Ready to pop the question? Here’s how to do it AND capture great photos in Hawaii!
You’re heading off to Hawaii, and you’re dying to propose, but you’re just not sure how to do it. After having photographed many surprise proposals, let me tell you exactly what to do!
First, pick the ring. (Okay, this one goes without saying, but without it, it’s a bit hard to propose)! If you can find out what she wants and then buy it without her knowledge, that’s ideal. Then, plan a trip (I’m based in Kona, Hawaii and it’s amazing here!).
Once you’ve picked where you’re going, look for a photographer in that area. Why is this step two and not four? Shouldn’t you pick a time and location first? You can absolutely do that, but your photographer will be able to advise you regarding the best location, time of day and method for your surprise proposal from a photography perspective, taking into account things that you may not think about such as sunset time, lighting, etc.
For some guys, there is a worry about how to *actually* propose. If you’re in a place without family and friends around, how do you document this momentous occasion? The answer is planning a photo shoot! Tell your partner that you would like to surprise her with a photo shoot in Hawaii, and let her in on that much of the secret. The reason this is a good idea is that she will be able to prepare! She’ll make sure her clothing, hair and makeup is looking on point (later she’ll be so glad she was feeling beautiful and confident in that moment, since it will be captured in the images).
Once you have your shoot booked, then you and I (the photographer) can discuss some ideas about how to actually propose. Here’s a sample scenario: I usually tell the guy that I will put the two of you in a back-to-back pose, and that is the signal that it’s almost time. I will approach the two of you, ask the guy to take a couple of steps away for a photo, (the signal to get down on one knee), and then I’ll step back and ask the girl to turn around, my camera raised and ready.
If you feel like booking a photo shoot won’t work for you, another popular option is for the guy to message me with a photo of the two of you and the particulars of what you will be wearing. Together we can set up a time and place for the proposal, which will be a complete surprise to the girl. (It also helps to turn on location sharing on the iPhone so we are sure to find each other and track progress to the location). I stand nearby, photographing the waves, the trees and the turtles, but I keep an eye on the two of you. My signal is the moment when you face her and take both of her hands in yours, looking into her eyes, saying a few special words. When you get down on one knee, I’m ready for it! I photograph with my long zoom lens from a distance and give you a few moments to soak it all in, and then approach you and explain that I’m here to do an engagement photoshoot!
Either way, it’s a surprise as well as a beautiful memory captured. If you’re planning on the Kona or Waikoloa area, let me know if you’d like me to help you plan your surprise proposal and I’d be happy to talk more.
