How I secretly capture your Rhode Island surprise proposal.
Staying hidden depends entirely on the location, but my goal is always the same: remain completely invisible to your partner while staying perfectly positioned to capture every second of the reveal.
Because Rhode Island’s scenic spots range from busy beaches to quiet, open coastal paths, I adapt my strategy using three main approaches:
- Hiding in Plain Sight: In public areas, I blend in as a casual tourist snapping photos with my iPhone. I keep an eye on your arrival out of the corner of my eye so nothing looks out of place. To keep things covert, my camera gear remains concealed inside a bright yellow Helly Hansen bag until the exact moment you drop to one knee.
- Blending in with Locals: Wide-open beaches can be a challenge with nowhere to physically hide. In those situations, I often walk up to a local family or small group on the beach, explain what’s about to happen, and ask to hang out near them for a few minutes. People are always thrilled to be in on the secret and eagerly help shield me until the proposal begins.
- Adapting on the Fly: Sometimes the best vantage point requires a quick audible. During a proposal shoot at a quiet neighborhood setting in Matunuck, a curious resident was watching me closely because I stood out. I walked over, shared the proposal plan, and ended up sitting on her front deck chatting over a glass of wine until the couple stepped outside and it was time to shoot!
Every location is different, but you don’t have to worry about a thing. I always show up early, assess the crowd and lighting, and put a discrete, rock-solid plan in place so your partner is 100% surprised.