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The Top 5 Things to Consider When Hiring a Proposal Photographer
The moment when you decide to take the leap and ask your partner to share a lifetime with you is nothing short of magical.
Capturing this magic through a lens requires a blend of the right experience, aesthetics, and understanding. That means you shouldn’t trust just any photographer to capture this moment for you. Here are some essential considerations to keep in mind when choosing the right photographer for your proposal.
1. Experience & Portfolio
The expertise of a photographer in proposal and engagement photography is vital. Reviewing the portfolio of a photographer will give you an insight into their style and capability.
Check out my portfolio to see more of my classic light and airy style and my ability to capture natural emotion and the romantic ambiance of a proposal setting.
2. Planning & Coordination
Planning a surprise proposal photography session requires a unique set of skills. Here are some key considerations that come into play:
Pre-Session Consultation
A thorough consultation with the photographer before the session is crucial. It allows for understanding your vision, discussing the location, and planning the logistics to ensure a seamless surprise proposal.
Location Scouting
A photographer familiar with the local scenery can provide suggestions for picturesque locations. In my home base of Telluride, CO, for instance, the natural beauty and mountain views provide a breathtaking backdrop for such a momentous occasion.
Timing & Lighting
The timing of the proposal is crucial to ensure optimal lighting conditions. Planning the proposal during the golden hour or early in the morning can provide a romantic glow to your photographs.
Discreetness & Positioning
It’s important for your photographer to be discreet to keep the surprise intact, yet positioned well to capture the reactions and emotions as they unfold.
Communication
Clear communication with your photographer is key to coordinating the surprise element, especially if there are any last-minute changes.
3. Commitment to Your Experience
The backdrop to your proposal should be as breathtaking as the moment itself. Here in Telluride, there is no shortage of unbelievable places for your moment to unfold.
But, your story doesn’t end with the proposal – in fact, that’s just the beginning! I love working with couples from their proposal and engagement photos all the way through the wedding day, even if you’re getting married on the other side of the country.
This allows for your story to be told with one consistent, timeless voice, and for you and your partner to work with one photographer whom you trust throughout the whole process.
4. Reviews and Testimonials
Client testimonials are a great way to gauge a photographer’s professionalism, punctuality, and comfort level with clients.
It’s reassuring to read about positive experiences other couples have had with the photographer you’re considering. Reviews also often mention the photographer’s turnaround time, which is crucial if you’re eager to share your news with loved ones.
“Lisa shot my surprise proposal in Telluride and planned it to perfection with my fiancé. I had no idea it was coming and she captured the moment with incredible quality. All my friends are raving about the pictures which we will cherish forever. She was so sweet after the initial proposal, expertly guiding us for more amazing shots. She made us feel very lucky and very comfortable in front of the camera.
-Jeff
From Jeff: From the beginning, Lisa was amazing to work with. I didn’t know exactly where I wanted to propose in Telluride but she helped me go through locations to ensure it would be a surprise and fit our timing. The iconic location in front of the Sheridan Hotel was a homerun. The day of, she was very communicative with me, as we were traveling to Telluride and things needed to line up just right, and of course thanks in large part to Lisa they did. She nailed the lighting and time of day. These photos we have now are incredible and so is Lisa. She deserves the highest possible recommendation.”
“We have had the best experience with Mrs. Lisa! 100% recommend her. My new FIANCÉ :), booked with her for a surprise proposal package and she just blew us away. I am still speechless. He coordinated with her to surprise us as a photographer and then he got down on one knee proposed. She captured our beautiful moment perfectly, we even got 30 minutes of photos with her and she is just amazing… Thank you so much.“
-Breaynn
“I had the pleasure of working with Lisa for my surprise Telluride proposal in September of 2021. From the start, Lisa was a joy to work with. She was helpful and responsive with her suggestions, and helped me feel relaxed during a stressful process. On the day of, when weather threatened our original location, Lisa helped me audible to a different location which turned out to be even more amazing. When it comes to her work product, I was and am still blown away. I will treasure her photographs for the rest of my life! We have already made plans to use her for our wedding, she is that good. Thank you again to Lisa, and good luck to any future brides and grooms!“
-Thomas
“Lisa helped me surprise my now-fiancé on a weekend trip to Telluride. From our first conversation on the phone she gave me valuable insights on how best to plan a surprise proposal and her professionalism and obvious expertise put my mind at ease. On the special day she captured beautiful photos that my fiancé and I love.“
-Cody
“My fiancé proposed to me and surprised me with a photographer to capture the moment. All I can say is WOW WOW WOW. She was so kind and fun to work with. I love how she gave pointers and feedback on how to pose. Lisa was incredibly efficient, and gave us over 20 sneak peak photos within a few hours and then the next morning over 150 photos! Her pictures are clean, and have professional level editing, yet still maintaining a natural not overly edited look. We were on a mountain so the lighting was ever changing… she was able to adapt and quickly fix her settings. Every picture that I saw turned out STUNNING. All I can stay is how grateful we are for her capturing one of the most important moments in our lives.”
-Valkiria
5. Deliverables
Understanding what you’ll receive at the end of the shoot is essential. Whether it’s an online gallery, a set number of edited images, or a photo album, knowing the deliverables upfront can help manage expectations.
My clients rave about the quality of their images and how quickly they have them back and are able to share them with friends and loved ones.
Ready to Book Your Proposal Photographer?
Choosing the right photographer to capture your proposal is a significant decision. It’s about finding a professional who can not only capture the essence of the moment but also provide a smooth and enjoyable experience. As you embark on this beautiful journey, having a set of professionally captured photos will provide memories to cherish for a lifetime.
I would love to talk with you about your proposal plans, and how we can work together to make this moment one you’ll never forget.
