Engagement photos and proposal photos are two different types of photo sessions, but they are often confused for one another. Both are special but there is a key difference. I’ll keep it brief and cut to the chase so you can decide which type of portrait session is right for you and your partner.
What Are Engagement Photos?
Engagement photos are taken after a couple has become engaged, and of course before the wedding day. The purpose of engagement photos is to celebrate the newly engaged couple. These photos can be used to announce the engagement to family and friends, as well as to create save-the-date cards or wedding invitations. Engagement photos can also be displayed at the wedding reception or printed in a professional album to commemorate the special occasion.
Also, engagement photo sessions may be easier to plan for, as both parties will be able to involved in selecting a time that works and selecting complimenting outfits. Because the couple walks into the session engaged, there isn’t a question about what will happen next and all that has to happen in front of the camera is enjoying each other’s company.
What Are Proposal Photos?
Proposal photos are taken when a couple gets engaged. These photos capture the moment when one partner asks the other, “Will you marry me?” Proposal photos are unique in that the reaction and emotion of the moment is captured, and with it is probably why they are so popular. Because of the intensity and seriousness of what is being asked, engagement photos can be more intimate and also nerve wracking for everyone involved. With that said, if all goes well, and “Yes” is given in reply, proposal photos will be a precious moment that will never be able to be re-created.
Because one partner is in the dark about what is happening, the burden of planning the photo session and making sure the other is photo ready falls on the one popping the question - on top of planning the proposal itself.
The Difference
The biggest difference between engagement and proposal photography is that one captures a moment a couple becomes engaged while the other captures it after it has happened. Engagement photography focuses on capturing the joy and excitement of being engaged, while proposal photography focuses on capturing the intimate moment when one partner asks, “will you marry me?”
Plus, for proposal photos - the session doesn’t have to end once an answer is given. How I work is I continue to pose the couple together, and capture additional portraits outside of the proposal. Kind of like a mini engagement photo session after the proposal.
There is No Right or Wrong Choice
Here is a quick list of each option with important factors to consider:
Engagement Photos
Both partners can pick a photographer
Both partners can set a date that works
Both partners can pick out outfits for photos
No high-stakes question = less stress and anxiety
Proposal Photos
One partner plans a romantic surprise for the other to enjoy
Momentous once-in-a-lifetime moment recorded
High-stakes question can lead to huge reward of joy and flood of emotion
Mini engagement portrait session can follow the proposal. 2 for 1 photo session!
If engagement photos are the right choice for you and your partner, feel free to book with me today! If this has helped you decide you are going to hire for proposal photos, you may want to read this post too: https://evelynmaephoto.com/blog/how-to-keep-your-proposal-a-surprise
