As a surprise proposal photographer, I often capture some of the most significant moments in people’s lives. Each shoot tells a unique story, preserving memories that will be cherished forever. But some assignments stand out more than others, and this surprise proposal at Princeton University was truly one for the books.
The Initial Planning
When I first received the call from a thoughtful gentleman planning to propose to his girlfriend, I knew this would be special. He had envisioned a magical proposal, and as huge Harry Potter fans, the couple wanted a setting that resembled the mystical and enchanting world of Hogwarts. After contemplating various locations, we decided on Princeton University in Princeton, New Jersey, whose historic architecture perfectly mirrored the magical aura they desired.
Neither of them had been to Princeton before, so it was my job to scout the location and find the perfect spot. About two months before the proposal, the gentleman and I traveled to the university. We spent hours walking through the campus, meticulously choosing a location that would complement the surprise and provide a stunning backdrop for the photographs.
Finalizing the Details
We decided on an open alleyway, half-enclosed yet open to the sky through large glassless window-like openings. This spot was perfect because the natural light bouncing off the historic stone walls created a visually striking environment. The interplay of light and shadow would enhance the romantic atmosphere we aimed to capture. We also ensured that key markers, like the marry me sign, avoided awkward shadows, ensuring the lighting was consistent throughout the designated area.
About a week before the proposal, I revisited the location to finalize the spot and fine-tune the vision. Ensuring everything was perfect for the big day was crucial, and I wanted to leave nothing to chance.
The Day of the Proposal
Finally, the day of the proposal arrived, bringing with it unexpected warmth in April. I rendezvoused with the couple’s friends in the morning at Princeton’s picturesque campus. They came prepared with decorations that transformed our chosen alleyway into an enchanting proposal setting. Heart-shaped rose petals were scattered across the ground, and decorated signs, including a pivotal “marry me” sign, were carefully placed. As they set up the decorations, I offered my input based on what the camera would see when the couple was in place.
One of the challenges we faced was the bustling campus, filled with students and visitors enjoying the beautiful weather. Adding to the complexity, another proposal was set to occur just five minutes before ours in the same alleyway, mere steps from where I would be hiding. We swiftly coordinated with the other group to prevent overlap or interruptions, ensuring that both proposals went off without a hitch.
Capturing the Moment
As the moment drew near, I focused on capturing the proposal organically, documenting a candid experience where every detail mattered. There was no need for direction; this was their moment to soak in and enjoy. The gentleman led his girlfriend to the decorated alleyway, and as she took in the scene, he got down on one knee and popped the question. The look of surprise and joy on her face was priceless, and the tears of happiness that followed made for some genuinely heartwarming shots.
Once the joyous yes was spoken and the couple shared the news with their friends, we embarked on a brief engagement session around the campus. The excitement and love between them were palpable, and it was a pleasure to capture these moments against the stunning backdrop of Princeton University.
Post-Proposal Engagement Session
For the engagement session, we chose various locations around the campus that reflected both the Harry Potter-inspired ambiance and Princeton’s inherent beauty. Natural light played a crucial role in emphasizing their happiness, and I aimed to keep the images as authentic as possible without relying heavily on artificial lighting. However, I did have strobes for when they were needed along the way.
One of my favorite shots from the session was in front of a grand, historic building that looked like it belonged in the wizarding world. The couple’s joy and love shone through in every frame, and the majestic architecture provided a perfect backdrop for their engagement photos.
My Approach to Photography
For me, communication is paramount in setting up my subjects and scenes. Each proposal shoot begins with in-depth planning with my client to ensure everything is perfectly orchestrated. This includes understanding the exact location of the proposal and the couple’s walking route and being updated on their movements via text during the day if the client is comfortable with that. Some clients have even shared their Uber location with me as a more discrete form of communication.
During the setup, I count on the client’s friends or family to handle any decorations, freeing me to focus on capturing the moment without distraction. This collaborative method ensures everything runs smoothly while maintaining the element of surprise and genuineness.
My Aesthetic and Influences
My aesthetic is anchored in natural beauty and clean, authentic imagery. As a color-blind photographer, my editing style emphasizes true-to-life colors with modest adjustments to maintain a clean and balanced look. Influences on my work are varied, coming from a blend of genres like sports, music, and landscape photography rather than traditional weddings or portraiture. Icons like Ansel Adams and Glen E. Friedman inspire my candid and organic approach. At the same time, the legendary White House photographer Pete Souza’s influence can be seen in my strive for natural storytelling and composition.
Before Imagen’s existence, I would use tools like a Color Checker Passport and a Color Munki (and an additional human look from my wife) to ensure my colors were where I wanted them to be. But since Imagen, I utilize its industry-leading AI technology to produce perfectly consistent edits for every photo. For added touches and time-savings, I use Imagen’s additional built-in AI tools like straightening for all those crooked lines we all think we have perfect but aren’t. I also use the skin smoothing tool on its moderate setting, which clients have loved when they see it. It’s subtle enough to add this beautiful glow to the skin and not look fake. Finally, I’ve been testing Imagen’s upcoming teeth whitening and background mask features. They’ve been fantastic for the final touches to smiles and a pop of the subjects with automatically reduced exposure to backgrounds.
Conclusion
Capturing this magical proposal at Princeton University blended meticulous planning, natural light, and a dash of magic reminiscent of Harry Potter. Through clear communication, thoughtful positioning, and a passion for natural beauty, the proposal session documented a pivotal moment in the couple’s story and wove a visual tale infused with love and wonder.
As a photographer, nothing is more rewarding than being part of such intimate and joyous moments. Each shoot is a new adventure and story to tell, and this surprise proposal at Princeton University will always hold a special place in my memory. Whether it’s capturing the tearful yes in a beautifully decorated alleyway or the loving gaze of a newly engaged couple against a historic backdrop, these moments make my job truly magical.
Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into the magic of capturing a surprise proposal at Princeton University. Whether you’re planning a proposal, wedding, or any special event, remember that every moment is worth capturing, and I’m here to help you preserve those memories forever.
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