Photographing a secret proposal at Short Sand Beach on the Oregon Coast was an incredible experience, filled with both excitement and the challenge of capturing a beautiful, once-in-a-lifetime moment without being seen. Nestled within Oswald West State Park, Short Sand Beach is an idyllic location—secluded, intimate, and surrounded by towering evergreens and rocky cliffs, with the Pacific Ocean stretching out in front. It’s a place where nature’s grandeur perfectly complements the emotional intensity of a proposal, and I was lucky enough to witness and document this special event.
Preparing for the Proposal
The planning started weeks in advance when the person proposing reached out to me. He wanted everything to be a complete surprise, and we worked together to choose the perfect spot at Short Sand Beach. This beach is accessible only by hiking in through a lush, forested trail, so I knew that I needed to be prepared not just for the photography but also for the trek in.
I visited the site beforehand to scout out the best vantage points. Short Sand Beach has this magical combination of ocean, cliffs, and forest, which creates countless stunning backdrops. My challenge was finding a spot where I could remain hidden but still have a clear view of the couple as they arrived. I found a spot behind a cluster of rocks near the treeline that gave me a perfect, unobstructed view of where the proposal was set to happen.
On the day of the proposal, I arrived early to get into position. The beach wasn’t too crowded, but I wanted to ensure I had time to adjust and blend into the surroundings. I brought a long zoom lens to capture the proposal from a distance without intruding on their moment. Timing was critical, so I kept in touch with the proposer via text, making sure I knew exactly when they’d arrive at the beach.
Capturing the Moment
As the couple walked hand in hand down the beach, I felt my heart race with anticipation. The proposer led his soon-to-be fiancée to the spot we had chosen, near the water’s edge with the cliffs and ocean framing the scene perfectly. My camera was ready, and I started capturing the moments before the proposal—quiet conversations, smiles, and the way they looked at each other.
When the moment came, it was magical. The proposer dropped to one knee, and I could see the surprise and joy wash over his partner’s face. From my hidden spot, I clicked away, making sure to capture the sequence of emotions: the shock, the tears, the laughter, and the excitement. I worked quickly but quietly, ensuring that I documented the entire proposal without disturbing their intimate moment.
After the Proposal
Once the initial excitement settled, I gave the couple a few minutes before approaching them to reveal that I had been photographing the entire thing. They were overjoyed, and we spent the next half hour capturing some beautiful post-proposal portraits. Short Sand Beach, with its dramatic cliffs and sunlit ocean, was the perfect backdrop. The couple’s happiness was contagious, and their connection was palpable in every shot. We took photos along the shoreline, with the setting sun casting a golden glow over the scene. We then made our way back through the old growth forest with a few photos on the bridge near the creek. A magical setting.
