FAQ
About Proposals
setup
help! I have no idea what I'm doing.
First of all, that's totally normal! I've planned and photographed A LOT of proposals, and I've got you. I can help you choose a location, the time of day, all of it. I can be as involved as you need me to be. I'll also send you my Proposal Welcome Guide. It's packed with my advice and what I've learned over the years.
Can you give me a quick overview of the experience?
Definitely! Here are the usual steps:
– Use the contact form on my website to message me.
– We'll work together to choose a date, time, and location.
– Once you know the above 3 things, I'll send you a Photography Agreement. A $150 retainer and signed agreement will save your date on my calendar.
– I'll send you a questionnaire to help us get to know each other better + form a solid plan.
– One week before your proposal, I'll check in to schedule a phone call. Your remaining balance will also be due one week ahead of your date.
– On your proposal day, I'll show up early, and we'll stick to our pre-determined plan.
– Afterward, I'll go home to work on your photos. I'll email you the link to preview photos the SAME DAY!
– The next business day, your full online gallery will be ready, and you can download all of your edited photos!
SHOULD I HAVE A COMPLETE PLAN BEFORE I CONTACT YOU?
Nope! It's actually better if you haven't settled on a date/time/location before you contact me. I can help you with those important decisions!
WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?
I am based in Austin, Texas and I photograph proposals all over Texas. If your proposal will be somewhere else, just ask about travel!
WHAT LOCATIONS DO YOU SUGGEST?
The Austin area has sooo many great photo locations, but there are some places that work better for proposals than others. Ask me for tips on the best places to propose in Austin!
my favorite locations >
choosing where to propose >
WHAT DAYS ARE YOU AVAILABLE?
Contact me to check if I’m available on a certain date. We'll work together to coordinate a day that works for us both!
Because I'm also a wedding photographer, my Saturdays and Sundays during certain times of the year are busy. If you're able to propose on a weekday, that's great! Plus, she'll be less likely to see it coming on a weekday.
what time of day is best?
At most locations, the 2 hours AFTER SUNRISE and the two hours BEFORE SUNSET are the best times of day for photos. Every location is different though, so ask me your specific questions about lighting.
Can I propose in the morning?
In my experience, proposing in the morning could catch her off guard, because she may expect you to propose in the evening. You could tell her that you’re going to breakfast/brunch somewhere downtown. Just be sure you're not too insistent on her looking nice or wearing specific clothes. Of course, you know her best, and you’ll know what might make her suspicious and what level of "dressed up" she may want to be.
CAN WE MEET UP TO DO A DRY RUN OF MY PROPOSAL?
Because my calendar is busy, I won't be able to meet in person to walk through your plan. We'll schedule a phone call to talk about your proposal in detail though! If it will make you feel more confident, I recommend that you visit your proposal location at the same time of day that you plan to propose. Feel free to send me pictures of the area to get my advice or to answer any questions.
DO YOU OFFER VIDEO?
I do! I can film a one-camera, single shot, high-resolution video of your proposal. I'll set up a tripod nearby and capture the entire thing on video! Note that sound will be limited, because you will not be wearing a microphone.
WILL MY PROPOSAL VIDEO BE EDITED?
I'll make small edits to your video to give it the sample style as your photos. You'll receive a .mp4 file.
booking
I want to book you! tell me how.
We'll work together to come up with a DATE, TIME, & LOCATION. Then I'll send you an agreement to sign. This and a $150 retainer will save your date on my calendar. This payment goes toward your total payment. Credit cards and bank transfers are accepted through an easy, secure online service. Your final payment (the remaining amount) is due 1 week before your proposal.
HOW SOON BEFORE my proposal SHOULD I BOOK you?
Any time, really! Most people book their proposal photography 2 months to 2 weeks before their proposal. But even if your proposal is in 3 days, contact me to see if I'm available!
do the prices include tax?
Unfortunately, the state of Texas requires that I charge the normal state sales tax of 8.25%. The prices listed in the Collections Guide do not include this tax.
could i reschedule my proposal?
Once you've signed the agreement and paid the non-refundable retainer, that specific day and time are saved on my calendar. I turn away all other inquires that could conflict with your proposal. If you need to reschedule for a true emergency (sickness, car accident, death in your immediate family, etc.), than I will be as understanding as possible. Rescheduling is not allowed for reasons other than true emergencies. To rebook a new date on my calendar, the $150 retainer must be paid again.
Could i book now and wait to decide on decorations?
Definitely. We could always update your agreement to include additional decoration, even after you've booked your photography.
Your Proposal
WHAT IF RAIN IS IN THE FORECAST?
In the days leading up to your proposal, if it looks like rain will be a problem during the time scheduled, we’ll work together to adjust the time or spot slightly. Cloudy weather is not a problem at all, and a chance of light rain or sprinkles is not a problem for me. I'd encourage you not to reschedule unless it's likely that it will actually "rain". We'll wait until the day before to make the final call, because it can be hard to tell what time of day the rain will come. This is unlikely to happen, though!
how long does a proposal usually last?
Each one is different, but a proposal + candid photos afterward + the mini-engagement session usually last 30-45 minutes. I will also arrive at the location early and be ready for you to arrive.
The mini-engagement session is usually 10-15 minutes long.
What if people are around when I'm about to propose?
One of the reasons I arrive early is to make sure your proposal spot is ready for you. Right before you arrive, if anyone walks up to the spot, I'll politely ask them to leave.
WHAT SHOULD we WEAR to look great in the photos?
Good question! Your Proposal Welcome Guide is packed with outfit tips. Let's talk through your plan and we'll brainstorm ways to get her to dress nicely without giving away the plan.
during our mini-engagement session, will you help us pose?
Of course! All you need to do is be yourself, and I’ll do the rest. It’s my job to make you feel comfortable and have fun! No previous photo experience is required. In fact, most couples I work with have never taken professional photos together at all. And I much prefer working with people who aren't models.
Your 15 minute mini-engagement session will be casual and candid. It's NOT a long, serious, boring photo session.
gallery delivery
Wait, will we really have a photo gallery in just a few hours?
Yep! You will! I know you'll want to see your photos, share them with family, and post them on social media. I don't want to make you wait days or weeks for your gallery! You'll be able to download 10 high-resolution, edited preview photos just hours after your proposal! The next business day, I'll send you the link to your full gallery!
How many photos will our gallery have in it?
Your gallery will have at least 100 photos in it.
DO YOU DELIVER "RAW" PHOTOS?
I don't, and here's why. You're hiring me for my expertise in both photography and editing. If you love the photo style you see on my website, you'll love the style of your photos too. Your gallery will be full of high-resolution edited photos, ready to download and print.
Planning advice. A seamless experience. Super fast photo delivery.
My goal is to make this EASY for you!
let's get started >
More Than 300 Proposals Planned & Photographed
