Are you planning a suprise proposal?
Planning a surprise engagement photo shoot is beautiful and thoughtful. Booking a photographer to capture your wedding proposal is pure genious and will earn you mega browney points with your other half!
Julia & Georgios...
I received an email from Georgios a couple of weeks prior to the shoot asking to arrange a photo shoot with the goal of it being a suprise engagement shoot! Georgios explained he and his girlfriend, Julia had met as students at the Birmingham University campus years earlier and were about to celebrate their anniversary. Georgios had purchased a bespoke ring and arranged with his girlfriend Julia that we were to meet on their anniversary at the bench where they had shared their first kiss... the Vale Village on the University of Birmingham campus. Near a lake and acres of green space - the perfect spot for photographs. Julia was told we were meeting for a photo shoot to celebrate their anniversary! She had no idea about the proposal!
Georgios really had planned the proposal so well...
Planning...
1 Choosing the Location
Sentimental Spots: Pick a location that holds special meaning for your relationship, such as where you first met, had your first date, or somewhere you've always talked about visiting.
Scenic Views: Natural landscapes like beaches, mountains, forests, or parks provide beautiful backdrops. You can also opt for cityscapes or urban locations with stunning architecture or hidden alleyways for a more modern vibe.
Seasonal Inspiration: Consider the season! Autumn leaves, winter snow, spring blooms, or summer sunsets can elevate the atmosphere.
2 setting the Scene
Candids: For a genuine surprise, the photographer can hide nearby and capture the moment when you pop the question. Let the photographer know the plan and decide on cues so they're ready at the perfect time.
Golden Hour: Plan the shoot around sunrise or sunset to capture that soft, flattering light.
Georgios had nailed the location & the time of year (Autumn - I love the colours!) and time of day...The only thing was the weather was not on our side... it was Golden Hour but minus the sunlight... we made the most of what we had!
3 The Big Reveal
Disguised as a Couples’ Shoot: Tell your partner it’s a regular couple’s photoshoot or a fun date, and then surprise them by proposing midway.
Julia really had no idea that Georgios was about to propose! We took a couple of photographs to start the 'photo shoot' where I was meant to stand back and give Georgios space to go down on one knee and suprise Julia!
Of course she said YES!
I focused on the emotions immediately after the question. The joy, surprise, and laughter are all part of the story.
4 showcase the ring
After the proposal, be sure to capture shots of the couple showing off the ring. A close-up of their hands with the ring in focus can be beautiful.
Once the initial surprise and excitement have settled, we moved into more traditional engagement portraits.
We walked a little to change the background of my shots, to keep the energy flowing I suggested some playful, candid poses, such as walking hand-in-hand...
Who doesn't love black and white photographs?
Some gentle direction...
I give some gentle direction - the love is aaaaallll them!
My first time!
Photographing a surprise engagement shoot requires careful planning, attention to detail, and a bit of stealth to capture the magic of the moment without being noticed. This was my very first suprise engagement shoot - I don't think I did too badly!
THANK YOU!
A great big THANK YOU to Georgios for booking me to capture this magical moment! A great big THANK YOU to both Georgios and Julia for being awesome to shoot!