Surprise Proposal Photographer

One of the more significant concerns for a surprise proposal is the weather. I have had to deal with this a few times in recent weeks, and each worked out well.

If the weather looks doubtful during the week of the proposal, I will check in with the client once we are in the 24-hour weather window, at which point we will have a much better idea about what will happen. If the weather does not look good, we will check in with the client on the morning of the proposal.

In one case, we moved the proposal to an earlier time to beat the arriving weather front and for a couple of others to an earlier day.

For another, the forecast showed scattered thunderstorms all day, and on the morning of the proposal, I left it up to the client – he saw an opening in the weather. We changed the time of the proposal, and it worked out super well, but when I drove home, I hit the thunder and lightning that we had dodged.

Sometimes the solution is simple, move the proposal spot to a different location to minimize the impact of the weather. If none of the aforementioned solutions work, a large ‘white ‘umbrella will do the trick.

The bottom line is that I will be as flexible as my schedule permits to move the shoot around to avoid the weather, but occasionally, the weather does win.

This question is the most frequently asked; as a result, I have written a detailed blog post – read ‘Where to propose in Rhode Island’ – that provides:

• pros and cons of each location
• Google map link to each location
• links to sample proposal photoshoots at each location

The locations discussed in the article are:

•  Beavertail State Park
•  Castle Hill Inn and Lighthouse
•  Cliff Walk
•  Cruises
•  Goat Island Lighthouse
•  NEWPORT
•  Providence
•  Rhode Island Beaches
•  Westerly

If you have any questions about picking a proposal location in Rhode Island, please feel free to call me at (401) 284 6106

At the time of writing (June 2023), I have photographed more than 60 proposals since the end of COVID. You can see most of these photo shots in my blog – A Collection of Proposal Photoshoots – 90% of my clients are from out-of-state and have never visited the Newport area, which is the most popular location in Rhode Island, to drop a knee.

I have developed a series of tools on my website, located in the blog, to assist you in planning your proposal. Should you decide to work with me, I will develop a detailed plan for you and often will have a plan ‘B;’ just in case.

Until recently, I would use the telephone, but a visual interaction is much more meaningful, and now I offer all clients a ZOOM meeting to plan out the proposal. In this meeting, I will use tools such as Google maps street view, videos of the locations, tools on my blog, and a variety of photos to ensure that you know exactly how to get to the spot.

You have enough to worry about; I will shoulder some of the responsibility for your big day.

The 3 color portrait photography rule is a simple compositional guideline that can help you to create more visually appealing portraits. The rule states that you should limit your composition to only three colors. This can be done by choosing a background, wardrobe, and skin tone that are all in the same color family, or by choosing three colors that complement each other.

There are a few reasons why the 3 color portrait photography rule works. First, it helps to create a sense of harmony and balance in your composition. When you limit the number of colors in your composition, it makes it easier for the viewer’s eye to follow the lines and shapes in the image. Second, the 3 color portrait photography rule can help to create a more dramatic and eye-catching image. By using contrasting colors, you can create a sense of visual interest and excitement in your portrait.

Here are a few tips for using the 3 color portrait photography rule:

• Choose colors that complement each other. There are a number of different ways to choose colors that complement each other. One way is to use the color wheel. The color wheel is a circular diagram that shows the relationship between different colors. Complementary colors are colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel. For example, red and green are complementary colors.
• Choose colors that are in the same color family. Another way to use the 3 color portrait photography rule is to choose colors that are in the same color family. For example, you could choose a blue background, a blue dress, and blue eye shadow.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment. The 3 color portrait photography rule is just a guideline. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to photography. Experiment with different colors and see what you like best.

The 3 color portrait photography rule is a simple but effective way to create more visually appealing portraits. By following this rule, you can create portraits that are both harmonious and dramatic.

1. To capture the moment forever. Your proposal is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and you’ll want to remember it for years to come. A professional photographer can capture the emotions and excitement of the moment in stunning photos that you’ll cherish forever.
2. To get professional-quality photos. Even if you’re a great photographer, it’s hard to take amazing photos of yourself and your partner during such an emotional moment. A professional photographer will have the experience and skills to capture the perfect photos of your proposal.
3. To have someone else to worry about the details. When you’re planning a proposal, you have a lot of other things to think about. Hiring a photographer can take one thing off your plate so you can focus on the most important thing: making your proposal special.
4. To get different angles and perspectives. A professional photographer will be able to capture the proposal from different angles and perspectives that you might not be able to get on your own. This will give you a wider range of photos to choose from and will help you remember the moment in more detail.
5. To have a backup plan. Even if you have a perfect plan for your proposal, there’s always a chance that something could go wrong. A professional photographer will have a backup plan in case of bad weather or other unexpected events. This will help ensure that you still get the photos you want, even if things don’t go according to plan.

There are many benefits to using a proposal photographer. Here are a few:

• Capture the moment. A proposal is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and a professional photographer can help you capture it in all its beauty and emotion.
• Get professional photos. Even if you have a great camera, a professional photographer will have the skills and experience to take stunning photos of your proposal.
• Relax and enjoy the moment. When you have a photographer to worry about taking photos, you can relax and enjoy your proposal.
• Have a record of the moment. Your proposal photos will be a cherished keepsake that you can look back on for years to come.
• Share the moment with others. You can share your proposal photos with your friends and family, or post them on social media.

If you are thinking about proposing, I highly recommend hiring a professional photographer. It is a small investment that will pay off in the years to come.

How experienced are they with proposal photography?

Your proposal is the biggest, nervy moment of your life, and you should only trust people who can demonstrate a solid portfolio of proposal photography. There are no do-overs.

You can check out samples of my proposal photoshoots

Will they help with the planning and offer you advice?

This type of photoshoot can only be successful with a detailed plan, if your photographer will not create a clear plan for you…run a mile!

For my clients, I assist with selecting the location, and then I provide annotated maps and drone videos to ensure they arrive at the spot where I am waiting.

Francisco and CJ’s backstory illustrates the planning for a proposal.

Do they provide a timeline?

The photographer has to be prepared to arrive early and wait if the couple is late. In a surprise proposal, there are three involved parties; one does not know there is a schedule, which means that the photographer has to be patient.

Many of my clients are from out-of-state, and some have a clear idea about where they want to propose, but most ask for input from me, as I am the local guy on the ground with the local knowledge they do not have.

I have written an article entitled ‘Best Places to propose in Rhode Island.‘

The blog article lists the pros and cons of each proposal spot with links to proposal photoshoots at each location. Many clients select their location based on the example photoshoots.

For others, it is more personal:

• The place where you first met
• That special place for your first date
• Where you first fell in love
• A romantic location personal to you
• At home, because that would be a surprise
• A family gathering, what better than to share with the one you love

Whatever you decide, if you would like your magical moment memorialized, reach out, and we can put a plan together or simply discuss the pros and cons of different Rhode Island locations.

Great question! And while there are many factors to consider, such as the spot of the proposal, the time of day, the weather, traffic, and keeping it away from family and friends who may leak the surprise! Lots to consider, but there is one aspect of a surprise proposal, and this is your behavior pattern, “do not do anything different on the day of the proposal.”

If you always go to the beach wearing flip-flops, do not wear dress shoes on the day of the proposal; if you always wear jeans to lunch, do not wear dress pants. Get the picture; no giveaways with your behavior!

In my experience, in upwards of 80% of couples, a proposal was anticipated at some time, mostly sometime in the future or even during a weekend getaway to Newport. The proposal will still be a surprise if your partner does not know when it will happen, regardless of where and when.

So, the #1 thing you must do to pull off a surprise proposal is DO NOTHING DIFFERENT!

Only two of the many couples I have photographed figured out where and when the proposal would happen. I asked one lady who knew it would happen but played along nicely how she knew, and she replied, “he booked a table for lunch; he never makes reservations.”

#nothingdifferent

There are two important elements to a surprise proposal photoshoot.

The Proposal

It takes bunch of planning but the goal is to capture the moment that can never be relived when you partner said yes. There may be tears of joy, there may be laughter and there may be shock but whatever the emotion your photographer should capture that.

The Mini-Engagement Shoot

Once the emotion of the proposal has subsided -a little – your photoshoot should include detail photos of the rings and couple photography; and any specific image that you would like.

TOP TIP

After photographing many, many, surprise proposals…

Never do anything different. A behaviour change will give the game away!

That is like asking how long is a piece of string; there is no specific answer.

Most of my clients book me within two weeks of the proposal; many books within a few days and have the outlier who books months in advance.

During the busy seasons of Spring, Summer, and Fall, Summer is the busiest. During the Summer months, I find myself turning down two to three shoots for every one that I book due to me already being booked for a proposal shoot.

My advice is to book as soon as possible, especially during summer, to avoid disappointment.

This is a great question, and the answer is it varies.

Sometimes, I can hide in a crowd, but in many cases, I have to hide in plain sight. To hide in plain sight, I sometimes pose as a tourist photographing attractions while watching my couples out of the corner of my eye or as a nature photographer photographing wildlife or nature, depending on the situation.

Beaches can be challenging; in several instances, I have walked up to family groups, quickly told them what I was doing, and then asked if I could hang out with therefor a few minutes. The answer is always yes, as they become very excited at being able to witness a proposal. My camera is hidden in a yellow sports bag to ensure I do not look like a photographer. I only pull my camera out once I see a knee dropping.

One of my favorite stories was from when I was photographing a couple in a holiday park in Matunuck, Rhode Island. There was no place to hide or hide in plain sight because I looked completely out of place, and one of the residents began paying me a lot of attention. She lived in the home across the street from my target; I walked over to her and told her my plan. She was superb, she invited me to join her on the deck, poured me a glass of wine, and we chatted until my couple walked out of the house, and I set to work.

There is no set answer; I go in with a plan but often have to call an audible based on the circumstances at the time of the proposal.

A question that is often asked but as the provider of the service  it is really not up to me to answer.

The proposal services that I offer go well beyond taking the photographs, I will:

• assist you to select the perfect proposal spot
• prepare a set of maps and directions to get to to the spot (the majority of my clients are from out of state and I have gotten very good at variegating strangers to a specific spot at a specific time)
• arrive 30 minutes early at the spot and will call an audible if some thing is wrong with the selected spot (the arrival of a bus load of tourists, the arrival of a large wedding part are a couple of incidents where we had to make a lot minute call)
• provide you with several photos within a few hours of the shoot, typically
• provide you with all photos within 24 hours, typically

So, how much?  My rates typically range between $275 and $325 which I believe is excellent value for the services rendered.

See the current proposal photoshoot pricing

TOP TIP

After photographing many, many, surprise proposals…

Never do anything different. A behaviour change will give the game away!