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I have found some pretty amazing locations for proposals over the years. What a scene!
California Central Coast- There aren’t too many bigger moments in life than your wedding proposal. If you’re reading this, you’re probably on the brink of asking the most important question of your life which will most likely receive the most basic of responses: “Yes!”. And one heck of a “Yes!” it’s going to be! This moment needs to be perfect and I want to capture it for you.
I’ve heard too many stories of couples saying they wish they had booked a professional photographer to capture the fleeting moments of their proposal or wedding. Selfies afterwards are great but you need someone to capture the actual proposal in the best light and from the best angle. I can’t imagine being a nervous wreck while also trying to set up a camera while the love of my life is wondering what I’m doing. Not only am I going to take care of that, but I also have knowledge of which locations will best fit your vision and budget.
In this blog I’ll give you all the information you need to ensure your wedding proposal is captured in the most beautiful way possible.
A perfect golden hour proposal. Picnic setup by Something Special Twins.
The Initial phone call
When planning your wedding proposal with High Orbit Media, the first step is for us to talk on the phone so I can hear about your vision and what you would love to see. This is where I can offer suggestions of where to propose and if there are any extra costs involved (travel, parking, permits).
Let’s talk about permits really quick. State Parks and State Beaches require photography permits to be obtained before we can shoot there. The application must be submitted with at least a week’s notice but much more time is preferable. Even if I apply with plenty of time there’s no guarantee they’ll give me one. The State can turn me down for any reason they choose. I will also mention that Point Lobos does NOT allow photography sessions of any kind. Now let’s get back to your wedding proposal!
Imagine proposing on this mountain top with the biggest ocean in the solar system as your backdrop. Epic!
Ideally during this phone call we can both be looking at a map of the area you’re thinking because it’s incredibly important to be on the same page. If we agree on a beach, I still have to know exactly where on that beach so we don’t miss each other.
It’s also very important to be on time for a couple reasons. First, we agreed on a time slot that I am available for. I may have another shoot right after yours that I need to get to. Secondly, if you get there much earlier than planned, you may have to kill time which can lead to your soon-to-be fiancé wondering what’s going on. I recently had a couple who arrived 25 minutes early and they were both standing out on this rocky outcrop in the rain waiting for our agreed upon time. Imagine what he had to keep telling her to keep her from fleeing back to the car. Not ideal!
Great shot though.
The perfect scenario is I show up 10 minutes before you so I can see you arrive and track you to the location we agreed on. This ensures we stay in our time slot and allows me to get photographs of you two leading up to your proposal.
The Day Of Your Wedding Proposal
Once we have agreed on a location there are still a few more things you will need to do to ensure you get the best possible photos.
1. This may be obvious but the first thing you should consider is how you two are dressed. You can be as fancy as you want or as low key as you want, but the two of you should match. Either both dressed up or both dressed down.
These outfits are totally acceptable.
These outfits are completely fine.
2. Once you two are both dressed in the outfits you will propose in, you will need to send me a selfie of both of you so I know who to look for. I can’t imagine a scenario where I’m photographing the wrong couple or even the wrong proposal but it could happen! So please don’t forget step 2.
3. When you have arrived at the location please text me (unless you have no service which is why timing and location is so important) so I know to be ready and to keep my eyes open. Once I see you I will either text you to confirm or we can just acknowledge each other with a wave or a head nod. Depending on our location I may be very far or quite close to you.
4. No hoods! Please try not to wear big bulky jackets or sweatshirts with big hoods. I realize that it may be very windy and/or cold! Try to remember that pain is temporary but high resolution digital images are forever! Hoods and hats will get in the way and block your faces. If either of you have long hair I may suggest wearing it up. You may also consider taking your sunglasses off. I have found that being able to see your eyes in photos makes the images more interesting and better overall.
Literally the first proposal I ever photographed. You can see how hoods are a problem!
5. Once you have reached the location where you want to propose, please give me at least 60 seconds to find my angle and light.
6. Although this is step 6, it may be the most difficult step for you to make happen. By the time you are on your knee proposing, you should already know where I am, and you will want to make sure that I can see your significant other’s face. The best angle will be for the two of you to be perpendicular to me so I can see both of your profiles. This ensures I can see both of your faces. If that’s not possible, the second best option is to have your significant other facing my direction (your back to me). They best photo is going to be of their face reacting to you proposing your love.
Do this.
Do this. Dog not necessary for a successful proposal but what are they going to do? Turn both of you down?
7. Get lost in the moment! Once you are on your knee you can completely forget about me. I want you two to be your true selves while you are in this moment. Laugh, cry, hug, kiss, but remember you’re in public, haha!
What usually makes another great photo is if you point me out once the initial excitement has subsided. It usually gets quite a reaction!
They are so engaged right now.
These guys are totally getting married.
Then I will walk up to you two and introduce myself. If you have gone with the “Yes!” package I will take a couple photos of you guys and then you can get back to enjoying your day together. If you have gone with the “Champagne” package our half hour shoot will start now!
That’s it! Super easy! If you have already booked with me, fantastic. If you’re considering booking with me, I hope this has answered many of your questions. I’ve turned those 7 tips into a more concise list that you can download or screen shot and save to your phone for quick access below.
Proposal cheat sheet
Thanks for reading. Let’s make you look good!
Want to book me right now?
I’ve got you.
Want to skip the form? Here’s my email.
highorbitmedia@gmail.com
John Ruddock is a professional photographer based in Salinas, CA. John grew up on the coast in Half Moon Bay and has spent over 30 years on the beautiful California central coast. When he’s not photographing weddings, engagements, families, sports, and landscapes he’s watching the Giants. Contact him today to book your session! You can also buy prints of his best images right here.
