I've photographed so many proposals over the years, and I can tell you there was a time when I would work with anyone proposing anywhere, no matter what the conditions were... and the photos would turn out okay.
But I want you to have THE BEST proposal photos ever! In New York City, a busy city that offers many unexpected twists and turns, I've learned it's best to have a plan. When you choose me as your proposal photographer, I work with you to make sure your proposal is both romantic and visually stunning, while also giving you my professional guidance as you plan your location, so you know what to expect and can make the best decisions for your big moment. It's your moment, and I want to make sure it's exactly as you planned!
Here are my biggest tips for how to get amazing NYC surprise proposal photos:
Communication is key (not just with your photographer, but everyone involved). If you have friends and family watching, taking photos, or filming, let them know whether or not you want them to be hiding, nearby, or watching from afar. Tell them where you will enter the proposal location so they can make sure they are out of the way. Let them know when you want them to reveal themselves (before you propose, after your propose, a few minutes after you've proposed, etc.). Real Proposal Story: I've photographed proposals where 40 + family and friends were so excited for the proposal, they ran out from their hiding spot SCREAMING and stepped right in front of the camera with their phones and I didn't get the full shot the couple was hoping for when she said yes. I've also witnessed family and friends ruin the surprise of the proposal by being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Choose your location and backdrop. You're proposing in New York City--- there are so many iconic, intimate, beautiful, and romantic spots to choose from! Of course you're proposing here. I recommend asking your photographer if they have any areas they recommend for proposing-- or, if you've picked a spot already, ask them if they are familiar with the area and if they have any logistical thoughts for that specific area. Certain spots might be high traffic areas depending on the time of day. It's good for you to know if there will be lots of people walking around in the background of your photos. Or, in very high traffic areas, people might be trying to walk in front of you and your photos. If you want fewer people in your photos, I'd plan for early morning or less high traffic areas of New York City. Real Proposal Story: I've photographed busy flash mobs and intimate proposals. Recently, I had a client pick a path in Central Park to propose on, but the area is VERY high traffic with tourists. The spot was sentimental to the couple, but there are tourists in and out of most of their photos (I'm such a good editor, I made sure to edit out the people, but it's not always possible). I've also followed a couple around for ten minutes, waiting for the Asker to propose. We had originally agreed on a certain spot, but he got nervous and started walking away from the shot I had set up. It was hard to look inconspicuous while following them and I was unsure where he was going and what the shot was going to look like. While a photographer can be flexible and creative on our toes, it can be helpful to have a specific spot chosen for the best looking photos.
Take Your Time and Enjoy the Moment. Proposing in the city is exciting-- and then, when you realize a bunch of strangers are watching, it might feel a bit daunting. But you know what I suggest? Just focus on the person you're so madly in love with, you're proposing to them! Keep the focus on them. Keep holding their gaze. Keep holding their hand. Tell them what you want to tell them. Ask them what you want to ask. Then take your time celebrating with them. People may cheer. And me, your photographer? I'm snapping away. I'm giving you space for a reason-- so you can be present! Real Proposal Story: After a Proposer finished proposing, he immediately turned to me and said, "What now?" And I said, "Enjoy the moment!" because the person he just proposed to was still in shock and clearly wanted to debrief what just happened. She wanted to hug more and he was too worried about what was happening with the photos to notice. One of my favorite proposals was on the Brooklyn Bridge with a couple. She proposed to him and they both cried and hugged for a solid ten minutes before they acknowledge I was taking photos of them.
Choose the angle you want the photo taken.
Don't worry, you don't need to worry about this too much, your photographer will do the heavy lifting, but if the angle will matter to you or your soon-to-be-fiance, let's talk about what it means to choose an angle. There's over the shoulder of the asker, over the shoulder of the proposie, from behind the asker, or parallel to the camera (we can see both of your faces this way, and personally, it's my favorite angle). You don't have to get down on one knee (and your photographer should ask you if you will be or not, because it can be easy to miss photographing a proposal if we are unsure whether or not it's happening), but if you are, it's worth considering the angle your photographer will be getting. Especially if there's an iconic city backdrop or bridge you're hoping to have in the background of the photos. I also highly recommend staying 10 feet away from your photographer so they can get a proper photo. Walking right up to your photographer and getting down on one knee does not make it easy for your photographer to capture your moment. I've had this happen many times, so I like to mention it.
Real Proposal Stories: One time the Proposer got down on their knee so quickly and popped up so fast, I barely had a chance to capture the moment. It looked like they had ants in their pants. More than once, I've had proposers angle the person they are proposing to away from the camera, So while we get an awesome shot of them down on one knee, we don't get to see the reaction of the person getting proposed to. Discussing the angle and even sending you a little sketch of the spot you're proposing in with the angle you want to be is something I'm more than willing to do to get you the best photo of your engagement!
5. Consider the time of day and where the light is. Once again, the heavy lifting falls on your photographer for this. But if a photographer doesn't bring it up, you should ask! In New York City, photographers are VERY familiar with where the sun is at certain times of day because of how the city is laid out on a grid. While Bethesda Fountain is lovely in the mornings and evenings, it's pitch black at night and poorly lit. Even a camera with a flash will struggle to find the subjects. Your photographer should be helping you think through harsh lighting and low lighting just in case. If you're expecting creamy golden sunset or sunrise light in the background of your photos, mention this to your photographer and they can help you plan your proposal for Golden Hour, either in the morning or evening.
Real Proposal Story: A few years ago, I was a rookie at surprise proposals, and a guy wanted to propose to his girlfriend at Bethesda Fountain at 9PM. It was so dark, my camera couldn't focus on the couple, the proposal was missed. Not only was it missed, he barely stayed down on his knee for longer than two seconds, I'm not sure I could have photographed that moment even in the day time. I promised myself I would never let a client choose a spot that doesn't work for the time of day they've picked again (or we would make sure to have proper lighting set up, that would potentially ruin the surprise a bit, but it would make their big moment documentable).
Questions I'll ask you before your surprise proposal:
What location are you thinking?
What time of day?
Will there be any friends or family present?
Will you be getting down on one knee or simply asking.
Is there any shot in particular you're hoping I capture?
Do you want to do any group photos or couples portraits after?
Is there anything I can do to make this extra special for the both of you?