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!

[dpgiffin]

I guess it all depends on the setting. Where is this happening? Are you able to be hidden?

[haring]

I am not sure I can hide. there will be more people there though. It will be a public place.

[OceanHorizons]

First of all, let me say I've never done this before. But I wonder if you could take a friend/assistant with you, and be set up to look as if you are taking photos of your friend but actually be taking pictures of the couple?

[LMAshton]

Yep, I've done that and it worked very well.

[jamie1982]

If you're shooting at such a long focal length you're going to need a tripod for starters.

You may want to go along to the locating with the person who has asked you and scout the location. Take your camera along and select a spot that he should be standing EXACTLY when he is proposing. This will help you be prepared.

If she knows you and spots you on the day then she may either become suspicious or it could ruin the moment, so you may need to think about being hidden.

You need to ensure that your line of site is clear and that on the day there is not going to be a bunch of tourists or other people in your way and ruin the shot. On this same note you may want to scout out a few different places from where you can take good shots should you get there, something be in your way and need to move spots.

It may also be an idea to get one or two other friend who she does not know to be in crowd somewhere, out of her sight and out of your line of sight with simple point and shoot cameras to take some sneaky ones from alternate angles.

A few other things.

Depending on the location, you may need permission to take the pictures, so make sure you find this out. Nothing worse than starting to take some and then have a security guard come and try to move you on just as he is about to pop the question.

Get there, well in advance of when they will arrive, set up, check your lighting and get someone into the spot so you can check everything looks ok.

[sk66]

You should dress so as to blend in...
Maybe wear a Ghillie Suit

[Omadawn]

LMAO at sk66 .
I would take an assistant as earlier suggested, good luck cant wait to see your results.

xx

[nokiN]

Get one of these:

Spy Lens at The Photojojo Store

[kelvin51]

Here is one that I did this past summer..... No need to hide or anything special, schedule a portrait session for her family and in the middle of the session have him pop the question. She will forget anyone is there. I do it all the time....