Engagement and proposal photographer in Bordeaux
I’m Gavin, a British photographer based in Bordeaux. I work with people who are planning a proposal or engagement in France and want the experience to feel calm, personal, and properly thought through.
I genuinely love photographing proposals. When everything goes well, a proposal or engagement day often becomes one of the happiest days a couple will ever have. There is a brief moment of nerves, followed by a day where the two of them can simply enjoy being together and take in what has just happened.
It is an incredibly personal moment, and being trusted to play a small part in it is something I take seriously. My role is to help the moment happen smoothly, then step back and let it belong to them.
Kind words from engaged couples
It's hard to put into words how much we love the photo sets that you've sent us. Honestly, they are incredible.
What more could we have asked for. The effort you've put into creating a 'story' of the day definitely shines through and we will cherish these images for a lifetime.
“Gavin went completely above and beyond. He captured dozens of beautiful photos, both candid and posed, and communicated brilliantly in the lead-up. Couldn’t be happier with the results.”
Proposal moments in Bordeaux
An engagement session in Bordeaux
Planning the proposal
A lot of the work happens before the day itself.
Most of the people I work with are not based in Bordeaux, so part of my role is helping them choose a location that fits what they have in mind and makes sense in practice. I talk things through properly, explain how different places actually feel at certain times of day, and help narrow things down so the decision feels clear rather than complicated.
When it helps, I scout locations in advance and share short videos so people can see the space as it really is, rather than relying on photographs alone.
Once a location is decided, we talk through timing and how the moment will unfold. Small details make a difference, especially in a busy city, and thinking them through in advance allows everything else to stay simple.
The aim is to remove uncertainty so the focus stays on asking the question, not managing the surroundings.
If you’re still deciding on a location, I’ve written a short guide to some of the places in and around Bordeaux that work particularly well for proposals.
After the proposal
Straight afterwards, there is usually laughter, relief, and a lot of joy. I am often the first person to say congratulations, which is something I never take lightly. For a short while, it is just the three of us who know what has happened.
Most couples like to spend a little time together afterwards, and we usually take a few relaxed photographs while things settle. Nothing formal and nothing forced. It gives them space to breathe, take it in, and enjoy being newly engaged.
I am careful not to outstay my welcome. Once the photographs are done, I step away so they can carry on with their day, find a café, open a bottle of champagne, or simply enjoy being together.
Engagement sessions
Engagement sessions have a very different energy. There is no surprise and no pressure. They are calmer, more relaxed, and focused on spending time together rather than capturing a single moment.
People know what to expect, and the session becomes more about gentle direction, conversation, and making photographs that feel natural and unforced.
Both approaches matter, but they serve different purposes, and I treat them accordingly.
Based in Bordeaux
I am based in Bordeaux and photograph proposals and engagements across the city and surrounding areas.
Location plays a role, but it should never overpower what is happening between the two of you. Whether the setting is well known or more tucked away, it should support the moment rather than compete with it.
What it’s like to have me around
I am not there to take over the moment.
I keep things calm, stay out of the way, and step in only when it helps. Most of the time, that means being unnoticed and letting things unfold naturally.
I pay attention to what is happening and adjust quietly as needed, but I do not direct or interrupt the moment itself. Once the proposal has happened and the photographs are done, I step away so you can enjoy the rest of the day together.
The experience always comes first. The photographs follow from that.
Pricing
Proposal and engagement sessions are both priced at €275.
For proposals, this covers planning beforehand, discreet coverage of the moment itself, and a short period afterwards for relaxed photographs once things have settled.
Engagement sessions follow a similar approach, but without the surprise. They are slower paced and focused on spending time together, with space to talk, move around, and make photographs naturally.
If you’re planning something more involved, outside Bordeaux, or would like to talk through a few options, we can do that together and see what makes sense.
Contact me.
Gavin Chapman · Proposal & Engagement Photographer in Bordeaux & South West France
I am based in Bordeaux and photograph proposals and engagements across the city and surrounding areas, including Saint-Émilion.
Many of the people I work with are visiting the region and planning something special while they are here. Location plays a role, but it should never overpower what is happening between the two of you. Whether it is in the city, among the vineyards, or somewhere more tucked away, the setting should support the moment rather than compete with it.
I’d love to hear what you’re planning.