Surprise, Surprise!
After Sunset Surprise Proposal, Maui Beach
Surprise engagements are not that unusual for us. It usually starts out with a phone call explaining they they’re going to propose and it’s going to be a surprise. “Can you guys get pictures without then knowing?” Yes, and we can do it more than one way.
Just the Two of You
One option is to arrange a specific time and beach location. For example, “Kamehameha Beach at 5:30pm, on the sand, near the ocean, in front of Pacifico restaurant.” The couple would arrive at that location and time. The photographer would already be there, but out of sight. They would be “hiding”, but at a vantage point where they could still see the couple.
The photographer will have offered location and timing choices based on the time of year and other conditions so that the lighting will be ideal for the portraits. They will also suggest to whoever is proposing a few things such as which way to be standing right before they pop the question. The location choices will also have factored in the ease of access, recent weather and other considerations so that the whole thing will go well.
So… the details are worked out, everyone is on place and the time has arrived. He will turn to her, reach for the ring, and the photographer will “come out of nowhere.”
Don’t worry, they will get the pictures while still minimizing any distraction. Besides, there will be a lot of excitement right then and a friendly nearby photographer will not change anything. After a few minutes of staying out of the way and capturing the moment, the photographer will offer to get some more portraits. They have the shots in mind and will happy to lead you the whole way. The photographer does not waste much time and will efficiently get the shots so that you can be on your way to the engagement festivities.
Bring Everyone
There’s another option that gets more people involved. Many times, the whole family is on Maui on vacation. Someone in the group is wants to propose to their girlfriend that is traveling with them. And they still want it to be a surprise.
No Problem. Time for a family portrait on the beach.
In a normal family beach portrait session, the photographer will do several full group shots as well as the different combinations. Portraits of just the kids, one or two of just Mom and Dad… maybe the Daughter need some senior portraits. You get the idea. At some point, it will be time to do boyfriend/girlfriend couples portraits.
This is where is gets exciting. The photographer will do a few poses. Then, at the perfect time, they will tell couple to turn and face each other. There’s the “setup.”
Here’s your big chance. It’s time to say a few words and then ask the big question. In front of God and everyone.
There will be tears, hugs, love and joy everywhere you look.
And pictures of the whole thing. There will be pictures of people taking picture (think smartphone, Instagram).
Double Surprise (Please, no!)
Well, the pictures at the top of this article established yet one more (not recommended) way to approach this surprise the proposal thing. It started as a family portrait, like I just described. Except they had not told the photographer there was going to be a proposal. The shoot was basically over and the sun had set. Then Mom whispers into the photographer’s ear that her son is about to propose… can you get some shots? They surprised event the photographer! The images above are the portraits from that unforgettable day. Now you know why this article is titled, “Surprise, Surprise.”
BTW, She said “Yes.”
