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JAPAN PROPOSAL GUIDE
Fall in love with Japan's enchanting backdrops for your proposal photoshoot! From the Japanese gardens of Shinjuku Gyoen with their stunning cherry blossoms to the historical streets of Kyoto, Japan offers the most magical settings for your special moment.
I have captured hundreds of surprise proposals all over Japan, ensuring your love story is preserved against the most stunning urban and traditional landscapes. Choose from my hand-picked proposal spots for the perfect Tokyo proposal experience, and I will work with you on a customized photo session that transforms your big moment into a cherished memory that will last a lifetime.
FEW IMPORTANT TIPS
WATCH THE ANGLES: Make sure no one‘s back is to the camera. Because the moment is quick, I want to make sure I can capture both of your faces.
TIMING IS EVERYTHING: Think about the crowds. If it’s a busy time, please wait for people to pass and I will follow your lead so don’t rush.
STAY ON YOUR KNEE: The longer you’re down on your knee, the more opportunities I have to capture every perfect moment.
THE SPEECH: I want to write—make a small speech before you put on the ring! This helps me to get a bit more time to capture the emotion.
AVOID THE HAIR CURTAIN: I want to make sure I can capture every reaction, so make sure your partner’s hair is tucked back or on the ears.
STOW YOUR GEAR: Leave bags and sunglasses in the locker, but if you must bring them along, make sure they’re out of the shot.
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT: Practice before! Ideally in the outfit you’ll be wearing. Practice kneeling down a few times and make sure your ring box is on the right side. If you’re using a ring box, practice opening it in the right direction and make sure it’s easily accessible in your outfit.
I can’t wait to capture this magical moment for you and your partner!
STRATEGY 1
THE "FLY ON THE WALL"
Here is how our Fly on the Wall strategy works:
Morning Check-in: You and I will send each other a WhatsApp message with selfies or descriptions on the morning of the proposal to easily identify each other at the meeting location and check in on timing. You can share your live location if you can't find me, but otherwise, it's completely okay!
Arrival: I will arrive at the proposal location just before the agreed-upon start time and will pretend to be taking photos of the scenery; you will be at the proposal location no later than the agreed-upon time.
The Cue: When you are ready to propose, please take a selfie with your partner. This is my cue that the moment is about to happen and to get into position. If it’s a quiet location, just give me the ‘look’ and it’s enough.
The Proposal: You will then turn to the side, go down on one knee, and propose. Give your small speech here to savor the moment. Remember to stay down on your knee throughout your partner’s entire reaction, until you have the ring on their finger.
The Aftermath: I will hang back to capture the proposal and the following reactions, and will then continue taking engagement photos for the remainder of the shoot length.
STRATEGY 2
THE "FRIENDLY TOURIST"
This is the most popular option.
Here is how our Friendly Tourist strategy works:
Morning Check-in: You and I will send each other a WhatsApp message with selfies or descriptions on the morning of the proposal to easily identify each other at the meeting location and check in on timing. You can share your live location if you can't find me, but otherwise, it's completely okay!
Arrival: I will arrive at the proposal location no later than the agreed-upon meeting time and pretend to take photos of the area; you will arrive no later than the agreed-upon starting time.
The Setup: When you are ready to propose, please take a selfie with your partner (this is my cue to be nearby and easily accessible).
The Interaction: I will then approach you and offer to take a photo on your camera, OR let you know that I am a professional photographer and offer to use my camera for a great high-res image that I can absolutely send you later. You will quickly agree!
The Cue: I will set you up in the exact spot and angle for the best backdrop. When everything is perfectly aligned and I am ready, I will say, “This looks PERFECT!” This will be your cue to propose.
The Proposal: You will turn to the side (to have one shoulder towards the camera and one shoulder towards the backdrop), go down on one knee, and propose. Make a small speech before putting on the ring to give us more time for photos. Make sure to stay down on your knee throughout your partner’s entire reaction, until the ring is on your partner’s finger.
The Aftermath: I will hang back to capture the proposal and the following reactions, and will then continue taking engagement photos for the remainder of the shoot length.
STRATEGY 3
THE "VACATION SHOOT COVER"
This is the easiest option to make sure everything goes well in extremely busy places.
Here is how our Vacation Shoot Cover strategy works:
The Meeting: We will meet together at the agreed-upon shoot start time to chat before the shoot and get to know each other. You can share your live location with me via WhatsApp if you can't find me, but otherwise, it's completely okay!
The Setup: I will take a few photos, then walk over and guide you to the proposal location. When I am set up to capture the perfect angle, I will say, "Okay, now let's get a romantic photo of the two of you!" This will be your cue that this is the exact proposal spot.
The Cue: I will take a test shot, and when the lighting and framing look perfect, I will say, "This is perfect!" This is your cue to propose.
The Proposal: You will go down on one knee and propose. Take your time with a small speech before the ring goes on. Make sure to stay down on your knee throughout your partner’s entire reaction, until the ring is on your partner’s finger.
The Aftermath: I will hang back to capture the proposal and the following reactions, and will then continue taking engagement photos for the remainder of the shoot length.
PROPOSAL DAY CHECKLIST
Use this list to ensure everything goes smoothly so you can focus on the moment!
BEFORE YOU LEAVE
[ ] The Ring: Double-check it’s in the box and stored in a secure, easily accessible pocket (ideally on your right side).
[ ] The Outfit: Ensure your clothes are lint-free and you’ve practiced kneeling in them.
[ ] Phone Charge: Make sure your phone is fully charged for our WhatsApp communication and you know how to use "Live Location" sharing if necessary.
[ ] The Speech: Take a deep breath and run through those few special words one last time.
ON THE WAY
[ ] WhatsApp Check: Send me your selfie/outfit description.
[ ] Live Location: If the meeting spot is crowded or confusing, send me your live location via WhatsApp if you can’t find me.
[ ] Accessories: Drop any bulky bags or sunglasses in a nearby station locker if possible.
DURING THE MOMENT
[ ] The Selfie: Don’t forget the "Selfie Cue"—this tells me to get into my final position!
[ ] The Knee: Aim to stay down on one knee for at least 15-20 seconds.
[ ] The Speech: Speak from the heart! This gives me those precious extra seconds to capture the raw emotion.
[ ] The Hair: If you can, gently tuck a stray hair behind your partner’s ear so I can see their beautiful face.
A QUICK REMINDER
"Don't worry about the crowds or the timing being 'perfect.' I am here to follow your lead. If it feels too busy, just take a breath, wait for a gap in the people, and go when you feel ready. I’ve got your back!"