Houston Engagement Photographer

Ashley Newman Photography

Ok can I be the first to say CONGRATS!! This is huge and exciting and such an incredible time in your life. It’s scary as heck and not to be taken lightly. And although it’s been more than a decade since my husband proposed to me, new love is like one of my favorite things ever to document. (I am a family photographer after all and this is where is all begins!)

Let’s dive right into the good stuff, because I’m not going to hold you back while your anxiety is already rising!

• Plan ahead- have your ideal date in mind with some wiggle room if possible. The moment you know you are going to do it, start looking for a photographer.

• Find a location that works- whether it’s one that is important to your love story or a completely random spot to keep them guessing, have your location in mind before you book your photographer.

• Map your location- if you have a special spot in mind, it’s important to not only tell your photographer, but have exact location details with a map and some pictures to help. If I am not familiar with the location, I like to plan to visit the spot one time to confirm where I might be hiding or set up to wait.

• Pick a good time- timing is everything, so chat with your photographer about what is possible in terms of lighting and location. Some spots may require permits. Some may have limited space. And sometimes the timing could be better for certain lighting situations.

• Work on the story- this is where the real planning begins. How do you plan to get them there- your pretense is important. Think about what they might be wearing and how to help them make sure they look they’re best since they will be being photographed. For the session in this post, it was only supposed to be a regular session, but I was in on the surprise. Other times, I find myself hiding behind park benches or pretending to read a book while I wait for my cue. Your photographer will happily work with you to help make sure it all goes off without a hitch.

• Have a backup plan- it’s Texas and our weather is so hot and cold- literally. Make sure you are communicating with your photographer before the session to have a backup plan in case the weather doesn’t cooperate.

The biggest thing to remember is that no matter what happens, the very fact you are planning such an epic surprise means your heart is all in on this. That’s one of the most beautiful things and I would love to capture that feeling and bottle it up for you!