Proposal & celebration photography

Tell us whether the session is a surprise, who knows about it and which contact channel you can use privately. Agree when messages or calls are welcome, especially if you share a phone, email account or travel itinerary. Start with the practical details; sensitive personal information does not need to go into a general enquiry form.

Before the day, confirm an identifiable meeting point, your arrival direction, the photographer’s position and a clear signal to begin. We also agree how to recognise you and how you will contact us if you are delayed or need to pause. A simple route is usually easier to follow than several last-minute instructions.

Discreet photography is not a promise that the camera will go unnoticed or that a public location will be empty. Once the surprise is revealed, there is room to check that your partner is comfortable continuing with portraits. If either of you needs a pause or wants to stop, the photographs should not become a reason to rush the moment.

For a proposal, the agreed coverage can include your approach, the question, the reaction, personal details and portraits afterwards. Tell us which parts matter most, rather than trying to fit every possible photograph into a short window. We photograph the moment as it unfolds; no particular reaction or every fleeting expression can be promised.

For an anniversary, birthday or another personal milestone, the plan may centre on a shared activity, a small gathering, a toast or portraits with the people closest to you. Say whether relatives will join from the start or arrive later, and allow time for the group photographs you want. A celebration does not need to be a surprise to belong here.

This is photography for a proposal or a focused personal celebration, not an all-inclusive event-planning package. Flowers, styling, makeup, venue hire, meals, transport, video and aerial coverage are separate unless listed in the written scope. Choose Private Events when coverage needs to follow a gathering’s programme, even a short one, rather than one focal moment and portraits. A wedding or pre-wedding session needs its own brief and coverage plan.

A beach, a resort setting or an architectural backdrop can each suit a different idea. We discuss light, walking distance, footwear, access needs and how naturally the route fits into your day. If you prefer a private-feeling setting, tell us early; public beaches and visitor attractions cannot provide guaranteed exclusivity.

Use the linked location guides to compare possible settings, then confirm the arrangements for your date. A room booking or restaurant reservation does not automatically authorise an outside photographer, decorations or a reserved shooting area. You or the venue contact confirms permission unless our written scope assigns that responsibility to us.

The planned coverage window needs to allow for arrival, the main moment, reactions and any portraits or family combinations afterwards. Agree how travel, setup and waiting time are counted. Venue or permit requirements, additional crew and any aerial work need separate checks; location fees, transport and exclusive use are included only when specifically stated.

We discuss the light and weather as part of planning and review practical conditions close to the session. Cloud may change the mood of the photographs without preventing them; heavy rain, strong wind or unsafe access may require another approach. A particular sunset, clear sky or quiet background cannot be guaranteed.

Agree a workable alternative before the day: another time, a suitable sheltered setting or a second date if available during your stay. For a surprise, keep the alternative route and contact method just as straightforward as the main plan. Any change involving a venue, supplier, cost or deliverable needs agreement, not an assumption that the replacement is included.

If you are delayed, message through the agreed private channel as soon as you can. The original end time may still apply because of light, access or another booking; extra time depends on availability and agreement. Rescheduling, cancellation and any refund follow the written booking terms and booking policy. Bad weather does not automatically mean a refund or the loss of every payment.

For a small celebration, tell us the guest count, key relationships and the group combinations you would like. For a surprise proposal, choose one trusted contact if a friend, family member or venue team is helping. Decide who will coordinate those people so the photographer is not also expected to manage the whole occasion.

Share children’s ages, rest needs and any mobility or sensory needs before choosing the route. A parent or responsible adult remains with children throughout; photography is not childcare or supervision in the water. Let us know discreetly about anyone who does not want to be photographed, and do not assume that arranging the booking grants publicity permission for every guest.

Choose clothing you can move in, bring comfortable shoes and water, and plan any outfit change in advance. The person proposing remains responsible for the ring and personal belongings unless another arrangement is expressly agreed. Flowers, props and furniture need a named supplier and an agreed plan for delivery, setup and collection when requested.

Before confirmation, agree the edited image quantity or selection basis, who selects the photographs, editing scope, file formats, delivery method and expected delivery date. If you hope to announce the news quickly, ask about an early selection before booking; same-day previews and rush delivery are not standard promises.

The agreed edited selection is the deliverable, not every frame captured. RAW files, extensive retouching, unlimited revisions, prints, albums and video are excluded unless agreed separately. Any selection or feedback deadline that affects delivery is explained beforehand. Check your files when they arrive, report access or delivery problems and download and back them up within the agreed access window.

Personal sharing and printing follow the licence in your agreement. Advertising, resale or reuse by a venue or another business needs separate permission. Booking is not consent for us to publish your photographs: portfolio and promotional use are separate choices. Tell us about privacy preferences and any intended announcement timing; children’s images require appropriate guardian permission for public use.