Shark Tank episode 508 featured the pre-engagement photography business Paparazzi Proposals founded and owned by James Ambler.
He also helps the gentlemen with their wedding photography and preserving and photographing their proposal moment.
Paparazzi Proposals are the real paparazzi who follow the couple and document their special day, ending with his kneeling to ask for her hand in marriage.
Paparazzi Proposals includes a consultation with each photo package and regional maps with recommendations for romantic locations to propose.
They’ll even assist with romantic details such as placing flowers in a unique location or erecting a picnic blanket.
A camera follows the couple throughout the day, capturing the excitement leading up to the big moment. Last but not least, they will capture the expression on her face when he begs for her hand.
What Are Paparazzi Proposals?
Paparazzi Proposals is a service that hires experienced photographers to record every intimate detail of a marriage proposal in secrecy.
A paparazzi-style photoshoot has been captured in thousands of proposals throughout the United States and beyond.
They pay special attention to detail to ensure that the moment of the proposal is captured and the reactions of the happy couple.
You can plan your proposal with Paparazzi Proposals, brainstorm ideas, select a venue, help with logistics.
The most important thing is to tell the story and relive the moments permanently through candid photographs. Nobody captures the moment more perfectly like Paparazzi Proposals.
| Company Name | Paparazzi Proposals |
| Entrepreneur | James Ambler |
| Product | Photography for Surprise Proposals and Engagements |
| Investment Asking For | $250,000 for 20% equity in Paparazzi Proposals |
| Final Deal | $50,000 For 30% equity in Paparazzi Proposals + $200,000 Loan |
| Shark | Kevin O’Leary and Lori Greiner |
| Episode | Season 5 Episode 8 |
| Business Status | In Business |
| Website | Visit Website |
Who Is The Founder Of Paparazzi Proposals?
James Ambler is the founder of Paparazzi Proposals.
James Ambler studied photography and hoped to become a combat photographer after becoming intrigued by the propaganda during the Vietnam War.
Eventually, he began photographing breaking news and events for newspapers in London, where he acquired the skills needed to photograph celebrities such as Tom Cruise, Tiger Woods, and Angelina Jolie.
James just launched a GoFundMe campaign to help the people of Bali combat the COVID-19 outbreak.
James Ambler, a New York photographer, works with individuals preparing to pop the big question.
He assists clients in planning their proposals and uses his camera to capture the event like a true paparazzi.
The cost of packages varies based on their logistics. A horse and carriage ride package in New York City costs $750. A package for a Times Square huge screen costs $1500.
Ambler appeared on Shark Tank to pitch his firm, Paparazzi Proposals. He was seeking a $250k investment at a 20% rate of return. He intended to expand the service to further cities.
Paparazzi Proposals Before Shark Tank
James was 14 years old when he and his friends took pictures of who could do the most complicated skateboard tricks.
When he went to Thailand and Nepal to see his friends, he took photographs with his father’s old Pentax camera. This led him to take photos when he went to Thailand and Nepal.
Paparazzi Proposals was the result of two wake-up calls James received. The first one was when he was 28 years old and had open-heart surgery because he had a blocked artery.
The second thing was that he didn’t have a picture of him proposing to his now-wife, Kate.
How Was The Shark Tank Pitch Of Paparazzi Proposals?
James appeared on Shark Tank seeking an investment of $250,000 in exchange for a 20% equity of Paparazzi Proposals.
The photographer has a background in photography, and after proposing to his wife, he thought about making a service for people interested in getting married.
Men who want to propose can choose a romantic location and set with the help of the package, in addition to taking pictures.
He gives a quick rundown of the business before getting down on one knee and proposing to the Sharks. He puts a dollar bill in an origami ring that looks like a diamond.
Kevin O’Leary says, “Get off your knees and let’s talk about money.” in Mr. Wonderful’s tone.
Why does James need the money? James says that he wants to grow his business and needs to market it.
He’s been advertising through jewelers and getting them to talk about how good the service is to their customers through a “kick-back” program so that he can get more customers.
Robert Herjavec isn’t sure. He wants to know what kind of people James is interested in.
James thinks that social media and networking are important for him to succeed. He wants to get into Kay and Jarrod’s jewelry when he gets there.
Mark Cuban thinks that would be a “huge mistake” because the business could grow quickly, overwhelming his ability to meet the demand.
The question sparks a lot of conversation among the Sharks.
There is a disagreement between Lori Greiner and Kevin O’Leary about the value of the business at $2.25 million.
When James is not unique enough for him, he leaves.
Mark Cuban thinks James should stay in New York and grow his business there. He doesn’t think it’s time for him to move to other cities yet. He leaves.
Barbara Corcoran says, “I can’t imagine making money on this business if I were an outsider.” She also goes out.
Lori Greiner likes the idea, but she doesn’t think he needs the money or to spread to other cities.
It would be better if he didn’t set his price so high. She makes a deal. She’ll give him $250,000 in exchange for 50% of the company.
Kevin O’Leary says he’d like to go in with Lori Greiner, and he wants to do it. They’ll give him $50,000 for a third of the company, and they can loan him $200,000 if he needs it.
It’s the same deal, but Robert Herjavec makes the investment to $100,000 and gives him the option to loan him the extra $150,000.
James doesn’t know what to do, and Herjavec quickly backs out of the deal.
In the end, James agrees to Greiner and O’Leary’s offer of 30% in exchange for $50,000, with the option to get a loan.
What Happened To Paparazzi Proposals After Shark Tank?
Lori Greiner of Shark Tank admired the business concept but did not believe Ambler required money to grow to other cities.
However, she made him an offer. She and Kevin O’Leary, whose HoneyFund firm views Paparazzi Proposals as a natural fit for its portfolio, offered Ambler $50,000 for a third of the business, with the option of a $200k loan if necessary.
Although Ambler accepts the show’s offer, he ultimately declines to sign. Paparazzi Proposals now offers packages in several other cities and Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston, and Minneapolis.
Paparazzi Proposals Shark Tank Update
Finally, James’ hesitancy became doubt, and he declined to sign the arrangement with the two Sharks after the Shark Tank episode aired.
On the other hand, James’s business is thriving, and he has taken Lori’s counsel to heart, gradually building his business on his own.
He’s expanded into three locations and is now hiring additional photographers to assist him during his busiest months, often November and December, and again around Valentine’s Day.
The prices he charges start at a quarter of the price of his nearest competitor, yet he can charge tens of thousands of dollars for things like multiple GoPro cameras, photographers, and even drones.
Luxury packages are often accompanied by a live band, flowers, and other luxuries that affluent consumers are willing to pay for.
A shark deal is unnecessary for this photographer to smile for the camera from beginning to end.
According to an August 2021 update, the company operates 37 locations, including one in Paris.
They even offer to send a photographer anywhere in the continental United States within 24 hours.
Paparazzi Proposals is now generating $13 million in annual revenue and has grown tremendously in 2022.
Are Paparazzi Proposals Still In Business?
Yes, Paparazzi Proposals is still in business with a revenue of over $13 million as of 2022.
