Easton and Jaclyn: New Orleans Surprise Proposal Photography
New Orleans Surprise Proposal Photography
Easton pops the question in New Orleans City Park
It had been a while since I photographed a surprise proposal on Langles Bridge in New Orleans City Park. It went from being one of the most requested proposal locations to mostly a solid stop on an engagement portrait session. And to be honest, I don’t really mind. There are excellent reasons to propose on this bridge- it’s gorgeous, it’s ancient in a very cool way, and the backdrop is total southern louisiana vibes. But there are some drawbacks too- mosquitos, uncooperative lighting, and the possibility of people walking onto the bridge at any moment.
Easton and I chatted before his proposal and we went over all of the possible variables for proposing on the bridge. We came up with the solution of him walking up on the opposite side of the bridge than me so he would be able to see if anyone was headed that way from his side and I could stop anyone trying to cross from my side. He wanted to propose earlier in the day than I normally suggest but it needed to time out with surprise celebratory lunch plans he had planned for their friends and family. I crossed my fingers for an overcast day but what we got was partly cloudy. The bridge was shaded perfectly right up until the moment Easton and Jaclyn walked up onto it! Then that dang sun came out and threatened to blow out the shot. I adjusted my settings rapidly so I could underexpose and pull up the darks in post rather than trying to expose properly and have all of the highlights blown out (photographer lingo for “oh shit this is fitna be too damn bright!”).
The sun aside, everything went as we planned. Easton nailed the proposal, Jaclyn said “yes”, and I nailed the shot! I put the couple in the shade for a few quick portraits to make up for the clouds sleeping on the job. The end result was an adorable, joy-filled image set I was thrilled to deliver to the newly-engaged couple.
Want to plan your own Surprise Proposal?
Enjoy this selection of images from Easton and Jaclyn’s New Orleans Surprise Proposal Photography in City Park.
