Behind the Lens: Allowing Clients to Breathe Post-Proposal
As a photographer, capturing the intimate and emotional moments of a marriage proposal is both an honor and a privilege. It's a culmination of careful planning, anticipation, and the desire to immortalize a special milestone. However, it's equally important to recognize the need for space and reflection for the newly engaged couple after the proposal. After the proposal, I always like to give my clients some private time where they can just embrace each other and take in the moment without me, essentially a stranger, observing! I always let them know they can take a few minutes alone, and that I'll be waiting in a different area, and to come get me once they're ready to take portraits (my second favorite part about proposals - capturing them together now that they're engaged!) In this blog post, I'll share my perspective on providing clients with the necessary room to breathe and process this life-changing moment.
The Unforgettable Moment
Being behind the lens during a marriage proposal allows me a unique vantage point to witness the raw and unfiltered emotions of the couple. It's a whirlwind of emotions - joy, surprise, and sometimes, a few tears of happiness. After the ring is slipped on, it's crucial to step back and allow the couple to relish in their private moment.
Capture the Natural Flow
Once the proposal has taken place and the initial rush of emotions subsides, it's important to continue photographing the couple from a discreet distance. This allows for authentic and candid moments to unfold naturally. Avoid directing or interrupting their interactions to preserve the genuine essence of the moment.
Respect Their Privacy
Many couples prefer to have some private time immediately following the proposal to savor the moment and let the reality of their engagement sink in. Respect their need for privacy and refrain from intruding on their intimate moments together. This allows them to fully absorb the significance of this new chapter in their lives. Remember, being newly engaged and just being proposed to is a very intimate and special moment between the couple, so I always want to respect their space and privacy immediately following a proposal! Of course we need to be mindful of time if it is getting close to getting dark, or if we have other obligations afterwards, but in general, giving couples 5-10mins alone really adds so much to their proposal experience. This also shows my clients how much I care about and respect them - that I'm not just there to do my job with taking photos and leave.
Garrett reached out to me via email to inquire about having me photograph his proposal to his girlfriend, Alex. I sent him several locations that I loved most for sunset, and we settled on Otter Point! I also was able to send him several videos and pictures of how to get to the recommended proposal spot from the parking lot to help ease Garrett's nerves since he was slightly nervous about finding it. He also made sure I only send the videos and pictures during the work day just to make sure his girlfriend wasn't around when he received/viewed them! That evening when Garrett and Alex arrives, the spot we had chosen had a few people standing on it, so they ended up walking further to find a different spot with more privacy. Fortunately, I was able to follow them at a slow place so as not to give it away that I was following them. Every now and again Garrett would turn around and nod at me to make sure I was still there and was aware of what was happening! He also ended up on a rock ledge and looked over to me for approval if it would be a good spot or not - where I then held up my hand to let him know wait just a few mins so that I could get closer for a better vantage point for photos! Where he proposed actually turned out better than the original spot - it was more private and had a better view of sunset behind them!
Capturing a marriage proposal is an intimate and emotional experience for both the couple and the photographer. Allowing clients the space they need post-proposal is a testament to your respect for their emotions and desire for them to savor this momentous occasion. By offering support without pressure, respecting their privacy, and maintaining clear communication, you create an environment of trust and mutual respect. Remember, a proposal marks the beginning of a beautiful journey, and giving clients the space they need sets the foundation for a successful partnership in capturing their love story.
