Shooting Engagement Session Secretly....

[haring]

I am going to shoot an engagement session where the groom wants to propose his fiance in a way so that she is not aware of me (the photographer) taking pictures of them. What kind of tricks should I use so that she doesn't notice me? I am planning to use a long lens (around 200mm).

Do you have any ideas? Have you ever done this before?

Thanks!

[suerenee]

Depends on where it's going down. If you're at a park maybe you should have a "dummy session" going on with some friends so that you don't look like a crazy stalker with your camera. Sounds like fun!

[Flea77]

I find myself wondering that if she doesn't sign a model release, how would you go about selling the images to the future groom?

Allan

[Rags]

Go to the location before the proposal day and scan the place.

[Tom]

I would get/rent a longer lens. A 200mm is only going to get you a tight shot at ~50 feet.

[haring]

- Absolutely! I will check the place first.
- I am afraid a bigger lens would be even more obvious....

[J Eddington]

Once you learn more about how he is going to pop the question, it will be easier to figure out how you can pull this off.

Once he starts to go down on one knee, she will never see you!!!! (unless you are right behind him)

[jeffro20]

Originally Posted by Flea77

I find myself wondering that if she doesn't sign a model release, how would you go about selling the images to the future groom?

Allan

Huh?? If she says yes, I seriously doubt she would care how her future husband obtains the images.

[Tom]

Originally Posted by haring

- Absolutely! I will check the place first.
- I am afraid a bigger lens would be even more obvious....

A 400 can easily be hidden depending on where they are getting engaged. Just ask any birder.

[haring]

Originally Posted by J Eddington

Once you learn more about how he is going to pop the question, it will be easier to figure out how you can pull this off.

Once he starts to go down on one knee, she will never see you!!!! (unless you are right behind him)

You are right!!!!!! :):):)

[haring]

Originally Posted by Thomas Campbell

A 400 can easily be hidden depending on where they are getting engaged. Just ask any birder.

you have made me think. :)

[kayumangi]

This would be awesome if you could bring in an additional shooter. say he shoots wide you shoot tight or something like that. And if you get it right I can only imagine the various upselling opportunities =)

[Some Idiot]

I liked the idea of shooting a "dummy session" near the location

[David Whatley]

I did this with my son. He told his soon to be bride that I needed some shots for my port. I did a lot of shots, and then had him get on his knees like he was going to propose. And he did. The results were priceless
Have him tell her he has a photographer friend that needs some help, and you are going to shoot the 2 of them for your port. Then arrange in the "shoot" to distract her, enough he can pull the ring out :)

[Angelo]

David, you are one sly fox.