Capture the Sparkle: How to Choose the Right Photographer for Your Engagement Proposal

Your proposal is a moment you want to remember forever – but often, it can go by in a flash. It’s one of the reasons why engagement photographers have become such a mainstream trend in recent years, both for intimate and more elaborate proposals. Just like choosing your sustainable engagement ring, you’ll want to take your time finding the right photograph for your engagement proposal. 

At Valley Rose, we know how important it is to capture the sparkle in an engagement ring, from getting the right lighting to choosing the best camera setting. We’re sharing the 4 things to do to ensure you choose the right photographer.

Step 1: Decide How You Want to Remember the Moment

Every engagement photographer will have their own personal style, reflected in their portfolio. Some photographers are known for their candid-style images, while others offer editorial-inspired photographs. If you’re a fan of storytelling or old movies, you may even want an engagement photographer who offers film photographs.

You’ll need to decide whether you want to discreetly hide your photographer as a surprise or have them take photos as part of a planned engagement session after you pop the question. It’s also worth considering your chosen proposal spot, as some photographers may specialize in outdoor or nature-focused images and can capture styles like our ‘Elain’ ring in the best natural light.

Step 2: Ask the Right Questions Before You Book

Whether you’ve fallen in love with one photographer’s portfolio, or you have a shortlist of options, it’s always best to ask a few questions before booking. Here are a few to save to your notes app:

• Can you shoot photos in low-light conditions?
• What’s your average turnaround time for sneak peek photos?
• Have you shot proposals at (your chosen location) before?
• Do you offer video or film photography as well as digital?

Step 3: Plan the Details of Your Proposal

If you’re planning a surprise proposal, you’ll probably be coordinating with a few different people, including family and friends, as well as your photographer. You’ll want to meet with them or contact them a few days before your proposal to confirm the time and location, and choose a cue to let them know when the big moment is about to happen.

For the best photos, you’ll want to choose an outfit that complements your partner’s style as well as your choice of engagement ring. A classic style like our ‘Nova’ ring will complement any outfit!

Step 4: Capture the Ring (and the Story Behind It!)

Whether you’ve created a custom engagement ring or added your chosen gemstone to one of our pre-designed settings, you want to capture the ring and the story behind it. Let your photographer get up close to the ring with a soft focus on their lens to capture it. 

If you’ve chosen a nature-inspired engagement ring and proposed in a National Park, you could always give the ring (and its Valley Rose box!) a photoshoot of its own next to your proposal location.

Plan Your Proposal with a Sustainable Engagement Ring by Valley Rose

Your engagement photograph isn’t just about capturing the images from your special moment; it’s a way of preserving how you felt at the start of a new chapter. Start planning your proposal by exploring our ethical engagement rings or by booking a free virtual consultation to design your dream engagement ring.