First, CONGRATULATIONS! Super excited for both of you. Are you getting ready to propose and need a few pointers? Here are 8 important things to consider when you are getting ready to propose:
- BACK UP PLAN: Do you have a backup plan in the event it rains on the day of your proposal? I know there are a lot of things that need to fall into place but sometimes having a backup plan can help ease your worries. But no worries, wedding photographers can also go with the flow and finding one that is experienced can go a long way in ensure your proposal is captured. Sometimes things happen and finding someone that is used to capturing moments, not just portraits, can make a difference.
- BEST TIMES AND WHY: I know it is hard to plan a proposal, so many things to consider. When you hire a professional, you are expecting the best and that is understandable, but there are always ways to make sure the outcome is not just great but AMAZING. For example, if you propose in the middle of the day and planning to be outdoors, you have to keep in mind that between the hours of 10:00 am and 3:00 pm the sun will be highest in the sky creating harsh shadows around you and under any surface parallel to the sun, meaning shadows under your eyes because of your brow bones, under your noses, under your shins etc. The best light for photos is in the early morning hours (before 9am) or 30 minutes before the sun sets. If you must schedule your proposal during mid-day hours, a way around it would be to find a shaded spot or a place with natural reflectors where your photographer is able to bounce the light coming from the sun.
Example: A location where you are both standing on cement or a light colored floor.
Avoid: Under trees, as the sun creates patches that would fall unevenly over both of you.
- ALL IN THE SUN OR ALL IN THE SHADE: If you must schedule your proposal during the hours mentioned above, and the background is important to you, you and the background need to be in the sun, otherwise your background will be blown out. Because of the nature of the photos, and the fact that your photographer needs to stay hidden, there will be no use of flash to fill into those harsh shadows. It’s important that you are aware of these details so that there are no surprises or misunderstandings.
- PUBLIC PLACES, PEOPLE PLACES: If you are proposing in a public place, there is no planning who will be walking around you when you are about to take a knee. Although we can plan down to the little tiny details, unexpected things will happen. If you are not o.k with people around you when you propose, we can find a spot that is not as frequented but we still run the risk of having a bystander or two.
- ANGLES: Once you’ve decided on the perfect spot, take a few steps back and look at it from a different perspective. Sometimes the view from a different location can be obstructed by trees, poles, signs, or just simply not enough space BUT always make sure to send photos to your photographer prior to the day of your proposal. Those photos can bring up a few questions or suggestions from your photographer.
- SHARE YOUR PLAN: It’s important your photographer knows all the details about the proposal. Communicate how you are planning on getting your significant other to the spot, under what pretenses are you getting them there, are you pretending to take a picture or go straight to proposing? Any and every details is important so share with your photographer.
- SHARE YOUR PHOTO: Don’t forget to share a photo and description of the two of you with your photographer.
- PHOTOS AFTER YOUR PROPOSAL: Sometimes couples decide they would like to have their picture taken together after the proposal, as well as pictures with any family or friend present. Don’t forget to mention this to your photographer.
After your big proposal, you are welcome to schedule an engagement session to capture you two under the best lighting circumstances. Most couples use these images for save the dates, announcements, wedding websites, guest sign in books or reception portraits.