Getting engaged is a BIG DEAL, and a moment you will always remember. So, of course, you also want to capture the moment. But how do you do this while also keeping it private? If you are opting for an intimate proposal, we’ll show you how to get those perfect proposal pictures without all the extra people. After all, this is just about the two of you. So let’s dive in so you can capture the moment of a lifetime.
More and more couples are choosing to get engaged in private. Whether its preferring the personal touch of such an important moment or opting to keep it a moment just between themselves, there are lots of benefits to an intimate proposal.
Just because you are choosing an intimate proposal doesn’t mean you don’t want pictures! Taking your own photos allows you to make sure all the important, personal elements are memorialized. From the emotions to the details of the location, taking your own photos allows you to capture the moment in a way that is uniquely authentic to your relationship.
Location, location, location! Choose a spot that is meaningful to your relationship and, ideally, also has a beautiful background. Whether it’s your living room, where you had your first date (hope it was somewhere good!) or “your spot” at the park, make sure it is somewhere you can set things up, you will feel comfortable, and you can prevent interruptions and looky-loos.
It’s all about timing! First, make sure your love is available when you plan to pop the question. Second, consider the time of day. Especially if you plan to pop the question outdoors or utilize natural light, consider proposing during Golden Hour – just after sunrise or right before sunset. The lighting is soft and diffused, giving your pictures an unrivaled magical touch.
Even if you and your partner have discussed getting married, even if they know a proposal is coming, even if you picked out the ring together, and even if you make sure they are wearing their best (soon to be matching) diamond jewelry, you can still implement elements of surprise. From the exact timing and location to decoration and other personal elements, the best part of an intimate proposal is that it’s all about the two of you.
And, of course, you will want to capture that moment of shock, happiness, and pure joy. So let’s get into how to set up your camera so it grabs the perfect pics without taking over the moment.
Gather all your equipment ahead of time and check it! Make sure everything works and check it ahead of time; this way, you can replace or fix anything with time to spare. Consider borrowing or renting a good quality camera, and of course, have a sturdy tripod.
Smartphones can also do the job, but keep in mind that camera quality will vary, it will be harder to set up your smartphone ahead of time, and it is likely to have fewer settings than a high-quality camera.
When you set up your camera ahead of time, you don’t want it to be too conspicuous. It should not be the first thing your partner sees when they enter the proposal area. Make sure to place your camera strategically out of the way but still perfectly placed to capture everything. If you choose to camouflage your camera, make sure not to obscure the lens.
Some options are hiding it among flowers, tucking it into a corner, or blending it into the background.
Whether you are an expert photographer or a total amateur, it is important to practice using your camera before the big moment. Practice beforehand and take sample pictures at the location where you plan to pop the question. Become familiar with all of the cameras’ features and try out different spots so you get the best shots.
One popular trick is setting up your camera in video mode. This will give you a video of the ENTIRE proposal from which you can cut clips and stills to your heart’s content. And this way, you don’t miss a thing!
And utilize technology! From remote shutters to timers, there are lots of tools and features to help you capture every moment of their entire reaction. From the shock to the happy tears and everything in between.
Silent Mode! Make sure to turn off any sounds on your camera, you don’t want any beeps or shutter sounds interrupting your big moment or giving it away.
Frame your shot with care. When positioning the camera, make sure to capture both you and your love. Make sure your faces are visible so that both your expressions and the ring are visible in the frame.
Don’t forget about continuous shooting mode or burst mode; both these modes allow you to capture multiple photos in quick succession, increasing the chances of getting that perfect shot.
You’ve heard the best three letters in the English language, and she loves her engagement ring! Now it’s time to select the best shots. Watch the video and/or go through all the images and choose the moments that best capture the joy of the moment and show off that all-important sparkler.
Editing software is your friend! Use it to enhance your pics by adjusting the exposure, contrast, color, and more to make your photos as stunning as they can be. But don’t go too edit-crazy to ensure all your pics keep the authentic intimacy of the moment.
Now you are ready to share the good news! Take these perfect pics and show them off to your family and friends, post your faves to social media (or not), and create a new lock screen on your phone. These pics are also great if you are keeping a blog or creating a wedding website. Another idea, use them to create a Save-The-Date, incorporate them into your wedding invitation, and use them as decor on the big day.
Taking your own proposal pictures is a great way to make the big moment as intimate as possible. With a bit of preparation and a little practice, you can capture every magical moment. Because these are more than just pictures; they’re memories that will last a lifetime. So dive into the adventure of engagement with a personal touch and make each moment unforgettable.
Absolutely! Taking your own pictures allows for a uniquely personal touch. We recommend using a tripod, setting a timer, or even a remote shutter for the best results.
Professionals recommend using a low ISO, a wide aperture to blur the background, and a tripod or similar to make sure your camera is stable to avoid any blur when capturing the moment.
This is all about planning. Choose the location, placement at your chosen location, and time of day to get the best lighting. And of course, practice using your camera!
Definitely! Not only is this cost-effective (now there’s more money for those all-important diamonds!), but it also lets you capture a personal moment in a way only you can. Giving you authentic, intimate pictures to cherish for a lifetime.
The most important thing is a good camera, as well as a tripod for stability, and perhaps a remote shutter. These tools will help you capture the magic of the moment.
Of course you can. While the best option is a more stable camera, smartphone cameras are also a great choice. Make sure to become familiar with your camera settings and figure out how to set it up ahead of time so you can capture every moment.
Do some prep work. Choose your location, consider the time of day for the best lighting, and make a practice trip to ensure you know where to place your camera for the best pics.
Use props, choose a unique location, and incorporate personal elements that are meaningful to your relationship. From their favorite flower to the wine you drank on your first date, or even wearing the same outfit!
Remember the Golden Hour, right after sunrise or right before sunset. This lighting is a photography favorite for good reason. Its soft and diffused lighting gives a beautiful, magical touch. Also try to avoid harsh shadows and backlighting.
Common mistake you want to avoid include overlooking the background, forgetting to check your cameras batteries, and failing to plan ahead, including mapping out the photo composition in advance. This is a moment worth preparing for!
