You’re with the person you love and want to ask them to spend the rest of their life with you — and have the moment captured on-camera. But how do you plan an impromptu photo session without spoiling the surprise? Keep reading for tips to help you plan an unforgettable proposal in the Canadian Rockies.
Choose the Right Photographer
There are countless talented photographers in the region, but it’s important to find one whose style matches your vision. Once you’ve found someone whose work you admire, set up a video call to see if you’re a good fit. This person is capturing one of the most important moments in your life, after all. Get a feel for how well they know the area you have in mind and what they would recommend based on past experience (ideally they’ll have done this before).
Make a Game Plan
With your photographer, determine the ideal location for the proposal. This could include a spot that’s meaningful to you as a couple, somewhere you’ve always wanted to visit together, or simply a beautiful location. Your photographer will recommend the best time of day for lighting.
Discuss how you envision the proposal playing out or anything special you’d like to include. Determine where your photographer will be while the proposal takes place, too. Some hide in the foliage with a long lens while others don’t. I usually use a zoom lens and pretend take photos of the mountains as the couple walks up. Then I can stay out of the way and catch the proposal as it happens. I’ve never had someone clue in to the surprise beforehand, as it’s not uncommon to see tourists with professional-level cameras.
Most proposal sessions include a short engagement portrait session afterwards, so leave time for that if you’re making plans later. This session can take place in the same location or include a second, but confirm with your photographer.
In the lead-up to the day, think about what your partner would prefer in photos, too. If they always have their nails done, enlist one of their close friends to take them for a pre-proposal manicure. If they would want to be wearing a nice outfit, tell them you’re going for drinks or dinner and have them dress accordingly.
Communicate, Communicate, Communicate
Stay in touch with your photographer leading up to proposal day. Watch the weather forecast and make a back-up plan if it looks like it may rain, snow, or anything else that will dampen plans (pun intended). Let your photographer know of any change in plans for the day, and they should be equally communicative. Your photographer should tell you if they’re running behind, when they’ve arrived, when they’re in place and when they’re ready for you.
Bonus tip: Make sure any correspondence with your photographer won’t be seen on shared computers or tablets. iPhones are often synced to a computer, and text messages can be delivered there too. Keep message previews off on your lock screen and ensure any car features do not read text messages aloud automatically.
The Big Day
Try to relax. This can be easier said than done, but enjoy this moment together. Trust your photographer; they’ve got you! Take your time when you arrive, ensure you’re facing the proper direction (you want to be parallel to your photographer, not with your back to them) and focus on your partner.
Create a date night out of the whole experience and plan a romantic dinner or cocktails for the two of you following your portrait session. You’ll want to make the most of this day together and soak it all in.
Are you ready to plan your proposal in the Canadian Rockies? Get in touch and let’s make it happen!
