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Article by Kellianne Newiss

The Perfect Surprise Proposal

There is something really special about photographing a proposal. Unlike a wedding, where everyone knows what is coming, a surprise proposal has one person who knows exactly what is about to happen and one person who absolutely does not. And that makes for some brilliant photographs.

A Secret Plan and a Very Important Question

A few weeks ago, Miles got in touch because he wanted to surprise his partner, Fatima, with a proposal and he wanted me there to secretly capture it.

I love being involved in things like this because, as well as taking the photographs, there is a little bit of undercover operation involved. There were a couple of false starts thanks to the weather and timings, but eventually everything came together.

The Evening Arrived

The evening arrived, the weather behaved itself and there was a gorgeous sunset. Miles and Fatima arrived while I was tucked away trying my best to look like a completely innocent photographer who definitely was not waiting for someone to get down on one knee.

I decided the best way to get into position without making anything look suspicious was to simply approach them and ask if they wanted a photograph together with Miles and the sunset. Perfectly innocent.

I took a few photographs of them together and then said something along the lines of, "Well, while I have got my camera out, I may as well get one with this!" I took a few more snaps of the sunset, casually waited for Miles to make his move and then it happened.

Miles proposed and Fatima said yes.

The Photographs Before the Proposal

When I went back through their gallery afterwards, some of my favourite photographs were actually the ones taken before the proposal.

Fatima had absolutely no idea what was coming. You can see the difference when you know what is about to happen. To me, those photographs are priceless because they capture her exactly as she was in that moment, completely unaware.

If you could bottle that feeling up and sell it, we would all be millionaires.

After the Question

Once the secret was out, the nerves disappeared and they could finally enjoy being engaged. I spent some time photographing them together afterwards, capturing those first few moments as an engaged couple.

I kept things relaxed and natural, with plenty of time for them to just enjoy the evening rather than spending the whole time worrying about where to stand or how to pose.

And that is exactly how I like to photograph proposals. No complicated posing. No forced smiles. Just the two of you, enjoying the moment.

Planning Your Own Surprise Proposal?

If you are thinking about popping the question and you are wondering whether to have it photographed, I would love to help.

I can help with the practical side too: choosing a location, working out timings, figuring out where I can hide and making sure your partner does not become suspicious!

It does not need to be a huge production either. It could be a favourite walk, somewhere that means something to you both, a beautiful Peak District viewpoint or a spot in Manchester that has a story of its own.

The important thing is that it feels like you.

And if you need someone hiding behind a tree with a camera, trying very hard not to give the game away, I am your woman.

Looking for a Surprise Proposal Photographer in Manchester?

I photograph surprise proposals and engagement sessions across Manchester, Stockport, Cheshire and the Peak District, capturing everything naturally and discreetly.

If you are planning to pop the question, I would love to hear your plans, whether you have got the whole thing mapped out or you are still figuring out how on earth you are going to pull it off without them finding out!

Get in touch and let us plan something brilliant.

Manchester • Stockport • Cheshire • Peak District