How to Plan a Surprise Proposal Photoshoot?

Are you planning an engagement? You don’t know where to start but you got the idea to hire a proposal photographer to capture the moment! That’s a good start.

My name is Domi and I am a proposal photographer in London. I will share how to prepare for a proposal photo shoot, how to talk to your partner, share options of proposal and tips you need to perfectly capture the moment.

Idea 1 - proposal photoshoot with props

With my client Tong from Malaysia, we plan the photoshoot with props. He was travelling to London and informed his girlfriend that maybe we should hire a travel photographer in London so they don’t have to take selfies etc. She said is a great idea and did not realise that this might be for a proposal session.

I met my couple acting like we have photos of the best spots in London. I talk about the City, what they should do etc. To confuse her even more I was asked questions such as “Who was the idea about the photo shoot?”, “How guys did you find me?”, “What was the reason to book the photo session in London?” I prepare Tong to inform give the answer as “We did not want to have just selfies. We don’t know where are the best spots”. His girlfriend was very confused and we make sure she will have no idea that this was a proposal photoshoot.

We keep taking photos in the Westminster area. We took some photos with Big Ben, Redphone Box and London Eye. Then Tong ask where it bathroom around, and I said to him that this is behind the park. At the time he went there to prepare himself for the proposal and I still take photos of his girlfriend.

When I finish taking photos of her around London Eye I said let’s go to the park. We went there and when we were close I clover her eyes and we walk to the spot where was the proposal prepared.

She was very confused and she thought it was some surprise for her birthday. When we removed the eye mask he was waiting for her with flowers.

Thanks to this plan: I was able to capture the best honest emotions of my couple. I had the chance in the first 30 min to confuse her that she believe me that is just a travel photoshoot instead of a proposal. I was able to make her comfortable with me that even though her boyfriend helped to “toilet” she did not think about him where he is.

We as well decorated everything thanks to our proposal planner person.

Idea 2 - travel proposal photoshoot in London

The beginning of the photo shoot was similar to my previous clients. We organise and inform my client's girlfriend that this is a travel photoshoot. When I met my clients I ask similar questions as “Who was the idea about the photo shoot?”, “Why did you make the decision of booking the session?” etc. This kind of question as well was able to confuse. We plan to take photos with Big Ben, London Eye, and Redphone Box and then I inform let’s take some photos in the Park.

The different thing between the first idea and the second idea is that we all together went to the park to just take photos. I asked my female client to take sit and look on the opposite side and close her eyes because would look good for the photo. At the same time, I give I sign for him to prepare the ring and get down on his knees. I asked her to open her eyes and look back, then she saw her boyfriend.

When they propose I take many photos to capture the best moment for them and give them some time to enjoy themself. After it, we take a shoot close to the ring and for the rest 15 min, we walk around to take some photos of finances. The session took 1.5 hours without props.

Idea 3 - surprise photoshoot proposal. Secret Engagement Photo Session

Secret Engagement Photo Session was in the same locations but had different beginnings and planning. My client Alan wants to have a surprise photoshoot. What does mean? We organise the spot where he will stand, the proposal and where I will hide with my camera to take photos of them. Before he arrives at the proposal spot in London, he sends a photo of how they look, so I could look for the right people with who I will take photos.

I see them walking and I prepare my camera. They reach the magic spot and he starts talking to her, takes off his ring and gets down on his knees. I hide and I was taking photos. After she said yes I came out closer and start taking more photos.

After it, I introduce myself and we start taking photos more photos. My client Alan and his fiance were from America for and first time in London. Rest of our session we continue taking photos of the best places in London as the London Eye, Redphone Box and Tower Bridge. The photoshoot took 2 hours and we were about capture the best moment of their life and create a reel.

Summary and 4 Tips for Perfect Proposal Pictures

1. Plan the proposal photo session for a minimum of 1.5/2 hours

2. Have a call/zoom call with your photographer before the big day to organise everything and get expert tips from them. Share what kind of your ideas have, and what your photographer has in mind and create together the plan.

3. If you want to have some props your photographer and proposal planner can organise everything for you, just let them know what you are looking for, and prepare some ideas.

4. This is a one-time life experience, so surprise your partner, and invest more than usually you will. Book the premium photoshoot, as well the proposal planner who will take care of the flowers, props etc. Make it outstanding so your partner will never forget how much effect you put into the proposal and will be able to share with family and friends how lucky she/he is to have you!