Surprise Proposal Photographers and Engagement Photography | Mygograph (2023)

FAQs

Should you have a photographer for a surprise engagement? ›

Sure, the memories will last forever no matter what, but to assure yourself that your dream surprise proposal is perfectly frozen in time, you should absolutely consider hiring a professional proposal photographer to record the special moment.

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.

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.

It's worth noting that if you want to capture your actual engagement, like the one knee deal and all, it's probably going to cost you more than a regular session. Why? Because your photographer has the extra pressure of capturing that singular moment. No do-overs.

On the other hand, engagement photos are taken after the proposal when the couple is officially engaged. They are typically more planned and staged than proposal photos, and are taken in various locations that are special to the couple.

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.

While some couples might prefer a private proposal, others may want an engagement photographer nearby to take photos of the entire ordeal. If you do want to have photos of the big moment, hiring a surprise proposal photographer might be the right choice for you.

For a wedding with multiple locations, that number is typically closer to 40 images. Engagement Sessions & Couples Portraits: Most typical outdoor Engagement Sessions return between 60 and 100 finished images. Family Portraits: This will depend greatly on the ages of the youngest people involved.

Captures The Moment Forever

Proposing to your lady is a special moment that you'll both cherish for the rest of your lives. Having photographs of the moment can help you remember everything more clearly and just being able to see the moment anytime you want.

What should a cost proposal include? ›

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.

As long as we're talking “surprise” and not “shock”, then a surprise proposal is usually the best way to pop the question. That doesn't mean to say that you can just whip a ring out of your pocket and expect an immediate acceptance. You will have to do a little bit of homework beforehand.

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.

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.

After you get engaged, wedding planning may seem like a daunting undertaking that you're not ready for yet. However, scheduling and taking your engagement photos are a great way to get the wedding ball rolling. Engagement photos are a meaningful way to announce your engagement or your wedding plans.

As I mentioned, above, if you like to get your nails done, then before your engagement session is a great time! A beautiful neutral or bolder color that corresponds to your outfits is a perfect choice! A good file and a swash of clear polish alone can do wonders and make your beautiful ring pop even more.

Bring a couple of different outfits to mix it up.

"I always recommend my clients to bring a few outfits, as you never know how you will be feeling that day, and you want to feel your most confident," says Los Angeles-based wedding photographer Jessica Castro.

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.

How long is too long to wait for engagement photos? ›

If you're working with a busy photographer, it is acceptable to also take engagement photos up to three months after getting engaged. However, you shouldn't wait any longer than 3 months since save the date cards are right around the corner.

When we surveyed over 500 recently married women, 36% of them had a six to 12-month engagement while 23% chose to marry in less than six months. However, the vast majority of women, the remaining 41%, opted for an engagement of 13 months or longer.

Enjoy being engaged.

"After the proposal, make a point to spend some relaxing, one-on-one time with your partner and enjoy the fact that you're making this commitment to each other.

I always recommend bringing one casual and one fancy outfit for engagement photos, that way you have some variety! But too many outfits can cut into your photo taking time and create a gallery that's all over the place. So for an hour session, I recommend sticking to two different outfits.

Semi-formal attire

If you still want to feel dressed up for the proposal without the gusto of a gown, semi-formal attire feels a touch more relaxed. A flowy skirt or cocktail-style dress and a button-up shirt, pants and a jacket still feel special for both partners.

Looking good on camera doesn't require a makeup artist, but professional makeup tips help. Even if you prefer a natural look, the camera tends to exaggerate flaws and create artificial ones.

Depending on the length of your engagement session, we recommend 1 or 2 outfits. If there is time for 2 outfits, we recommend starting the photo session wearing dressy clothes, and then changing into more casual clothes (or vice versa).

Taking Your Own Proposal Pictures

Maybe you're an extreme DIY'er or there isn't enough time to hire a photographer to help you, but you find yourself considering taking your proposal photos yourself. Yes, taking your own marriage proposal photos is completely doable; I've done it myself!

A photographer will likely photograph any proposal they book in one of two ways: You'll photograph the couple with everyone's knowledge. Only you and the proposer will know a proposal is about to take place! You'll hideout at the surprise proposal location and unobtrusively make proposal photos.

A bride will often expect a professional wedding photographer to have good communication skills, not just for business purposes but also to make her and the guests feel comfortable in front of the camera.

What are 5 things all proposals should include? ›

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.

A fee proposal is a proposal prepared by a consultant for a prospective client describing the services that the consultant proposes to undertake and the fee that will be charged. This may be in the form of a letter, or may be a more detailed document accompanied by a cover letter.

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.

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.

The most popular months to get engaged:

July. December. October. January.

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.

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.

Is an engagement supposed to be a surprise? ›

Traditionally, an engagement ring is a proposal gift, and the proposal is usually a surprise. However, plenty of women claim to have seen the proposal coming, or they were tipped off by a friend. Additionally, since many brides to be have a particular ring style in mind, they may drop hints.

"The surprise engagement party should be a surprise for the couple, but it should never be a surprise for the families meeting for the first time," Teague says. "Both sides of the family should plan to get together (or work together on the planning) so there are no awkward moments on the party day."

Some couples aren't necessarily attracted to public proposals and would like to plan something a little more intimate, so a shoot isn't necessary if you're looking to propose at home or somewhere private.

This is a milestone in your relationship that should be treasured and captured on camera for posterity. Most importantly, a snapshot right after a proposal will immortalize your raw happiness.

Proposal shoots are a surprise planned by the person popping the question and the photographer! Engagement shoots are not a surprise, the question was already popped, and it is planned by the couple and the photographer! Want more info?

In many cases, asking permission is simply a formality. Unless there are extenuating circumstances, many couples will have met each other's parents before getting engaged.

Here are a few communication-related red flags to look out for from your partner: Shuts down when having tough, emotional conversations. Runs away from, minimizes, or completely ignores conflict. Searches and finds ways to avoid responsibility (and places the blame on you or others)

Only 35 percent of brides-- about one in three-- are surprised by their other half when proposed to.

Polls consistently show that the majority of women want a surprise proposal or at least a partial surprise. She may know it's coming, but not exactly when, and that will be enough to win her hand.

Tradition has largely dictated that the bride's parents host and pay for the engagement party. However, today's standards have slowly dated this rule. Now, many couples plan, host, and pay for their engagement party out of their own pocket.

Who pays for the engagement party? ›

Who pays for the engagement party? This expense is traditionally covered by the bride's family since they often host the engagement party at their house as a way to welcome and bring together the two families (usually for the first time!).

There is no hard and fast rule about exactly when to throw an engagement party, but they are typically held within a few months of the proposal. Engagement party invitations should be sent around four to six weeks before the event to give guests proper notice.

It Really is Up To You

In conclusion, when it comes to deciding whether or not you should see your engagement ring or wear it before your partner has proposed, the decision should be based on what feels right to you.