We discussed several possible locations and ways to organise the moment. After considering the options, Jeremy chose a cliff viewpoint overlooking Praia da Ursa. It gave us the dramatic coastal setting he wanted, with the ocean and beach below.
Beginning with a normal couples photoshoot
We met at the beginning of the off-road route leading towards the viewpoint. Starting the photoshoot there was important. It gave us time to talk, walk and take a few photographs along the way, so Naylise could become comfortable in front of the camera.
For her, this was simply a couples photoshoot in a beautiful part of Portugal. Jeremy, however, knew where we were going and what would happen when we arrived.
The proposal overlooking Praia da Ursa
The view from the cliff was breathtaking. The day was sunny, with much less wind than this part of the coast can sometimes have, so we stopped for a few minutes and enjoyed the scenery.
I began by photographing Jeremy and Naylise together. Then, at the planned moment, I directed Naylise’s attention away from Jeremy. That gave him enough time to take out the ring box and get down on one knee.
When she turned around, her face changed from surprise to happiness in seconds. There was shock, laughter, joy and everything in between. These were the photographs that mattered most: not perfect poses, but the real reactions to one of the most important moments in their lives.
A surprise hidden inside a photoshoot
Planning a proposal within a couples photoshoot works particularly well when keeping a photographer completely hidden would be difficult. Naylise knew why I was walking beside them with a camera, so nothing felt unusual. Jeremy could concentrate on the proposal, knowing that I was already in position to photograph it.
The photoshoot was planned. Her reaction wasn’t.
If you are considering your own surprise proposal near Lisbon or Sintra, I can help you choose the location, plan the timing and photograph the moment naturally.
