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A Proposal Photographer: Your Guide to a Romantic Proposal

Planning to propose to your partner brings the most amazing mix of excitement and nerves. You know your partner deserves an unforgettable experience. If you love the idea of a proposal story worth telling for years to come, consider working with a proposal photographer. An experienced photographer can help you navigate logistics you wouldn’t even think to plan for. Your partner gets a romantic, intentional proposal, and you both get magical photos to relive the moment again and again. Here are my best tips for working with a proposal photographer along with some of my favorite stories from the proposals I’ve photographed over the years.


A woman sits on a man's laugh smiling while a Buffalo proposal photographer photographs her diamond engagement ring.

Why Hire a Proposal Photographer

Part of you might be asking: Why hire a proposal photographer? The obvious answer is, of course, for the professional photos of that once-in-a-lifetime moment! When you drop down on one knee, you’ll want to preserve your partner’s expression and the sweet moments that follow.


An experienced photographer knows how to work at a fast pace. They can roll with changes to plans and navigate the challenges of photographing discreetly.


A proposal photographer can bring more to the table than just pictures, though. Whenever I photograph a proposal, for example, I draw on my abundance of experience to guide clients through the logistics. If you’re never done this before, there are probably a few things that haven’t crossed your mind.


Two women hold hands and look at an engagement ring on one's finger while a Buffalo proposal photographer takes their picture.

What to Expect When You Work with a Proposal Photographer

When you work with a proposal photographer, you should set up a time to chat. On this call, you’ll get to know each other a bit and talk through ideas for the proposal. Your photographer may be able to help with ideas for the location. 


If you’re in the early stages of planning your proposal, check out this roundup of my favorite places to propose in Buffalo!


Once you know where you’re proposing, you can talk through the exact details. Does the photographer need to be incognito until the big moment? Or will you surprise your person by popping the question during a pre-planned photoshoot? I work with my clients to create a timeline so we have time for photos after as well. I also recommend sharing your location with your photographer on your phone at game time to avoid confusion.


A man and woman pose for a Buffalo proposal photographer beside Chautauqua Lake.


On the proposal day, do something romantic that’s true to your relationship. When the time is right, make sure your photographer knows what’s about to happen by sending a predetermined signal. That way, they don’t miss a beat.


Coordinate a celebration afterward! If your partner would like it, bring along friends and family as an extra surprise. It’s a perfect time to document some beautiful memories and formal photos with your loved ones.


3 Romantic Proposals with a Buffalo Photographer

Here are three magical proposals that I’ve documented in my years as a Buffalo wedding photographer.


1. A Surprise Proposal During a Photoshoot

Alyssa scheduled a photoshoot with my husband Mike and me. I’d photographed them before and reached out to Meagan on the pretense of asking them to “model” for Mike to practice second photographing for me. 


A woman kneels in a field holding a ring box while another woman reacts with surprise at a Buffalo proposal.

Alyssa and I came up with the plan that I would pose them for Mike. I asked Meagan to turn her back to Alyssa long enough for her to get down on one knee. Meagan’s surprise was priceless! Moments like this make me love being a proposal photographer.


Two newly engaged women kiss in a Buffalo park.

2. A Family Celebration at Chautauqua Lake

Brian proposed to Annie during an annual family trip from Boston to Chautauqua Lake. I worked with Brian to create a plan: He invited Annie to head to dinner early to check out Bemus Point. He wanted to take her to the Lawson Center Boat Museum on the lake. 


A man proposes to his girlfriend on the deck of the Lawson Center in Bemus Point.

Meanwhile, I hid in a closet and watched them arrive. When Brian proposed, I came out and began snapping photos. We walked around town to do more portraits. In that time, their friends and family gathered at the Lawson Center to set up a celebration dinner. 

A couple sits on a bench on a patio in Bemus Point.

3. A Lakeside Picnic Proposal

Kyle and Emily’s lakeside proposal took place in Silver Creek, New York. They were visiting Emily’s family home. Kyle asked Emily to take a walk by the beach after dinner. When they arrived, Kyle led her to a picnic that her best friend and I set up. I positioned myself on a spot above them and came out when Kyle proposed. 


A bottle of wine sits on a picnic blanket with candles, sunflowers, and framed photos at a beach proposal near Buffalo.

Afterward, we walked around the beach taking joyful photos. Then we headed up toward the cottage where Emily’s friends and family surprised her. Her father and best friend even came from out of state to celebrate.


A man and woman hold wine glasses and pose for a Buffalo proposal photographer on a beach beside Lake Erie.

Your Guide to a Romantic Proposal

Are you looking for a proposal photographer? I’m a Buffalo wedding photographer. I’d love to document the moment you ask your partner to marry you with joyful photos. Let’s preserve your proposal with pictures that last lifetimes. Inquire with me today!


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