Bangkok is definitely one of the top destinations for surprise proposals! Usually during December and January I get a huge spike in requests for proposal photography. I have shot at rooftop bars, riverside restaurants with majestic sunset views and places with the beautiful Thai temples as backdrops.
Sometimes it’s quite an effort arriving at the location well before the customer (who you’ve never physically met) and sorting out the ideal shooting position while also informing the waiters and tables around the specific area. But of course, it’s all worth it as the proposal will only happen ONCE and I only have that one time to capture it all.
It’s All In The Planning
It’s imperative that the person proposing and me, the photographer is on the same page. We need to know when each other is ready and in position. It can get very tactical! In the past, I’ve made sure to run over the steps and also agree on a series of movements / actions that we’ll be doing as to subtly signal to each other that the proposal is about the happen. Of course, it can get nerve-wracking, but with the right planning, it has always run smoothly.
The best part is seeing the one that’s getting proposed-to’s face as I pop out of the corner, or sometimes just hidden in ‘plain-sight’ and start snapping a whole bunch of shots straightaway. It’s such a pleasant surprise and I’m not even sure if I have the bigger grin or not. The relief that comes right after and the joy in the proposers face as he/she pulls off the incredible is just so rewarding. I’m so glad to be part of such an intimate moment.
Surprise Proposal All Around!
Recently, I took a series of travel photographs for a couple from Mexico. Then towards the end of the photo tour, the gentleman pulled me aside and showed me his phone. All that was on the screen was an empty notepad app. I was obviously confused, but then he started typing frantically “i’m going to propose”. Instantly I got into my guerilla cameraman mode and nodded slightly and gave him the “okay, I gotcha” look. Everything worked like magic right after that instant. I got the couple positioned in a relatively quiet part of the uber busy Wat Phra Kaew and told them to pose as normal for the last few shots.
And then it happened.
Content creator that focuses on high caliber photography and videos. Specializes in lifestyle, portrait, headshot and holiday photography. Tom has shot exclusively for Tourism Authority of Thailand and regional brands such as Heineken Asia, Avani Hotel and Genting Highlands Resorts. No client is too big or too small. He has a background in hospitality and looks forward to meeting new people from all around the world. Fluent in English and Thai.