Beautiful, natural photos to celebrate your love
Surprise Proposals
Pre-Wedding Shoot
Couple Photography
From the surprise of a proposal to celebrating your love story ahead of the big day, let’s create beautiful memories together. Here, I offer tailored photography for every milestone.
Surprise Proposals
Let’s Capture the Big “Yes!”
What to Expect:
- Keeping it Natural: We’ll chat beforehand to come up with a game plan. I’ll help you choose a great spot and the best time for lighting, whether it's by the river, in a hidden garden, or in front of a historic landmark in Canterbury or by the coast in Thanet.
- Staying Discreet: On the day, I’ll blend into the background, keeping a low profile so you can focus on the moment. As soon as you’re on one knee, I’ll be snapping away to capture the shock, joy, and happy tears – all in a genuine, candid style.
- A Quick Portrait Session: After the proposal, we can do a mini portrait session while you’re still buzzing from the moment. These are relaxed, celebratory shots that capture you as a newly engaged couple usually lasting up to half an hour.
Why Book a Surprise Proposal Photographer?
Because you want to remember this moment forever, and you don’t want to miss the look on their face! The photos make a great way to announce the engagement to friends and family – and they’re just so fun to look back on. I photograph proposals along the Kent coast, from Botany Bay and Margate to Deal and the cliffs in Kingsdown.
Planning to pop the question? You want this moment to be perfect – and I’ll make sure it’s captured just the way it happens. Surprise proposals are all about real, unfiltered reactions, and I’ll be there to catch every second without interrupting the magic.
Surprise Proposal Frequently Asked Questions
How do you stay hidden during a surprise proposal?
Before the day, we’ll talk through your plan and agree where I’ll be and how I’ll know you’re ready. On the day, I keep a low profile and blend in with the surroundings, so the moment stays natural and your partner has no idea I’m there. I tend to begin photographing from far away and slowly get closer as the proposal itself happens.
How far in advance should I book a surprise proposal photographer?
As soon as you have a rough date in mind, I'm happy to talk it through with you. This gives us time to choose the right location and the best light, and to scout the spot. If your date is close, get in touch anyway and I’ll let you know what’s possible. I have had people contact just days before proposing!
What happens after they say yes?
Once the moment has settled, we can do a short portrait session while you’re both still buzzing. These are relaxed, celebratory photos of you as a newly engaged couple in my unposed, documentary style with editorial aesthetics. You’ll have sneak peeks within 24 hours, ready to share with family and friends.
What if the weather lets us down?
It’s the UK, so anything can happen. We’ll agree a backup, whether that’s a sheltered spot nearby or a flexible window later on in the day, and keep an eye on the forecast together. Soft, grey light can also make beautiful photographs and although it's not ideal, I don't mind a bit of rain.
a real surprise proposal
analogue film on the cliffs in st margaret's
Ben found me while searching for a proposal photographer in Kent. He and Audrey had moved from New York to London, and he wanted somewhere open and dramatic for the moment he asked. We planned the shoot over the course of a few weeks and Ben also booked some 35mm film. On the day, the fencing and visitor numbers near the South Foreland Lighthouse were not what we’d expected from the satellite images, so I arrived early, blended in and spent a while looking like a man photographing seagulls.
I shot the proposal itself on digital from a distance, then switched to film for the quieter moments afterwards, including a picnic Ben had arranged in a wildflower field. Read the full story of the St Margaret's Bay proposal.
Pre-Wedding Shoot
Savour the Joy Before the Big Day
A pre-wedding shoot is a laid-back session to capture who you are as a couple before the big day arrives. There’s no rush, no pressure – just a fun time spent together in front of the camera. Use the photos for wedding invites, save-the-dates, or just to have some beautiful images before the whirlwind of the wedding.
What to Expect:
- Location, Location, Location: We’ll pick a spot that means something to you – maybe a favourite park, the place where you first met, or somewhere scenic like the beach in Ramsgate or the city streets of Canterbury. The goal is to create photos that reflect you.
- Relaxed Vibes: sessions can vary in length, yet we always give time to get a mix of casual, playful shots and more romantic ones. Feel free to bring a couple of outfits to switch things up.
- Get Camera-Ready: It’s also a great warm-up for the wedding day. You’ll get used to being photographed, and we’ll have some laughs along the way so you’re more comfortable in front of the camera.
- See your Kent Wedding Photographer at work: you've seen my portfolio, paid the deposit, and now you get to see how I work with my camera and how we can have lots of fun.
Why Book a Pre-Wedding Shoot?
Because it’s a chance to focus on each other without the wedding day chaos. It’s also a chance to get some awesome photos to use in your wedding invites, guest book, or as decor on the big day!
Couple Photography
Because You Don’t Need a Reason to Celebrate
What to Expect:
- All About You: Whether you’re thinking of a cozy at-home session, a walk through your favourite pretty street, or a beach walk, I’m here to capture your story. We’ll keep things light and fun, with a mix of candid moments and a few relaxed poses.
- No Stiff Poses: I’ll help guide you, but the aim is to keep things as natural as possible. The session usually lasts anywhere up to an hour, giving us time to get a variety of shots that feel true to who you are.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Anniversaries, a special date, or even “just because” – a couple session is a great way to slow down and enjoy each other’s company, while getting some gorgeous photos in the process.
Why Book a Couple shoot?
Because sometimes, the best moments aren’t the big events – they’re the small, everyday ones. And let’s be honest, it’s nice to have some good photos of you two that aren’t selfies!
Couple photography is all about capturing the two of you as you are right now. You don’t have to be getting married or marking a milestone – sometimes, it’s just about making new memories and having fun together.
Your Photographer
Tom Keenan
Behind the lens
Hi, I’m Tom, an award winning Kent-based photographer passionate about capturing real, authentic love stories – from surprise proposals to pre-wedding shoots and fun couple sessions. My style is relaxed and natural, focusing on genuine moments and your unique connection.
As Seen in
Proposal & Engagement Photography Prices
Tailored For each unique couple
Every couple I photograph is different: what you love, what you’d rather avoid, how you like to spend time together. I shape each proposal or engagement session around you, so the experience feels relaxed, personal and fun for you both.
I’m based in Ramsgate and photograph proposals and engagements across Kent and the South East. Locations further afield, such as Cambridge and London, are quoted separately. Send me your date and location and I would love to put together a quote for you. A couple session is also a lovely way to feel at ease in front of the camera before the wedding. You’ll have beautiful images for save-the-dates and invitations, and memories to keep as you plan.
Each proposal and engagement package includes:
I’m based in Ramsgate and photograph proposals and engagements across Kent and the South East. Locations further afield, such as Cambridge and London, are quoted separately. Send me your date and location and I would love to put together a quote for you. A couple session is also a lovely way to feel at ease in front of the camera before the wedding. You’ll have beautiful images for save-the-dates and invitations, and memories to keep as you plan.
Each proposal and engagement package includes:
- A pre-shoot consultation to get to know you, your plans and your vision
- Location scouting and your session
- At least 30 digital photographs in my signature editorial documentary style
- Option to include 35mm film
- A private online gallery with high-resolution images, a slideshow and a store for bespoke artwork
- Sneak peeks within 24 hours of the shoot
Location Ideas & Inspiration
Choosing the right location is key to making your surprise proposal, pre-wedding shoot, or couple photography session truly memorable. I’ve had the chance to shoot in some of the most beautiful spots in Kent, and here are a few of my favourites:
Cambridge Punting
The iconic city and its surrounding gardens in Cambridge offer a stunning, historic backdrop for romantic pre-wedding shots or an intimate surprise proposal. For Kent, Canterbury punting looks very similar!
Kearsney Abbey
Kearsney Abbey is filled with stunning trees and picturesque paths, making it a perfect location for a couple’s photoshoot. Spring, in particular, is a magical time to visit, as the daffodils bloom in vibrant colours.
Kingsdown Beach
I absolutely love the beach and the best thing about Kingsdown Beach is that you have big rocks, pebbles and beach huts. You also have big cliffs to explore if you're feeling adventurous!
Local Coffee Shop
Is pizza your thing? Or a local independent coffee shop? Let's get some photos there. For example, "Union" in Ramsgate has gorgeous light and is a short walk from the harbour.
Pre-Wedding Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best time to schedule a pre-wedding shoot?
The best time for a pre-wedding shoot is as soon as you have booked your wedding venue. This gives you plenty of time to use the photos for wedding materials like invites, save-the-dates, or even on your wedding website. As for the time of day, late afternoon or “golden hour” – just after sunrise or before sunset – offers the softest, most flattering light for photos.
How can we use pre-wedding photos for wedding materials?
Pre-wedding photos are perfect for creating personalised save-the-dates or wedding invitations. You can also use them for wedding websites, social media announcements, or as part of your wedding decor, like a photo display at the entrance or reception area. Discuss with your planner, but it's easy to download high-res or web-optimised photographs from your gallery site.
How long does a pre-wedding shoot last?
A pre-wedding shoot generally lasts up to 1 hour but can be longer, giving us enough time to explore the location, try different outfits, and capture a variety of shots. If you’d like to visit multiple locations, we can extend the session a bit to make sure we cover everything. Surprise proposal shoots are usually from 30 minutes.
What should we wear for a couple session or pre-wedding shoot?
Wear something that reflects your personal style and makes you feel good, but I definitely recommend the same colour palette. For surprise proposals, I suggest whatever feels natural for the occasion. For pre-wedding and couple sessions, bring a mix of outfits – casual, semi-formal, or even a statement piece. Solid colours or subtle patterns work well, as they keep the focus on you. White is good as it will enable more light to shine on you.
