Let’s be honest: planning a surprise proposal takes a lot of coordination and many moving pieces. In order to make the whole thing fun, sweet, and—most importantly—a total surprise, we’ve got to do a little homework beforehand.
As a proposal photographer, I consider myself your partner in crime. I’m not just there to press a button; I’m there to help you navigate the logistics so you can focus on the person standing in front of you.
Here is my process for working with you to execute a proposal that looks effortless but is planned to perfection.
Finalize the Session First
If you know you want the proposal documented, get that on the books first—before you make dinner reservations or any other plans. In the world of photography, timing is everything. We will almost always aim to start the session about one hour before sunset to get that warm glowing light. Once we have our photo timing locked in, you can then build your dinner plans around it. This ensures you aren't rushing from a restaurant or losing the best light of the day.
Pinpoint the Exact Spot
Once we’ve chosen the date and the general location together, we will pick the exact spot for the knee drop. I always arrive at our chosen spot at least an hour (sometimes a few hours) early. I’ll check the conditions, make sure the lighting is perfect, and ensure the spot is ready for you. Once I’m on-site, I’ll send you a Google Maps "drop pin" and a few photos of the exact area so you know exactly where to stand. This eliminates any guesswork when you arrive.
Plan B
Many of the most beautiful spots in Northern California are remote and have zero cell signal. If that's the case, it is super important to be on time. If we agree to 6:00 p.m. sharp, I’ll be there waiting.
Life happens though, right!? If you aren't there by a certain time we agreed on (say, 6:25 p.m.), our plan is to both head to a pre-determined secondary spot that does have a signal so we can regroup, breathe, and start over.
Logistics of the "Knee Drop"
One of the most common questions I get is: "How does this actually happen?"
I normally arrive early to "guard" our spot and make sure no one else takes it. When you walk up, I’ll be pretending to be a tourist—watching the waves, looking at the hills, counting birds, whatever.
And then we have two options:
I will be photogrtaphing from the distance for the first 5–10 minutes to give you maximum privacy for your magical Will Your Marry Me moment. Once you’re ready, you’ll wave me in, I’ll introduce myself, and we’ll continue our celebratory session together.
Or, If you're more comfortable with me being closer right from the start, I will come up to you asking to take a "tourist" picture of you because the view is "so beautiful"—and then, suprriiiiise, the knee drop happens right then.
And don't forget to stay on that knee for at least 10 seconds! We want to capture every bit of emotions at their picks!
Outfit Matters
If you’re planning this as a weekend getaway, your partner might not know to pack that specific dress or outfit you’d love for them to wear. Believe it or not, what you wear impacts how you feel and how the final images will look!
Be the Stylist: It might be up to you to "secretly" pack an outfit for them or encourage them to wear something specific.
The Practicality: If we are doing a small hike to a cliff, make sure they have appropriate shoes! You can always have them carry a pair of heels in a bag, but the safety of the walk comes first.
The "Yes" List: Dark blues, deep greens, earth tones (brown/tan), black, or neutrals like beige, honey, and white are incredibly flattering.
The "No" List: Avoid brights like reds, oranges, yellows, bright blue, bright green, purple, or hot pinks as can be very distracting and reflect odd colors onto your skin.
Pro Tip: If you need an excuse to get your partner dressed up, incorporate it into your cover story!
Solidify Your Cover Story
Why are you driving to a remote cliff in Mendocino first thing in the morning? You need a story they will believe in. Maybe it’s a "popular breakfast place that gets super busy" or "you really want to take their picture during that sunrise". If you’re feeling stuck, I’m always here to help you brainstorm a story that fits your relationship and the location.
Do Your Homework
A few days before, make sure you check the maps and the agreed-upon spot one last time. Knowing exactly where you are heading eliminates 99% of the nerves. When you know the logistics are handled, you can actually be relaxed and fully present in the moment.
Planning a proposal is high-stakes, but you don't have to do it alone. If you're looking for someone to help you scout the perfect location and capture the moment your lives change forever, let's talk.
