How I helped plan a proposal photoshoot.. DURING THE ECLIPSE!

The Total Eclipse Proposal: Planning the Shot of a Lifetime

There is a specific kind of adrenaline that comes with a surprise proposal. Usually, I don’t get nervous before a session; I’ve spent years behind the lens, and I know how to find the light. But when Brandon reached out from Florida planning to propose to his girlfriend in Niagara during the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse, I’ll admit—I had to take a second and thingk hard about this one… Proposals are already high-stakes. And then, adding a once-in-a-lifetime celestial event where the world goes dark for three minutes? That’s a whole different level of technical planning.

The Strategy: Hiding in Plain Sight!

The biggest hurdle with any surprise is the "stealth" factor. How do I get close enough to capture the emotion without her wondering why a photographer is following them into a field?

Since he’s from Florida and it counting on my local knowledge, I got to work scoping out the ideal spot. I chose a hilly spot near a local winery - FeatherStone Winery —perfect for a tasting and a "spontaneous" walk to see the view. Because the eclipse was a massive event, I knew the fields would be dotted with tripod-toting enthusiasts. I leaned into that. I told Brandon exactly what I’d be wearing and set myself up as just another astrophotographer.

As they approached, I "introduced" myself under false pretenses. I asked if they’d mind sitting in the distance to provide a silhouette for my foreground. She didn't suspect a thing; she thought she was just helping a local artist get a better shot of the moon.

Capturing the Totality

When the moon finally covered the sun and the sky turned that eerie, mid-day twilight, Brandon started reaching for the ring. That was my cue. I broke character, ditched the "landscape photographer" act, and moved in.

The technical challenge was wild:

The Silhouette: Capturing the iconic "diamond ring" effect of the eclipse while keeping them perfectly framed in the distance.

The Pivot: Instantly switching settings to overexpose for the near-darkness to catch her reaction, the tears, and the sheer shock on her face.

The Atmosphere: Dealing with thin clouds that added a moody, abstract layer to the totality shots.

Man surprises girlfriend with a proposal in Niagara. During the Eclipse. He's on one knee on a hill with the sky in the background!

Why I Love the Plan

She said yes, and the result was a gallery that felt like a movie. We walked away with a mix of abstract silhouettes against the eclipsed sun and classic, candid emotional shots that captured the laughter and the "is this actually happening?" energy of the moment.

Planning a proposal is about more than just showing up; it’s about creating a space where the couple can be completely present while I handle the chaos of the "how." Whether it’s a vineyard at sunset or a rare cosmic event, the goal is always the same: a quiet solution to a high-pressure moment, resulting in photos you'll keep forever.

Planning a Niagara proposal? Let’s map out your perfect surprise. Get in touch!