Cannon Beach, known for its stunning natural beauty and picturesque landscapes, has become a popular destination for engagement photoshoots. And it’s no surprise why – the sweeping ocean views, towering Haystack Rock, and dramatic sunsets make for the perfect backdrop to capture your love. Fun fact, In 2020, Cannon Beach was named one of the top 25 most popular beach destinations in the United States by Tripadvisor!! But with so many talented photographers to choose from, finding the right one for your Cannon Beach engagement session can be overwhelming. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! In this post,  I’m sharing some helpful tips for choosing the perfect engagement photographer to capture your love at Cannon Beach! Whether that’s me or someone else, the goal is to make sure that you are excited about your engagement photos and have all the info you need to make them as special as they can be! 

As someone who loves the Oregon Coast and Cannon Beach, I’ve gotten to photograph so many couples and their engagement sessions in this special place!! I’ve got all the tips & tricks for finding your perfect Cannon Beach engagement photographer as well as making sure your coastal engagement session is one to remember. From editing styles to location scouting, and everything in between, I’ve got you covered as you plan your Cannon Beach engagement photos! Your engagement session at Cannon Beach is not just a photoshoot, it’s an experience that will capture your story. It’s a chance to celebrate your journey as a couple and create memories that will last a lifetime. So, what can you expect from your engagement session experience? First and foremost, be prepared to have fun! Your engagement session should be a relaxed and enjoyable experience. It’s a time to let go of any stress or worries and simply focus on each other. Your photographer will guide you through the session, providing direction and suggestions for poses and interactions. They will help you feel comfortable in front of the camera and capture genuine moments of love and connection. During the session, don’t be afraid to be yourselves and let your personalities shine. Laugh, play, and be affectionate with each other. This is your opportunity to show your unique love story, so embrace the joy and happiness that comes with being in love. Remember to communicate with your photographer throughout the session. If you have any ideas or specific shots you want to capture, let them know. They are there to bring your vision to life and make sure you are happy with the final result.

Your engagement session is more than just a photoshoot – it’s an opportunity to celebrate and document this special time in your lives. Many couples underestimate the significance of an engagement session, but it truly is an essential part of the wedding journey.  One of the main reasons why engagement sessions are important is because they allow you to build a relationship with your photographer before the big day. This connection is crucial as it helps to establish trust and comfort, enabling you to feel more at ease in front of the camera. By having an engagement session, you can get to know your photographer’s style and vision, and they can better understand your personalities and preferences. This familiarity will translate into more natural and authentic photos that truly reflect your love story and your personality! Engagement sessions also serve as a practice run for your wedding day. You can use this time to get comfortable with being in front of the camera. This will help to alleviate any nerves or awkwardness on your wedding day, allowing you to focus on enjoying the moment and creating beautiful memories. I truly see the biggest difference when couples choose to have this time to mentally prepare, versus their wedding day being the first time they are ever in front of a professional camera! 

Your engagement session is a reflection of your love story, and one way to ensure that it truly captures your unique style and personality is by defining your style. When it comes to engagement photography, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Each couple has their own aesthetic preferences and vision for how they want their photos to look and feel. Taking the time to define your style will help you find a photographer who can bring your vision to life. To start, consider the overall vibe and theme you want for your engagement photos. Do you envision a dreamy and romantic shoot with soft lighting and whimsical poses? Or perhaps you prefer a more bold and vibrant aesthetic with dramatic backdrops. Maybe you lean towards a vintage-inspired shoot with a nostalgic feel, or you want a modern and minimalist approach with clean lines and a focus on emotions. Exploring different engagement photo styles and looking for inspiration on platforms like Pinterest or Instagram can help you determine what resonates with you and your partner. For me, my sessions are catered towards my couples and can fall into any of these categories, which is why it’s so important to communicate what you are looking for! 

Each engagement photographer has a unique style that reflects their vision and artistic expression. Make sure that you spend time looking at their portfolio, whether that is on their website or social media platforms! Keep in mind that editing is often affected by lighting and time of day, so if you are looking for something specific, don’t be afraid to ask! Ex. Can I see photos you’ve taken & edited during golden hour vs. lowlight! ?

Location can significantly impact the mood and overall feel of your engagement photos. Some photographers offer location guides or suggest spots they know will provide stunning lighting and backdrops. A photographer who understands the best locations in Cannon Beach can elevate your photos to a whole new level. Some locations can be overrun with tourists at certain times of the year, while others won’t work very well at high tide. Choosing someone familiar with the area will help avoid any potential problems when it comes to selecting a location. I personally have several go-to spots that are especially great for couples looking for a more intimate and secluded backdrop! 

Comfort is essential during an engagement shoot. A skilled photographer can create a relaxed and enjoyable environment for both of you, ensuring genuine smiles and authentic moments. Pay attention to the photos on their website and social media to see if the subjects appear at ease and genuinely happy. For my couples, I often tell them I direct instead of pose. I treat our sessions as if we are filming a movie scene, allowing you to be yourselves versus sticking you into stiff and unnatural poses that don’t feel like you! 

Engagement photography pricing can vary widely. Consider the experience and services offered when comparing prices. Some photographers might offer a client closet or help with location selection, some include products, while others might offer a limited amount of digital files. Every photographer is different so make sure to choose the perfect combination for your needs. Keep in mind that investing in an experienced photographer who ensures a smooth, fun, and low-stress session is worth it for capturing truly amazing engagement photos of you and your partner. Also consider travel fees! For my couples, travel fees to Cannon Beach are included in their engagement session! 

Cannon Beach is a dreamy destination that offers endless possibilities for stunning engagement photos. To make the most of your session, it’s important to take advantage of the natural beauty and unique features that this coastal gem has to offer. First, consider the timing of your shoot. Cannon Beach is known for its dramatic sunsets, so scheduling your session during golden hour will ensure that you capture the most breathtaking lighting. The warm hues of the setting sun reflecting off the ocean and illuminating the iconic Haystack Rock will add a magical touch to your photos. Keep in mind that the beach can get crowded, especially during peak tourist season, so plan accordingly and aim for a quieter time of day to avoid distractions. Next, explore the different locations within Cannon Beach. While the beach itself is a popular choice, don’t be afraid to venture beyond the shore. The charming streets and quaint storefronts of the town can provide a more urban and intimate backdrop for your photos. The nearby forests and trails offer a lush and serene setting, perfect for couples who want a more nature-inspired shoot. Consider combining different locations to add variety and depth to your photos. Incorporate the unique features of Cannon Beach into your photoshoot. Haystack Rock is an iconic landmark that symbolizes the beauty of the Oregon Coast, so be sure to include it in some of your shots. You can pose in front of the rock, have it peeking out from the background, or even use it as a dramatic silhouette. The beach’s vast shoreline provides ample opportunity for creative poses and playful interactions. Consider walking hand in hand along the water’s edge, embracing the wind and waves, or even taking a dip in the ocean for some fun and romantic shots. Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative with props and accessories. Cannon Beach offers a natural canvas for unique and artistic elements. Consider bringing a vintage blanket or picnic basket for a cozy and romantic setup on the sand. If you have a furry friend, incorporate them into the shoot for some adorable and candid moments. Let your imagination run wild and make the most of the stunning scenery and endless possibilities that Cannon Beach has to offer.

I love photographing engagement sessions at Cannon Beach about an hour to two hours before sunset, depending on if the day is overcast or not. If it is a sunny day, we will shoot right before the golden hour and stay into blue hour and if it is an overcast or foggy day on the coast, which is extremely probably being that we are the moody PNW, we will usually shoot the majority of the session before the sun goes down ot make sure we have enough light for your photos!! 

I always encourage my couples to dress in a way that is genuine to themselves and wear clothes that they are comfortable in because it can truly make or break a session if you do or don’t like what you are wearing! I also encourage my couples to bring 2-3 outfits, this way we have a variety and a backup in case one of the outfits falls through. If you need some more guidance beyond that, I would consider bringing one outfit that feels casual and easy to run around in and feel more relaxed and playful. The other outfit can be dressier and lean into more editorial and romantic vibes! As for colors and textures I always recommend warmth earthy tones or rich neutrals! This can look like rusty browns, linens, or deep blues and burgundies! It’s the entire color wheel but avoiding loud or clashing colors that can often wash you out or make you look ill! An example of this would be neon pink or green! 

I would also suggest if it is an overcast day to choose colors with more contrast or warmth so that you stand out against the backdrop! Other than this, please feel free to spam me with photos of your outfits and I can help you style and make sure your outfits are perfect for your engagement session! 

Some different factors will determine how long your session will last but typically they are around an hour to two hours. If your location requires hiking or if there is more than one location we might add in some buffer time! Other than this though, I love for engagement sessions to feel like a date night and for that reason, I try not to put us on a timer so that we can enjoy our time together!    

The timeline may vary based on the photographer’s schedule, but as a rule of thumb, booking at least three to six months in advance is advisable. This gives you ample time to discuss your vision, preferences, and specific requirements with the photographer.

If you’re looking to get on my calendar, you can fill out the form on my contact page and I’ll get back to you ASAP! I can’t wait to plan an awesome engagement or couples session with you at Cannon Beach!