DANIEL & COLE

JOSHUA TREE SURPRISE PROPOSAL SESSION DETAILS

JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK, CA

LOCATION INFO

This is one of my favorite spots to shoot. Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most surreal landscapes in California, from the Yucca trees to the Cholla cactuses. This location makes it a perfect backdrop for any photo session.

 

DATE + TIME

Session Date: Friday April 12, 2024

Session Time: Sunrise

EMBRACE THE WEATHER

Truth is the weather changes pretty much constantly here, one moment it’s sunny, then the wind picks up, fog rolls in, rain falls, and then the sun peaks out again, on and on the cycle goes. SO, I highly recommend to just embrace the elements they actually enhance the images by adding energy, movement, and emotion!

Morning

Blue Hour 5:51 am - 6:00 am

Sunrise 6:16 am

Golden Hour 6:00 am - 6:49 am

 

What to Do During the Proposal

Take Notes - You don’t need to have your speech totally written out, but spend a little time jotting down what you’d like to say. Getting your thoughts on paper will give you some direction when it’s time to pop the question, even if you end up winging half of it anyway. As for what to say when you actually propose, typically you should emphasize on your partner's best qualities, or even recap the moment you knew he was the one. It’s just really about being genuine and making your special person feel so loved and excited in that moment. Talking about what you love about them and how excited you are for your future together would be the two best things to bring up. Of course, don't forget to tack on the "Will you marry me?" bit.

Check out this helpful link, if you’re struggle with what to say

Discreetly Store the Bauble

Nothing ruins the spontaneity faster than your partner seeing the bulge of a ring box from your pocket. Instead of keeping the ring in your pocket, consider stashing the ring in your sock. So that when you’re on bended knees, its ready for you to grab.

Pop the Question

Take a deep breath, get down on one knee, and pitch the sentimental speech you've probably rehearsed a million times. It really doesn't matter which knee you go down on, but if you've stashed the ring in your sock, then kneel on the opposite side.

Don't Rush It

After you've asked for your partner's hand in marriage, let them have a moment. Ample time must be given to process/cry/hug it out. Then, once they've collected themselves, read the situation to figure out when to officially put on the ring. Or your partner may beat you to the punch and hold out their hand for you to do the honors.

 

WHERE WE’LL BEGIN OUR ADVENTURE

Since this is a surprise sunrise proposal, we’ll have to meet at your desired location to pop the question. Normally I'll already be there pretending to shoot landscape. But once that good light hits and I see you get down on one knee, that’s usually my que to openly shoot the both of you. Let’s schedule a call a week prior to our session so we can further discuss the details and make sure we’re both on the same page, making a smooth proposal session.


OUR MEET UP SPOT

TBD

 

WHAT TO WEAR

Generally, I suggest wearing something you feel comfortable in and makes you happy, but take into consideration that this is a photo session, and will probably be shared and kept for years to come. Bring different layers and options in the car to pull and choose from, you can change as many times as you want this works great since we’ll be changing locations often and it will add a lot of variety to your images! Sticking to neutral colors and earth tones work well with any landscape. Nothing to bright and loud, unless that’s the look we’re going for. Also, consider wearing something classic that will remain timeless in your photos.

CAN I BRING PROPS?

My approach to photography leans more on the natural side, meaning I like using what’s around us to make our photos stand out. But I don’t mind you bringing a blanket, that will compliment your photos. The blanket should be neutral in color and one you don’t mind getting a little dirty.

ARE YOU GOING TO TAKE DETAIL SHOTS?

Yes, absolutely! I love taking detailed shoots, so make sure your nails are trimmed, hair combed and looking nice. I’ll definitely be taking those fire ring shots!!!

WHAT SHOES SHOULD I WEAR?

The terrain is rugged at Joshua Tree, wear shoes with good treading if we plan on climbing some boulder rocks. Wear something comfortable, that will match your outfit.

If you have any more question about what to wear, feel free to reach out to me!!

WHAT YOU SHOULD EXPECT

Whether this is your first time hiring a photographer or not, I want you to be sure the experience I wanna give you is everything you could dream of and more. It’s worth being captured in a way that will bring back all the feels for generations to come. I want you to be able to look back at these photos for decades and feel the love you feel for each other right now. This session is an opportunity to be authentically you. To feel relaxed, come as you are and more so feel the vibe of the environment and the moment.

My style is heavily focused on real moments. Nothing staged, nothing forced, nothing set up, no awkward half smiles. It’s the real good stuff. I of course will guide you as we shoot so you’re not awkwardly standing there wondering what to do, but it’s important to me that you two are being fully yourselves and present with one another. This way, we can capture you for who you really are.

We create together.

I make sure that the way I’m interacting, shooting, and editing is reflective of who you are and how things actually felt. It’s the little details like this that go a long way. The artistic choices I make aren’t to benefit me because these are your memories, not mine. I focus on quality over quantity so we can create something together you’ll value forever.

LETS CAPTURE YOUR ADVENTURE, FIERCELY AND BEAUTIFULLY TOGETHER.

If at any point you don’t feel comfortable, just let me know. Or if you want some specific poses that you like, also let me know. Communication is key here. I want to make sure that I give you what you want and you get what you need. Please don’t hesitate to throw in ideas, after all this is a two way relationship, and we’re creating together.

AFTER OUR SESSION

I know you cannot wait to get a glimpse of your photos and I promise I will send a sneak peek your way as soon as I possibly can. You will receive your gallery no later than 4 weeks after your session date.

I am so happy when you share your images with friends and family. Make sure to credit and tag me when you post them online. It’s highly appreciated, because I’m always excited to see your favorites and others that like the images can easily find their way to my page.

Also I kindly ask you to not add any filters when posting on Instagram (or similar apps).

ALBUMS + PRINTS

Have you ever experienced that you get photos printed and the colors look nothing like they did on your computer? That sucks, as does letting your photos waste away on hard drives and USB sticks. You have invested a lot of heart, thought and effort into your family session and the photographs tell this story. Celebrate them by putting them in an album that is always at hand when you want to flip through these memories. Personally, I make a huge effort to print both my professional and personal work as often as possible. The feelings of holding these memories in your hands is just so special.

ALBUMS

I offer a handful of beautiful albums that I have picked carefully after comparing a ton of options out on the market. My standards are high and I would never compromise quality, considering how important these photographs are for you and how long this album will keep you company; a lifetime.

PRINTS

I’ve made it especially easy for you to print quality photos straight from the gallery you’ll receive from me. Your photos will be printed in quality paper true to color.

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

 

LET’S CONNECT

I’m all ears! Let me know if there’s something I missed that you’re still wondering about! Other than that, I can’t wait to create some beautiful memories with you!

I can’t wait to show off your photos on Instagram