Capturing a Dream Proposal in Hakone: A Cinematic Experience
As a photographer and videographer based in Japan, I’ve had the privilege of capturing countless special moments, but few compare to the unforgettable proposal I filmed for a couple visiting from Israel. Omen, the groom-to-be, contacted me in early September, eager to capture his proposal to his partner in one of Japan’s most breathtaking locations—Hakone, specifically the iconic Heiwa no Torii.
Planning the Perfect Proposal Shoot
From the very start, Omen knew he wanted to make this moment truly magical, so he opted for both the photo and video package. In our discussions, we carefully planned every detail, ensuring nothing was left to chance. A successful proposal shoot is all about preparation, and we made sure to have everything lined up to capture the moment flawlessly.
The night before the big day, I traveled to Hakone with my good friend and fellow photographer, Erjol. Together, we ensured that every piece of gear was ready—assembling our cameras, prepping cinema lenses, and giving everything a final clean to guarantee top-tier results. With everything prepared, we went to bed early, knowing we had an exciting day ahead.
An Early Morning in Misty Hakone
We started the day at 5 AM, giving ourselves plenty of time to scout the location before the 7 AM proposal. As we arrived at Heiwa no Torii, a mystical mist surrounded the lake, creating an ethereal atmosphere. The autumn colors were just beginning to show, adding a stunning backdrop to the scene. Although a few people were already in the area, it wasn’t too crowded, allowing us to focus on capturing the intimate moment.
After scouting the best angles and settings, we contacted Omen to confirm their arrival time, sharing our live location for seamless coordination.
Capturing the Moment
Once the couple arrived, we immediately got into position. As they walked past us toward the iconic torii gate, we discreetly captured every moment, blending photography and videography effortlessly. Thanks to my experience working with Erjol, we were perfectly in sync, ensuring we got both stunning stills and cinematic video footage.
After Omen popped the question, we gave the couple a few moments to savor their special moment before taking additional photos and videos around the picturesque lake.
A Short but Sweet Session
With the couple on a tight schedule, we had just 30 minutes to complete the entire shoot. However, even with the time constraints, we managed to capture a truly beautiful and emotional proposal. The misty, cloudy conditions and the backdrop of Heiwa no Torii created a setting that looked like it was straight out of a dream.
Looking for a Photographer/Videographer in Hakone?
If you’re planning a proposal, wedding, or elopement in Hakone or any other beautiful location in Japan, I’d love to help make your special moment unforgettable. My team and I are passionate about creating cinematic memories you’ll cherish forever.
Get in touch today to start planning your perfect proposal or wedding photoshoot!
