Written & Photographed by Ladi Gross Photography
I’ve had the honor of being a part of so many love stories, and one of the biggest honors is being a part of the very beginning of that love story! Proposal photography documents the very first step in creating one life together, and I love capturing all the raw moments that go along with it. Beautiful, posed photos definitely have a special place in my heart, especially on wedding days. But I’ve always loved the super candid laughs, tears, hugs — all the good stuff! Let’s take a closer look at what happens behind the scenes and some tips on how to plan the perfect proposal.
Have a detailed plan
As the person proposing, you’ve probably thought through your plan over and over again. Make sure to include your photographer in your planning! I’ve had people actually send over maps of the exact trail they’re walking, where I’ll be located and waiting, and more. I will take all the details you want to give me!
A couple of ideas for organizing a photographer:
- have the photographer hiding nearby, pretending to be shooting something or someone else
- tell your soon-to-be fiancé that you’ve scheduled a session for you two just for fun!
Have a specific spot you plan to proposal or a signal to your photographer
If your photographer is hiding out, I recommend having some sort of signal or a planned spot where you plan to propose. That way, your photographer can come out of hiding and have some closer shots!
Scope out the location (and/or have your photographer do it!)
Photographers: if you’re hiding out, make sure to scope out the location ahead of time. I like to go the day before at around the same time the proposal will take place to check out how busy it normally is (if it’s a public place), and take note of the sun’s location so you know which direction to shoot.
Include your friends & family (& pets!!!)
It’s a BIG day! If it’s what you are envisioning, invite your friends and family to join in on the celebration after the big moment. They can be hiding around the corner watching it live, or waiting at a nearby restaurant for an extra surprise! And a bottle of celebratory champagne is never a bad idea, even if you happen to be drinking it in a parking lot!
Ask your photographer for a few photos same day
Since editing usually takes a bit of time, it might be a good idea to ask your photographer for a few photos that same day, or for one edited photo a day or two after. That way, you can share about the engagement on social media or via text later that day or whenever you decide to share the big news.
Hire a professional
If you’re thinking about including a professional photographer into your proposal...DO IT! Trust me, your future fiancé will love that you took that little extra step, and you’ll have photos to cherish forever! A professional will know the best angles and be prepared to capture the moment. The last thing you want is an accidental finger in front of the lens or a blurry shot, especially if the proposal happens in the evening with low light. These photos are also super fun to incorporate into a wedding album. You’ll be able to show how it all started!
About Ladi Gross
Hi there, I’m Ladi! I am a wife, a new mama, and a coffee-holic (I’ll prove it with my mug collection). My goal is to capture you in the most authentic way. There is something so beautiful about capturing this season of your life just as it is. So you can look back at your photos and remember each perfectly imperfect moment — the laughs, the tears, all the good stuff. When I’m not behind the camera you can find me at a Cyclebar class, aimlessly walking around Target, or cuddling our black lab, Lucy!
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