 15-20 minutes prior to your proposal spot depending on your plan. I’ll get the moment photographed and after about five mins of alone time, I introduce myself. I’ll check if you are open to any posed engagement photos.
Proposal Photography Pricing
I’m excited to help you pull off the surprise of a lifetime! Here are the two packages I offer for surprise proposal photography.
The Deluxe Proposal Package
* Most Booked *
I plan with you from start to finish. My Deluxe Package offers elaborate coverage and dedicated logistical support, including venue/vendor recommendations and extensive communication.
Includes:
- 15 mins of stealthy coverage,
- The moment where you get down on one knee,
- One hour of comprehensive proposal coverage,
- 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, and
- Optional drone coverage.
Starting at $850
The Simple Proposal Package
This includes capturing the proposal moment, editing, and an online gallery of your beautiful photos.
Includes:
- 15 mins of stealthy coverage,
- The moment where you get down on one knee, and
- 10-minute mini portrait session with the two of you immediately to follow.
Starting at $650
Want to celebrate with loved ones right after? We can easily incorporate family and friends into your proposal.
Both the Simple and Deluxe proposal packages can be extended with additional time to perfectly suit your needs. Additional time can always be added to perfectly match your vision too. Each proposal is custom created for each client’s individual needs. Ready to plan your dream proposal with the perfect photos to look back on? Let’s create something truly special together.
Surprise Proposal Add-ons
Why not go all out for this once-in-a-lifetime moment? Some add-ons I offer are:
- 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
Honestly, there’s no wrong way to go. I don’t want the above choices seem like they are the only way to go about surprise proposals. You have to do whatever you think is right and whatever calls the most out to you two as a couple. As cheesy as this sounds, as long as you both have fun, the proposal will be one for the books.
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.
