I imagine that it can be a little nerve-wracking to plan a romantic, heartfelt Mont-St-Michel proposal from thousands of miles away and in a foreign country.

I’m here to make that process easier for you by sharing my experience and knowledge to help you plan the proposal of their dreams.

PhotoShoot FAQs

What's the best time of day to propose?

The most important part is that we fit around your travel plans. Perhaps you’re only visiting the Mont for the day, in which we’ll plan around your schedule.

Ideally, I would always recommend a proposal time around two hours before sunset, in the hope of capturing the warm, soft evening light, if it’s a sunny day.

What about the tides ?

The internet gives the impression that the tides are big issue at the Mont St Michel when that’s not really the case.

The island is only cut off during ‘Spring Tides’ (refers to the ‘springing forth’ of the tide during new and full moon) on about 20 days a year and even then it is only inaccessable for about an hour and a half.

I’ll always check for your planned date and we can always work around it.

A couple of times I’ve finished a photoshoot and the couple have stayed on the island for a romantice meal. I’ve just taken my shoes and socks off and waded through the water. It’s not deep and doesn’t last long 😉

What is the weather like in Normandy?

Normandy’s climate can changeable so it’s very hard to predict until a couple of days before the photoshoot.

Normandy isn’t always sunny but don’t worry, cloudy weather gives a flattering light that brings out the colours.

When my services are booked, I keep the whole day blocked on my calendar. That way, when I look at the forecast in the days beforehand, if we need to adjust the shoot because of the weather, I’m available for you.

What if it rains?

I can control almost every element of your Mont-St-Michel proposal experience except for the weather.

Do keep in mind, however, that an overcast sky and a few innocent rain drops actually offer real advantages, such as more flattering skin in your photos, no squinting, no undesirable shadows, etc. You should also expect fewer crowds, resulting in greater privacy and romance. Finally, a light rain typically evokes even more beautiful emotions and unforgettable memories.

With that said, I’ll try to work around rain on short-notice and when possibl even accommodate a date or time-switch.

How can we discreetly keep in touch on the day?

The ideal way for International clients is via WhatsApp. You can keep me up-to-date about your arrival.

You can share your location via WhasApp, that’s a helpful thing to do too.

Make sure you turn off the notification text on your lock screen.

Surprise FAQs

How do we plan the surprise?

After booking your proposal photoshoot, you’d decide on which of the proposal spot locations you prefer that you can see on my ‘Proposal Planning’ page.

Whichever you choose I will then send you further information on exactly how to get to that location, where I’ll be and how you surprise your loved one, with me discreetly capturing your magical moment.

My partner is camera shy, how do help couples look natural?

Most people haven’t had a photo-shoot before. They’re everyday people like you, wanting to preserve genuine memories or their proposal and engagement. I guidie couples through natural, flattering poses while creating a fun, relaxed atmosphere, making it easy to forget about the camera entirely.

By finding your best angles and encouraging authentic interactions, I ensure your love story is beautifully captured with candid emotions and natural expressions.

We've never done a photo shoot before...

Most people haven’t. Dont worry, I’ll be there to guide you and give you suggestions to help create beautiful engagement photos.

The most important thing is that this is your moment together, to savour the emotions you’re feeling on one of your most unforgettable days.

And secondly, the best thing is to have fun. You can’t do anything ‘wrong’. It’s all good. Dance, kiss, cuddle…don’t be afraid to move.

I might give you a suggestion and in that instant you feela little ‘silly’. Don’t worry, that’s excellent, as it often leadds to a laugh and the most natural smiles.

Trust in me, to capture the best candid images and all your emotions.

Do we meet beforehand?

No, as it would give away the surprise.

We’ll communicate effectively in the weeks and days beforehand so that you’ll absolutely confident that you know where to be and how it’ll work.

Mont FAQs

Can the location be decorated or can I have fireworks?

No, I’m afraid not. As the Mont-St-Michel is a UNESCO world heritage site, surrounded by a nature reserve, nothing extra can be added and firewoks can’t be used.

No one has ever been disappointed with their proposal here at this World-famous location as it’s simply breathtaking.

Can I bring a classic car onto the bridge?

No vehicles are allowed near the Mont-St-Michel or on the bridge (apart from the free shuttle buses).

If coming by car you have to park in the main visitor car parks or one of the off-site hotel car parks.

Depending on the proposal spot that you choose and whether you’re staying at an offsite hotel or one on the island, I’ll provide all the information you need to get to the right spor, whether you walk or take the shuttle bus.

Can I do the proposal at night with the Mont lit up?

I’m afraid it’s technically not possible. The photos you may have seen online and a few that I’ve taken here on my website, that look all ‘pretty’ with the island lit up are taken using long exposures. (1-15 seconds, using a tripod for example). For portrait photography and in particular your proposal moment we need short exposures to keep the images sharp and the flexibilty for me to move swiftly to ensure the best angles, which isn’t possible with a tripod.

Secondly, the lights only come on about 45 minutes after dark and so by then the camera wouldn’t see you, as it’ll be dark.

Couldn’t you use a flash? Well no, If I used a flash, not only would it spoil the discreet capturing of your moment and distract from the proposal, but also the Mont would ‘disappear’.

Are drone images/video possible?

I’m afraid drone use is now prohibited. The rules have become stricter in recent years. The Mont-St-Muchel is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is also surrounded by a nature rerseve.

Despite the fact that I’m a fully qualifed drone pilot, for all or Europe, I have to respect the ‘No-fly’ zones and all the new European Laws that came into place on the 1st of January 2024.

Even if I made an official request it would be refused. They reserve the rights for TV/film productions and news companies as a general rule.

Can we do an early morning shoot?

Yes, it’s possible. Sunrise can be around 5:45 am in summer and as late as 8:55am in winter. There are two things to consider…

Can you explain to your loved one why you want to visit at a very early hour ?

More importantly, as the Mont is an island surrounded by marshlands and water, it sometimes means that there is an ealy morning sea-mist:fog which might make the island ‘disappear’! Would you be disappointed if the whole Mont isn’t visible in your proposal moment photos?

Can we take photos out on the sand?

Yes, it’s sometimes possible. You may have heard about there being quicksans and that’s true in places further away from the Mont than we would go anyway.

Firstly it depend on the recent weather and of course the tides. It’s really only something that we can decide when we’re there.

Booking FAQs

What are your rates and availability for my preferred date(s)?

Please click here to discover the packages I offer and their prices.

To check my availablily for your date(s) please email me at sabina@anibas.fr

What payment methods do you accept and how do I book?

I take payments via PayPal. You don’t need an account. You can pay as a ‘guest’ with your credit/debit card. Alternatively I can send you my bank details to do an International Bank Transfer.

Email me first to discuss your ideas for your proposal and your dates, to check my availability.

To book for your proposal photoshoot I ask for a €100 euro (non-refundable) deposit. Once received I block the date(s) on my calendar.

Booking Confirmation: what happens after I book?

After you book it’s up to you to have a think about which of the proposal spot locations you prefer. I would then send you further information about how to get to that location and how we spring the surprise on your loved one.

I ask that you send me a selfie or two of you both so I knwo who I’m looking out for and don’t forget to tell me their name.

A few days before the shoot I’ll be checking the weather forecasts ti make sure we’re good to go as planned. If rain is forecast we’ll see if we can adjust the proposal time, depedning on your travel plans. (This rarely happens).

How do I modify or reschedule my booking?

If your travel plans change, please get in touch via email as soon as possible to rearrange.

I appreciate that last minute things can happen (a delayed train or flight). Let me know as soon as you know and I will do my best to accommodate late changes.

Do I pay you on the day of the shoot?

The photo-shoot is booked with a €100 euro (non-refundable) deposit.

After that there is nothing to pay until you have access to view your private photo gallery.

Digital Files are sent via WeTransfer.com after full payment has been received.

After the photoshoot FAQs

Will my pictures be professionally edited?

Yes. I edit ALL the images BEFORE putting them in a gallery for you (unlike some photographers who publish unedited images, before client selection).

The second important thing is that I edit them all myself. I never outsource editing. To me, the second half of my job is to create the look and style you see in photos here on the website, to bring out the best in them. It’s individual to each Mont-St-Michel photo-shoot depending on several factors : The weather and the light, but also you: your hair colour, skin tone and the clothes you’re wearing.

I couldn’t imagine outsourcing this important element of my job (even though I’m emailes several times a wekk by photo-editing companies)

When will I get to see my photos and/or video?

I endeavour to edit and prepare your photo gallery as soon as possible. The average is within about two weeks.

Perhaps you’ll be on a trip around Europe and you’ll be busy enjoying the sites. The time will fly by.

If you’re desprate to have one or two photos to share on social media, ask me. I’ll see if I can do that for you within one working day.

How many photos do receive? Can I have them all?

There are three packages, to suit your budget :

Silver : Including 20 photos

Gold : Including all the photos – Often 250+

Platinum : Including all photos + one video

 

Discover all the package details here, on the pricing page 

How do we choose our photos?

In your private photo gallery there is a function to choose your 20 photos.

If you realise that you’d like more than 20 images you can buy extra images at €5 euros each or you can upgrade to the Gold Package and receive the entire gallery for an additional €150 euros

Do the photos have watermarks/signatures?

In your private gallery (beofre final payment is made) you will see your images protected with a watermark.

The digital files received will have NO Watermarks.

Can I have a set of Black and White photos?

Yes, I can re-edit the images to provide a beautiful black and white version.

For the Silver package with 20 photos the additional cost is 50€

For the Gold package with all the images the additional cost is 100€

What format images do you provide?

Digital images provided by download sent via wetransfer.com.

Two versions of each chosen image will be provided in JPEG format…

Printable Image Files – Large, high-resolution files, intended for printing (marked “HD” in the file name).

Internet Image Files – Lightweight, low resolution files prepared for online use (website/social media).

Can we order prints or photo-books?

Prints, wall art and Photobooks can be ordered directly from your private gallery.

Print production is handled by high quality, worldwide professional photo labs with delivery to the address of your choice.

'Tangled' FAQs

Can we go in a boat like in Tangled?

It’s not possible to go in a boat by the Mont-St-Michel. The currents are very strong as the bay of the Mont-St-Michel has the biggest tidal range in Europe. reaching a difference of up to 15 metres between low and high tide. During high tides, the sea withdraws 15 kilometres from the coast and rises very quickly, so it’s dangerous.

Can we light Chinese Lanterns like in Tangled?

Chinese Lanterns aren’t allowed at the Mont St Michel because it is surrounded by a nature reserve.

Here’s all the information you need for your magical moment proposing at the world famous Mont-St-Michel.

 

Have a look at my ‘Proposal Planning’ page where I explain about :

  • The choice of Proposal spots
  • The best time of day
  • The Tides
  • The Normandy Weather

 

Have a look at my FAQs page which may answer many of the questions you might have.

 

To find a photo-shoot that suits your budget and fits well with your ideas for your perfect proposal discover my ‘Packages and Prices’

 

And finally, Check out my ‘Travel Tips’ page, to help you understand and plan your visit to the Mont-St-Michel.

 

“I’m here to share my experience and knowledge to help you feel confident that from wherever you are in the world, together we can plan your perfect proposal.”

Sabina Cowdery - Anibas Photography Drone Video - Normandie
Sabina Cowdery - Anibas Photography Drone Video - Normandie

Have I answered all your questions ?

If not, please get in touch and we can chat discreetly by email about your surprise proposal plans.

 

Or maybe you’d like to know if I’m available for your date(s)

Either way please contact me using the form below