A Professional Photographer's Guide to Taking Shots of Surprise Proposals [Boston Proposals Series] (2023)

FAQs

What is the best lens for surprise proposal? ›

EF 70mm – 200mm f/2.8 lens – I pair this with the EOS 1D MK IV because this is a crop camera which means that I will have a more extended reach for the initial proposal shot because often I have to hide well out of sight.

Shutter speed: With your camera set on a tripod and movement minimal, we recommend a minimum shutter speed of 1/60th of a second. Aperture: This depends on how much of the image you want in focus. As you will not be able to fine-tune your focus precisely, a moderate aperture of f5.

"It's a candid moment where your significant other is unprepared and caught off guard. There are a lot of tears, laughter, and joy that's pure and photogenic. Just like weddings, it's a moment that happens so quickly you'll be happy knowing you have that memory in the form of a picture."

This'll vary depending on your photographer, but most engagement sessions usually last between an hour and an hour and a half. With the couples I work with, I like to start around two hours before sunset (or at sunrise), as this is when the light is best.

Within one to two months

Aim to have your engagement portrait taken within a month or two of getting engaged. During this time, you'd still be radiating bliss. With the engagement vibe still fresh, you'd be glowing in front of the camera.

According to The Knot, 50 percent of proposers thought their partner was surprised by the proposal, while only about 33 percent of those receiving the proposal said they weren't expecting it. The process of creating the perfect design for the ring can also be a dead giveaway that a proposal is coming.

Leibovitz went on record to say that her lens of choice was always “…the 35mm. It was more environmental. You can't come in closer with the 35 mm.” In the Lincoln ad, we also see Annie using the D810 along with a 24-70mm f2.

Wear your glasses!

If you are a glasses wearer don't feel like you need to take them off for your engagement photos. Remember, you want these photos to look and feel like you!

To maximize sharpness, you would generally want to use a small aperture (f/16-22) and a fast shutter speed. But how fast is fast when you are dealing with tiny fractions of a second? It's very hard to create a sharp image, especially with a hand-held camera, using a shutter speed of less than 1/60 of a second.

A shutter speed of around 1/20th is ideal, with as wide a focal length as you can get. Zoom burst – In this case, you're going to change the focal length of a zoom lens during exposure of around 1/20th. A simple kit lens is great to practice with, and for this type of zoom, it works best when you zoom in.

What should you not do in engagement photos? ›

Am I expected to tip an engagement photographer? Tipping for an engagement session is not necessary. However, if you felt your engagement photographer went above and beyond or if your engagement session ran a little long because of weather or something else then tipping would definitely be appreciated.

The average cost for an engagement photographer ranges from under $200 to $275 or more nationally. Depending on a number of factors, the entire engagement photography package can cost as little as $100, and up to $500 or more.

You want your faces and the love between you to stand out." Requeima suggests wearing pastels, cool hues, or neutrals, then adding a bright accent with your accessories.

Proposal photos and engagement photos are two different types of photography. Both are important in capturing a couple's love story. While proposal photos are emotional and candid, engagement photos offer a more planned and staged experience.

Fresh, warm, bright, and clean… Like spring, summer is a great time to book your engagement session. The weather is most likely to cooperate and your photos will easily suit the theme of your summer wedding.

This will usually be at least 10 months before the wedding or 6 months at the latest. This will give you enough time to book your photographer and use the photos for your wedding website or save the dates.

The duration of your engagement is ultimately up to you, but many couples are waiting at least a year before exchanging vows. According to The Knot 2021 Real Weddings Study, the average engagement length for U.S. couples was 16 months.

In the US, nearly 40% of engagements happen in the two-and-a-half months between Thanksgiving and Valentine's Day, according to a survey of 18,000 people. December, in particular, is the peak month for getting engaged – with Christmas Eve a particularly popular date.

What is the most common age to propose? ›

About 2.2% of Americans get engaged under the age of 20, 74% in their 20s, 15% in their mid-30s (30-34), and about 8% at the age of 35 or older.

Those on the lower end of the spectrum spend around $3,000, and those with higher budgets typically spend more than $7,000. Other costs to factor in the budget include the venue, alcohol, food, a musician, a photographer, and a hotel.

Kate used a Canon 5D Mark IV, with a 50mm f/1.2 lens attached. PetaPixel discovered that she shoots her images in RAW and is “handy” on Photoshop.

Leibovitz's Polaroid photo of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, taken five hours before Lennon's murder, is considered one of Rolling Stone magazine's most famous cover photographs.

Her unique visual language makes her one of the most influential photographers of our time. Meanwhile, her vast portfolio serves as documentation for the dramatic political and cultural shifts of the past 50 years, appointing her a leading voice in contemporary American portraiture. “Annie Leibovitz.

I recommend avoiding neons and anything too bright, but the occasional pop of color can be a great addition! Adding a fun tie, a colorful hat, or some funky socks can bring an outfit together perfectly.

If in doubt, white is always a timeless, flattering choice that matches everything. If you want light + airy photos, consider these colors: white, pastels, light pink, taupe, peach, light blue, navy, yellow, grays, tans. Also, be sure to consider the backdrop of the locations you will be getting photos taken.

Try your best to keep your body slightly turned, this will help you look slimmer than if you were standing straight on facing the camera. Tilt your shoulders toward the photographer, slightly dropped down and keep your hips at an angle.

Three of the most important settings are shutter speed, ISO, and aperture — otherwise known as the exposure triangle, or the three pillars of photography.

For couple's portraits or groups use a smaller aperture to make sure you get everyone in sharp focus, f/5.6 or f/8 will usually do the trick. Also, watch how you pose and position people in the group so they aren't spaced too far apart (distance to the camera).

How do I get sharp pictures every time? ›

The most common reason for a blurry photo is an incorrect use of shutter speed. The faster your shutter speed is, the less chance there is for camera shake. This is particularly true when shooting handheld. There is no way that anyone will be able to handhold a camera steady enough at slow shutter speeds.

Increase Shutter Speed

If you want a clear shot of a moving subject, speeds of 1/500 and up (depending on how fast your subject is) will allow you to get a sharp image without motion blur.

What is the rule of thirds? The rule of thirds is a composition guideline that places your subject in the left or right third of an image, leaving the other two thirds more open. While there are other forms of composition, the rule of thirds generally leads to compelling and well-composed shots.

It's my experience that many portrait photographers prefer using faster shutter speeds when taking portrait photos. While 1/125 sec should suffice depending on the lighting conditions, a safe starting point would be 1/250 sec or faster.

While you don't want to overdo jewelry for the actual photos, many couples are advised to bring extra options to the photo shoot. These provide variety and interest for the various pictures and settings.

If you're sporting prints, make sure they're big enough to show up on camera, but not too flashy—you don't want to get lost in an oversized pattern. Your engagement photo outfits should feel representative of you and your S.O, so don't be afraid to express your personal style.

It generally depends on the photographer, but you can expect about 40-50 images.

Should I get a haircut before engagement photos? ›

Should I get A Haircut? You should get your haircut at least a month before your session (girls) or a week before your session (guys). A haircut will make your hair more shiny, healthy, and natural for your session.

Proposal costs are the costs of preparing bids, proposals, or applications on potential Federal and non-Federal awards or projects, including the development of data necessary to support the non-Federal entity's bids or proposals.

The key to the perfect surprise is to be calm and play it cool. Dont let her feel that you nervous. You ask her to go for a walk in a park, you passing by a wonderful spot with flowers and musician, you take her hand and bring her to the heart. ” I would never guess it was for us.

For the best photos, set up your proposal for the golden hour—right after sunrise or right before sunset. This provides the best natural lighting and therefore the best engagement shots.

A Majority of Proposals are not Surprised

And if you think about it, you should discuss marriage with your partner. If the girl wants to be married already, there is no suspense to the man because he already knows the answer when he pops the question.

Start by telling your mom you want to propose to your significant other. This is a huge step in your life and you should start by sharing it with her. Not close with your mom? This will bring you closer and establish a new, adult relationship/friendship with mom.

Unless a date at the nail salon is commonplace for the two of you, any mention from you of having her nails done will tip her off. Instead, have her sister or a close girlfriend of hers take her out for a manicure that morning or the day before. Make sure it's someone who the invitation wouldn't seem odd coming from.

If in doubt, white is always a timeless, flattering choice that matches everything. If you want light + airy photos, consider these colors: white, pastels, light pink, taupe, peach, light blue, navy, yellow, grays, tans. Also, be sure to consider the backdrop of the locations you will be getting photos taken.

If you like a pop of colour, we recommend bright pinks, teals, purples and shades of blue. If you prefer more neutral pastels, opt for light blues, greens, corals and other light colours. If you are wearing light or bright colours, your partner should wear light or bright colours too.

What are the five elements of proposal? ›