How to Plan a Surprise Proposal: Photography Edition
In my experience, there are two ways to photograph your surprise proposal
They know that there is a scheduled photoshoot and you propose during the photoshoot
You and the photographer choose a location, create a signal or have a specific spot and the photographer sometimes quite literally jumps out of a bush and captures the moment when you go down on one knee. Introductions and the photoshoot comes later.
How to choose the right one for you both
Option 1 - Planned Photoshoot
Pros
Your partner will be photo-ready with their favourite outfit and all made up. If your partner really values looking their best for a special occasion, a bit of a warning will give you extra points. Just don’t mention doing their nails, dead giveaway! A lot of the time they figure out it’s a proposal because all of a sudden everyone close to them kept telling them to get a manicure.
As a photographer who shoots with people who are very nervous in front of the camera, having met me first and taking some photos prior to the proposal does make for a less awkward time for all of us!
We will be able to communicate a little better on the day with timings. For example, we could have 2-3 locations planned and when we arrive at the agreed location, we use a signal that only me and you know and it’s more obvious we are all prepared to capture the moment with no people in the background and it goes according to plan! Last proposal I did the signal was to ask the one being proposed to take some individual portraits and she had to turn her back to her partner at which stage he got the ring ready and then I asked her to face the other way.
Cons
If you aren’t the planner in the relationship it might be a bit obvious if you suddenly book a photographer. Again, this only matters if you want them to have suspicions of the proposal. Some couples have already discussed it and picked out a ring together so it’s not that much of a surprise and there is nothing wrong with that!
Option 2 - Surprise
Pros
Your soon-to-be fiance has no suspicions and when you arrive at the designated spot I will be pretending to take photos of birds until you are ready. Perfect for surprised reactions and less suspicion.
Planning how to get them there
Most of the surprise proposals I have shot were people travelling to Edinburgh from abroad, so the ruse was visiting famous sites. Another well-meaning ‘trick’ could be an event that doesn’t exist to convince them to dress up for the occasion. Could be a picnic, a friend meetup, or a “surprise” party for someone else. Something that would make sense for you to know and not them
Cons
Less communication is available, we can of course discuss everything through email, text or call but less able to signal to each other if something goes wrong. Need to make sure you are facing the right way for the photographer to capture the shot but any photographer who knows the locations will be able to advise you.
I have created diagrams and drawings and provided example photos for people who do not know the area. I make sure to ask for photos and what you are wearing on the day to make sure I don’t miss you in a public area.
Whatever you do never make it a surprise for the photographer!
How to Choose a Location
There is no location that is right for everyone. Some prefer big public displays of love and others would prefer a private and intimate moment for just the two of you ( and the photographer sneaking around)
Make it something meaningful to both of you. A place of your first date, a destination you both dreamed of going to, an inside joke, or something characteristic of you as a couple. If you like to hike, love a reference to a book or a film or it just simply a stunning location and you know they will appreciate it.
If you are unsure, your photographer will give you options for either preference. Edinburgh and Scotland as a whole offer everything. Incredible views and architecture, forests and seas, private cinemas, castles and ancient ruins.