I love photographing surprise proposals. These serve me great as a fantastic practice for couple portraits at weddings and are incredibly exciting to photograph. And I don’t change my style at all. There’s no posing. No setting up. Nothing is staged.
In photographing more than 60 surprise proposals in the past two years I’ve learned a lot. I’ve learned when to talk and when to be quiet and let the couple be. I’ve learned to find moments to photograph when seemingly there are none. I’ve learned to look out for those unique ways of connection that different couples have.
I’ve always prepared for bad weather and had a plan in case it rains. A clear umbrella, instructions on how to handle it, and hope that you won’t have to ever use it. But after being a part of 60 or so proposals in London in the space of two years, it finally happened. It poured it down during the proposal. I’m not sure how it hadn’t happened before. What are the odds? 1 in 60, obviously!
I don’t mind the rain at all. My cameras do a little bit. But they are fine for the most part. Rain creates a really unique atmosphere and it somehow feels and looks right in a London setting.
Hyeon and Jena’s proposal was just so unique and the weather contributed to it. He proposed at the Reflection Garden overlooking St Paul’s Cathedral. Hyeon executed the whole plan fantastically. We then spent an hour or so wandering in the area, celebrating their engagement.
Hyeon and Jena’s St Paul’s Cathedral Proposal Gallery
I loved photographing their proposal. They had such a distinctive connection with each other which made them really easy and enjoyable to photograph. The way Hyeon was carefully moving Jena’s hair out of her face. The way she looked at him. Her incredibly blissful expression right after they shared a kiss. I’m grateful they were so comfortable with me, forgot about the camera and were able to be their true selves. Precious. A truly special proposal. Huge congrats you two. I’m incredibly grateful to have been a part of your special day.
Where to next? Explore more from the blog.
OR… let’s get to know each other
So good to meet you! I’m Stan, 28, dad of two mini tornadoes – Sophia and Noah, in love with photography, The Traitors (just watching, I’d hate to play the game), and food! I’m one with many, many interests, ranging from F1, kickboxing and Strongman to yoga, journalling, and meditation. And so much more in between.
I probably shouldn’t tell you this, but I’m a bit allergic to football – the ONE thing in the world I can’t get into (that, and Marmite). I love anything Harlan Coben comes up with, as long as it’s not dubbed, Black Mirror, and The Big Bang Theory. So much contrast, I know.
That’s probably enough about me at this point. I’d love to hear all about you. Say hello here or find out more about me.
