After months of planning, the moment you get down on one knee is almost here. After choosing the location, preparing your speech and purchasing your soon-to-be fiancée’s engagement ring, you may think proposal planning is done and dusted… think again!
Capturing the big moment with photography is one thing we’d certainly recommend, yet a part of proposal planning that many overlook. In the same breath, failing to organise some form of photography is a huge regret for countless just-engaged couples.
To help you make the moment you propose last a lifetime, we’re here to share our top photography tips.
Call in the professionals
As the person proposing, you’ll have enough things to worry about when you pop the question than taking a post-engagement selfie. With this in mind, hiring professional help is a step taken by an increasing number of to-be-weds.
Hiring a professional to take care of your proposal pictures makes sense for so many reasons. A professional photographer will help you capture the memory of the proposal. Your photographer will also be on hand to snap more staged post-engagement shots, such as that ring pic!
The stunning photos a photographer makes possible will have endless mileage too, providing beautiful imagery for your big social media announcement, your engagement party invites, and even your wedding website and save-the-date cards.
Due to the increasing popularity of professional proposal photography, there are tons of services available. Here The Plunge offers their advice for choosing the right proposal photographer for you:
“The main criteria for choosing a proposal photographer: experience and location. You need a professional that has done this before (the planning, not the proposing) and has done it at the location where you are planning on making the proposal… They also know how to deal with potential photo-bombers and other issues that could get in the way of capturing the moment.”
Choose a picture-perfect location
This is another area that your photographer could advise on, especially if you are looking to travel for the perfect proposal location. When choosing a suitable location, it’s not just the looks that matter. Selecting a site that has sentimental value to both you and your partner will ensure your chosen location works on every level for the ultimate romantic vibe.
Once you’ve picked the perfect spot, do a walkthrough. Your photographer (whether they’re a professional or a loved one that’s lending a hand) should accompany you to ensure the finer details of how your moment will be captured can be discussed and finalised.
Prepare for your close up
Flawless pictures aren’t a given, even when enlisting a proposal photographer. There are a few things you can do to help make each snap as beautiful as it can be.
Make sure you are well aware of which angle the photographs will be taken from and adjust your position accordingly. You should get down on the knee that is closest to the camera to ensure a more open shot for instance. Taking your time when proposing and not rushing through the process will also help your chosen photographer capture the moment with ease.
Always have a plan B
Despite all the preparations mentioned above, it is important to remember that not every aspect of your proposal can be controlled, especially if you plan to pop the question in a public space. Whilst your photographer will be there to share this burden, having a plan B in your pocket will keep your proposal on track, even against the odds.
Be sure to plan ahead for cold and wet weather, last-minute changes of plan, photo-bombers and other issues.
You said “yes”, now what next? Read our post-engagement guide for the answer to this very question!
