Surprise Proposals · NYC & Los Angeles

Proposal Photographer in NYC

A planned, discreet surprise proposal in Central Park or anywhere in New York, photographed from a distance, followed by portraits of the two of you. One hour, one price.

  • $500one hour, all included
  • 24 hrsfirst look of 3 photos
  • 35edited photos
  • 100%private and discreet
Man kneeling with a ring box as his partner covers her mouth in surprise in Central Park
Newly engaged couple laughing at a styled picnic table with Belvedere Castle in the distance in Central Park
Newly engaged couple at Griffith Observatory with the Los Angeles skyline behind
Couple holding hands with an engagement ring and Griffith Observatory softly blurred behind
Couple leaning on the stone railing of Bow Bridge in Central Park with yellow and green autumn foliage behind them
Hand with a marquise diamond engagement ring resting on a bouquet of white roses wrapped in pink paper
The Approach

Quiet, Planned and in the Moment

A proposal happens once, so the planning matters as much as the photos. I help you choose the setting, the time of day and a signal, then stay out of sight so your partner is only looking at you.

I've photographed surprise proposals in Central Park and Los Angeles. Clients tell me they felt calm because everything was already thought through, and that the gallery lets them relive the moment.

Plan Your Proposal →
How It Works

Four Simple Steps

  1. Planning callWe choose the spot, the time and your signal, and write a cover story.
  2. ScoutingI arrive early to check the light, the crowds and where to stand.
  3. The momentI photograph from a distance, so you can focus on each other.
  4. PortraitsAbout twenty minutes of couple portraits right after, while you're both glowing.
What's Included

$500 Proposal Session

  • Planning call and a written cover story
  • Scouting the spot before you arrive
  • Hidden, long-lens coverage of the proposal
  • About 20 minutes of couple portraits afterward
  • A first look of 3 photos within 24 hours
  • About 35 edited photos, with print release
  • Private online gallery with downloads

A 50% deposit holds your date, and the balance is due on the day. Looking for something longer? See all packages.

Where & When

Best Spots for a Proposal

  • Bow Bridge
    The most photographed bridge in the park, with water, trees and the skyline. Best early on weekdays.
  • Gapstow Bridge
    A small stone bridge by the Pond, with the Midtown skyline behind it.
  • Bethesda Terrace
    Arches, a fountain and warm light at golden hour, with a covered arcade for rain.
  • The Mall and Literary Walk
    A tree-lined path that looks beautiful in fall and in snow.
  • Belvedere Castle
    A picnic-style setup with a view over the park, and fewer crowds.
  • Los Angeles
    Griffith Observatory at golden hour, and other spots across the city.
Kind Words

From Couples I've Photographed

Ozum was absolutely amazing! We truly could not have asked for a better photographer to capture our engagement. From the very beginning she made the entire experience feel comfortable, natural, and special, and the photos turned out even better than I could have imagined…
Photo from Sang's session
SangCouples & Engagements · Aug 2026 · via Flytographer
Ozum was fantastic! The proposal happened exactly how we planned. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!!!!!!!!
Photo from Marino's session
MarinoCouples & Engagements · Apr 2025 · via Flytographer

Read All Reviews →

Plan It

Tell Me Your Idea

I'll reply within one business day with availability and a plan. Tell me the best way to reach you privately, so your partner doesn't see our messages.

Prefer email? Write to ozumosx@gmail.com.

Questions

Before You Plan

How does a surprise proposal photo session work?

We talk it through on a planning call: the spot, the time of day, your signal and a cover story for your partner. I arrive early to scout the light, then photograph from a distance so the moment stays natural. Afterward we take about twenty minutes of portraits together.

How much does a proposal photographer cost in NYC?

My proposal session is $500 for one hour. It includes the planning call, scouting, the proposal itself, a short couple's portrait session and about 35 edited photos with print release.

Where are the best places to propose in Central Park?

Bow Bridge, Gapstow Bridge, Bethesda Terrace and the Mall are the classics. Bow Bridge and the Mall are best early on a weekday morning, and Bethesda Terrace is beautiful at golden hour. I'll suggest the right one for your story and the season.

Will my partner notice the photographer?

Not if we plan it well. I dress casually, stay at a distance with a long lens and wait for your signal. You'll get a cover story, such as a quick tourist photo, so it feels natural.

Do you need a permit to propose in Central Park?

Proposals don't usually need a permit, and I'll flag it if your plan includes extra people, decorations or amplified music. Larger setups can need permission from the Central Park Conservancy, so tell me early.

What if it rains on the day?

We pick a backup day or a covered spot such as Bethesda Arcade when we plan. If the weather turns, I'll reschedule you once at no charge.

How quickly will I get the photos?

You'll receive a first look of three photos within 24 hours, so you can share the news right away. The full gallery follows within seven days.

Do you photograph proposals in Los Angeles or other cities?

Yes. I also photograph proposals in Los Angeles, for example at Griffith Observatory, and travel across the US. Send the details and I'll quote it.

How do I book and what is the deposit?

Send the form below with your date and location idea. A 50% deposit holds your date, and the balance is due on the day. I'll use your preferred contact only, so your partner won't see anything.

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Ready to Plan the Big Moment?

Tell me your date and spot, and I'll reply with availability and a plan.

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