Tom Dingley, a London based photographer found his niche in proposal photography while working as an events photographer across many of London’s well known venues. Marriage proposals have become a big part of the events industry, with some clients spending an amazing amount on showing how much they love their partner. Having Tom there to document this, is an important part of capturing and sharing what is usually, a private and romantic moment in a couple’s love story.
Tom’s very first proposal to photograph was actually as part of a late opening event at the London Dungeon! Working with Merlin Venues, a client got in touch to say he would be at the event with his girlfriend and wanted to propose during the Dungeons Experience, Tom sneaked into the courtroom section and was there to photograph the reaction! Since then proposals became a package on the London Eye where Tom photographed hundreds of rotations with couples. It was here Tom met the world’s leading proposal planning company; The Proposers. After working together on a few proposals, Covid hit and everything stopped.
Proposal photography proved a lifeline though, since Tom was excluded from any government self employment support, proposal jobs were possible with the rule of 6 and working outdoors, the diary got busy again! A backlog of couples wanting to mark their lockdown or postponed engagements, meant bookings came in and did not stop. Since then, Tom has photographed hundreds of couples across London’s most exclusive venues. As well as London, they have also taken Tom to other countries and now part of the new Channel 4 TV show “Will You Marry Me.”
An exciting project to work on, Tom and ‘The Proposers’ were followed while they planned the proposals of 9 different couples, spending summer through to winter filming at different locations. Each a memorable proposal. Tom was working in Dublin on one proposal and flying to Barry Island for a proposal the very next day. Making a TV show on top of the usual travels and planning of a proposal was something the team all had to get used to very quickly!
A proposal photograph is a great way to spread the news and to have a professional there capturing that moment is something every couple would benefit from. It also doubles as a fabulous wedding invite and a great way to share the news to your loved ones! Plus you don’t have the worry of capturing the moment yourself or setting up a tripod and killing the moment because your phone won’t slot into the tripod accessory; we have all seen the proposal fails on the socials!
Proposals are always a happy & exciting occasion but they can prove tricky sometimes and a lot of planning and communication between client, venue & planner is needed. Thanks to the efficient & professional planners, all proposals have been a positive outcome. However, the most asked question for a proposal photographer Tom, is; “has anyone said no?” The answer, unfortunately, is yes. Once. As a freelance proposal photographer with Merlin Venues, Tom experienced the dreaded “no” on one of London’s most iconic landmarks, The London Eye; the worst place for an awkward moment as you cannot escape until the full rotation is complete. She said no and they sat in silence for the rest of the long 15 minutes down. The couples faced one way and Tom faced the other, waiting for the doors to open.
Thankfully though, this is the only ever “No” experienced and working with The Proposers – who have never experienced a No, Tom is confident it’s only Yes for Proposals to come.
If you, or you know someone looking to pop the question, Tom is only too happy to photograph the moment, or if you’re looking to go the extra step, The Proposers can help plan something special & personal.
‘Will You Marry Me’ is on E4 this October 23rd, 10pm.