My First Paid Proposal
The proposal that started it all
Every photographer has that one session that changes everything & the moment where nerves meet passion and something clicks. For me, that moment was Ricky and Miranda’s proposal. It wasn’t just another session; it was the day I realized how much I wanted to capture love stories for the rest of my life.
There are certain moments in life that quietly shape who you are. For me, this was one of them.
Ricky & Miranda’s proposal was my very first paid proposal session. I still remember waking up that morning with butterflies in my stomach. My hands were shaking as I packed my camera bag, double-checking batteries and memory cards more times than I’d like to admit. Ricky, who I actually went to high school with, had trusted me to capture one of the biggest moments of his life and I didn’t want to let him down.
All week leading up to it, I was scrolling through inspiration photos, practicing poses, and mentally running through every possible “what if.” What if I miss the shot? What if Miranda sees me before he gets down on one knee? What if I mess this up?
But underneath all that fear was something stronger... excitement. The kind that comes from knowing you’re doing something you truly love.
When the moment finally came, everything else faded. The nerves, the overthinking, the doubts were gone. It was just them, surrounded by love, and me quietly capturing it all unfold. Watching Ricky get down on one knee and seeing Miranda’s reaction reminded me exactly why I do what I do.
That proposal taught me so much and not just about photography but about believing in myself. Sometimes, life throws you into situations that make you question, “Why me?” But in that moment, I realized… it was supposed to be me. Because that’s how I learned to trust my eye, my timing, and my heart behind the camera. It's a shoot I will hold close to my heart forever.
Afterward, once the “yes” was said and the hugs began, I guided them through a few sweet, candid poses to help tell the full story. Those photos became some of my all-time favorites.
Looking back now, that session was the start of everything. the late nights editing, the excitement of delivering galleries, the joy of meeting new couples, and the privilege of capturing moments that mean the world to people. I walked away from that day not just proud of the photos, but proud of myself.
-Dani