4 Tips for the Best Proposal Photos

So you’ve finally decided to pop the question! And better yet, you’ve hired a professional photographer (and maybe even videographer) to capture the whole thing! SCORE. With as much time as you have taken to plan the picture perfect moment, it is still a surprise proposal at the end of the day so you never know exactly how it’s going to go down. With that in mind, I wanted to share some helpful tips that will help make for the best photos in my own experience as an Orlando proposal photographer!

1. Get Down and STAY Down

The money shot is of course that photo of you on bended knee holding up the ring! In that moment, it will feel like you are on one knee for an eternity. However, in reality it goes by very quickly! Chances are those over-the-top proposals you are seeing on TikTok are super staged, because getting the perfect shot in the moment is quite challenging since it happens so fast. So make it a point to slow down and don’t rush it.

Come up with a nice little speech to say beforehand as well as during the proposal. And once you’ve kneeled, try to stay down there for as long as possible. Of course we can’t control your future fiance’s reaction, but it does help if you plan accordingly and just keep talking for a bit. Chances are you won’t get cut off mid-sentence and it will give me a few extra seconds to capture plenty of picture perfect moments!

2. Make It Personalized

Some couples will prefer something very low key and some will want an larger than life proposal. Whichever is your style– you still want to include some personalized touches. For example, a bouquet of roses or some champagne to pop afterwards is always a good idea! You can also get a personalized ring box with your initials on Etsy as a keepsake. (They sell slim ones also that are easier to conceal!)

You can have a live musician like a singer/guitarist or a saxophonist to give that extra romantic “straight out of a movie” vibe. You can also have a custom playlist going on a speaker in the background which we can provide. Any extra detail you can add goes a long way to make the proposal feel extra thoughtful.

If you need help with some of these details I have options for you too! We have in house add-ons like champagne, roses or picnics plus awesome vendors that I partner with for larger scale proposals to do florals, music, sparklers, sign rentals and more. We can do the leg work for you!

3. Be Aware of Where You Kneel

I know there’s going to be a lot running through your mind when the moment comes, but it’s important that I can see both of your reactions. So you will want to position yourself where I can easily see both of your faces. You will see me before you do anything, so just make sure that when you go to propose you position yourself with your side profiles to where I’m standing and you don’t completely give me your back. While we are at it, empty out your pockets– your cell phone and wallet will be an eye sore if I can see them. Take the sunglasses off too, put down any purses/bags, etc. and then do your thing.

4. Share Your Expectations With Me

It’s important for me to understand what is most important to you during our time together, especially because it is limited. My flow is typically very similar from shoot to shoot, but if what you’re envisioning is a little different then it’s important to let me know. Is the engagement ring custom made so you want extra detailed close up shots of it? Are you expecting a dramatic reaction and you’re hoping for tight shots of her face? Is the scenery extra special to you so you want to make sure it’s a focal point? Talk to me about your vision down to the littlest detail and that way I can really focus on what matters most to the two of you!

Most importantly, enjoy the moment and soak it in! It’s not really just a photo opp after all.. it’s your big moment to profess your love– and let’s be real, it’s probably the first and last thing you will ever plan when it comes to “wedding” stuff! So make it count. ;)

This post was originally published on January 17. 2017 and revised on March 22, 2024

Author: Elle Baez, Orlando wedding & proposal photographer