First off, congrats! If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re planning to pop the question (or you’re dropping a hint to someone who is). Proposal photography is one of my favorite things to be a part of. It’s emotional, fast-paced and filled with joy—and when done right, the photos are something you’ll both treasure forever.

But if you’ve never hired a professional photographer before (or if you’re used to friends with iPhones) it can be easy to underestimate what goes into capturing that moment. So, from someone who’s been the hidden camera ninja behind many proposal stories, here are a few cheeky but helpful tips to keep in mind:

What You Need to Know Before Booking a Photographer for Your Proposal Photos

1. Saturdays Are for Weddings

I get it—you want the proposal to happen on a weekend when you’re both free, the sun is (hopefully) shining, and there’s time to celebrate afterward. But here’s the thing: wedding photographers (hi, that’s me!) are typically booked out months in advance for Saturday weddings. Trying to snag a weekend proposal slot is like trying to get front-row concert tickets on release day—doable, but not likely.

Hot tip? Consider a weekday! You’ll have a better chance of booking your dream photographer and your dream location might actually be crowd-free. Win-win.

2. 10-Minute Magic Doesn’t Exist

If I had a dime for every time someone said “I just need you for like 10 minutes…”—well, I’d have a lot of dimes! It’s a sweet sentiment, but the truth is: photographing a proposal is a lot more involved than showing up, snapping a photo and calling it a day.

There’s pre-session planning (Where will you stand? Which way will you face? What’s the lighting like?), location scouting, timeline coordination, and usually a whole lot of waiting in stealth mode. I’m part photographer, part planner and part undercover agent. And it’s all so worth it to get that once-in-a-lifetime moment captured beautifully.

3. Budget Talks (Let’s Keep It Real)

Here’s the thing: most professional photographers have a minimum booking rate, even for short sessions like proposals. Not because we’re trying to be extravagant, but because of the time, energy, expertise and prep that goes into making sure everything runs smoothly and looks amazing.

If you’re basing your budget on the idea that “it’s only 10 minutes,” I totally understand where that comes from, but I promise there’s a big difference between a friend with an iPhone and a pro who knows how to handle high-stakes moments, low light, bad weather and nerves.

4. The Art of Candid

Those tearful, laughing, caught-in-the-moment proposal photos you’ve been saving on Pinterest? They’re not lucky accidents. Great proposal photos look candid but they’re backed by thoughtful planning.

If you want your “Will you marry me?” moment to feel effortless and look incredible, we’ll collaborate on location, timing, angles and any extra touches you have in mind. You focus on the asking. I’ll focus on making it look timeless.

5. The Weekday Win-Win

Pro tip: Proposing on a weekday is a low-key genius move. Not only are photographers (like me) much more likely to be available, but the most popular locations will be less crowded, too.

Imagine proposing at your favorite spot in the city without a dozen tourists walking into the frame. Romantic, right? Plus, there’s something special about turning a totally normal Tuesday into a day you’ll never forget.

6. Trust the Pros

Proposal photographers are like undercover spies with cameras. I know how to be discreet, how to spot the moment before it happens, and how to pivot fast if plans change. I’m not just documenting what happens, I’m helping make sure the entire thing unfolds smoothly.

And when it’s all said and done? You’ll have stunning photos that actually feel like you… real, emotional, and filled with joy.

Planning a proposal is a big deal. If you’re going to go the extra mile with a l photographer (which is certainly not a requirement but can be such a nice added touch!), it’s worth doing it right. Talk to your photographer early, be open to weekdays and understand the value behind those dreamy images.

Trust me: when you’re flipping through your proposal photos years from now, you’ll be so glad you took the time to plan it with care.

Ready to start planning? I’d love to help you tell your story. Contact me here.