10 Tips for a Perfect Surprise Proposal Photoshoot: A guide for Men

Planning a surprise marriage proposal is exciting, but once the moment arrives, nerves can play tricks on you. As proposal photographers, we’ve helped many couples plan their big moment, and with a few simple tips, you can make sure your photos and videos look as magical as the moment itself.

Here are 10 practical tips to help you get the best possible results from your marriage proposal session.

1. Dress well (and feel comfortable)

You don’t need a tuxedo, but dressing nicely makes a huge difference in photos. Choose clothes that feel like you, but slightly elevated. If you feel good, it will show.

2. Avoid wearing black

Black clothing tends to absorb light and lose detail, especially in sunny destinations like Spain. Soft colors, earth tones, beige, blue or white photograph much better and feel more romantic.

3. Skip bags and bulky items

Large backpacks, shopping bags or jackets in hand can distract from the moment and make photos look cluttered. Try to keep your hands free so the focus stays on your emotions and the proposal itself.

4. Keep your phone on silent

A couple of years ago, I was photographing a wedding, and just before the groom said “I do,” his phone rang. Don't be that groom. Once you reach the proposal spot, forget about your phone. No checking the time, no notifications, no distractions. Just stay present.

5. Take a moment before proposing

If there are people around when you arrive at the proposal spot, don’t rush. Take a few minutes, walk slowly, breathe. There is no hurry. Waiting a little helps you make sure the moment feels more intimate, that you’re alone in the photos, and that there are no distractions stealing attention from what truly matters.

6. Position matters

When it’s time to propose, remember this simple rule: Photographer on your right, background on your left. This simple trick will help the photographer balance the photo. But again, this is just a tip. You can get great results if you do it the other way around, as long as both your faces are clearly visible.

7. Don’t turn your back to the photographer

It’s very natural to focus only on your partner, but try to stay slightly angled so your faces are visible to the camera. This way, your reactions will be visible, creating stronger and more emotional proposal photos.

8. No chewing gum

It may sounds obvious, but it happens more often than you think. Chewing gum can be distracting and doesn’t look great in photos or video.

9. Gently move her hair if it covers her face

If your partner’s hair falls over her face during the proposal, take a second to gently move it aside. It’s a sweet gesture and it helps capture her reaction clearly.

10. Enjoy the moment

This is the most important tip of all. Forget about the camera, forget about the plan. The more you enjoy the moment, the more authentic and emotional your surprise proposal photos will be.

A well-planned proposal doesn’t need to be perfect. It just needs to be real. If you’re planning a proposal in Seville and want help organizing every detail, feel free to get in touch with us, and we’ll take care of capturing it forever.

Written by Juan.