How to Hire a Photographer for When You Pop the Question

Sooo you’re thinking of asking your partner to marry you!? I am SO incredibly excited for you already!!!!!! I 100% believe you should hire a photographer to capture a proposal. Let’s go over a few things you need to know on how to hire a photographer for the proposal!

Finding the right engagement photographer

Is there a photographer your partner has talked about before that they follow + like on social media? If so, save that information in your notes!

If not – no worries! You can also take a look at who they are following and see who may be in the area!

OR – Search in your area for photographers that specialize in couples photography and weddings. How? Do a search on Instagram or Google for “Minnesota Wedding Photographer” (set to your location).

Then – reach out to them on their website! Photographers DMs on Instagram often get flooded and you’re more likely to get a faster response by filing out their contact form! (PLUS if a photographer DMs you back the notification will pop up on your phone and you risk your partner seeing that!)

Feel free to reach out to a few to see your options.

Interested in hiring me, Abi Jane Photography? Reach out to me HERE! I am located near the Twin Cities in Minnesota and travel all across the U.S.!

When

As a professional couples + wedding photographer I can tell you that proposing on a weekday and at sunset / golden hour is going to give you the best chance at hiring the right photographer.

Photographers who specialize in couples + weddings are often booked on the weekends for other weddings (and if not – please respect that they may be using that time to be with friends and family) – hence why a weekday is a good option (plus then you can celebrate on the weekend with friends and family!!!)

Golden hour is the two hours leading to sunset or within the first hour – two hours of sunrise. This gives the best lighting because there won’t be as much direct harsh light and if you’re lucky there will be a warm glow from the sun!

Where

If you’re needing ideas on WHERE to propose – think of places that have a special meaning to your relationship. Where you had your first date, your favorite café, a park you like to go to together, etc.

Hiding in bushes V.S. during a photo shoot

There are two ways you can have your photographer capture the special moment. They can try to secretly follow you at the park, hide in bushes, and come out when you get down on one knee. Or you can find reasons to have a couples shoot and surprise them in the middle of the session!

How to stage a photo shoot without being suspicious:

+ your photographer can post on social media that they need a couple to model for a styled shoot / photo shoot and you can send it to your partner and say you should do it

+ bring up the idea of doing a couples shoot for an anniversary or just to get some nice photos of the two of you (because you probably don’t have any!)

+ celebrate a new puppy / pet and then pop the question in the middle of that

+ ask your photographer for more ideas if you need some!

Make a plan

Communicate with the photographer ahead of time that when they do a certain pose or say a certain code word (make it easy to have in a conversation) that is when you are getting down on one knee! This helps ensure they aren’t changing lenses or batteries in the middle of it and you are both prepared for the moment! You also need to know:

+ where to meet

+ the plan before and after the proposal (do you want to take some couples portraits, are more people showing up (friends / family), popping a bottle of champagne, etc.)

+ the back up plan for weather

Stage Blocking

Ok you hired your photographer for the proposal, you made the plan, you’re getting down on your knee to propose and…. CRAP! There’s a table or object between you and the photographer that makes it hard for them to fully capture the moment. Be aware of your surroundings right before you do it and know in the back of your mind where the photographer is – kind of like stage acting / blocking. An open area and field is best! (and away from other people!!!!)

What questions do you have about proposing? Email me at abijanephotography@gmail.com