Big Sur suprise proposals are my favorite! If you’re going to do photography of a surprise engagement you really can’t go wrong with so many great locations, but Pfeiffer Beach will always hold a special place for me.  If you’re looking for a photographer who specializes in surprise proposals in Big Sur, or anywhere else in the world, check out the photos I captured for this lovely couple and send me a message so we can start planning!  After going through some of my favorite options, Gandhi chose Pfeiffer Beach, aka purple sand beach, one of the most gorgeous spots in Big Sur. Known for the natural purple sand and the horseshoe rock that has waves crashing through the center, its a somewhat difficult to find beach down a windy one lane road with a small parking lot.  The plan was for me to be an unknown person just taking photos of the beautiful beach, when the couple would go to take some selfies in front of the horseshoe/keyhole rock and then he would ask me if I could take one of the two of them. Then I would get them into position and give the magic word.  

Now one thing I always tell people for photography, especially surprise proposals in Big Sur, is that you have to be really careful choosing Pfeiffer Beach on a weekend. They parking lot is small and when it fills up they have someone at the top of the road who will turn you away. We arranged to be there way ahead of time just in case, and of course when I arrive they had already filled up! I kept coming back around every couple minutes until they finally let me in, no problem! Still way ahead of schedule. Everything went beautifully and he proposed right in front of the keyhole…but wait! Right as he went to propose a group of completely oblivious tourists walked directly behind them only a couple feet away and stood there facing the other way. Fortunately I repositioned and got almost all of my shots as I saw them coming (event photographers probably already know this, but you look in the viewfinder with one eye and keep the other open to see around you). A couple photos that I really liked they were still in the way, so a little Photoshop magic made them disappear. Sometimes you have to pull out all the stops!  After the proposal I took them all around the beach and we got so many incredible, magical, dramatic photos. One of my favorite sessions ever. 

They loved the photos so much they wrote me a beautiful glowing review:

“Sean was extremely helpful and patient with me when I reached out for proposal photography. We planned out the surprise proposal together and he offered great tips on the location and how to surprise my fiancée with the engagement ring. He played the part of an unknown stranger taking “random” photos perfectly and when it came down to the moment, he was able to take the pictures of her real reactions in real time. Afterwards, we had multiple photoshoots throughout the beach. What impressed my fiancée and myself was how comfortable Sean made us feel with the poses. He guided us through every pose. He communicated very well and made me and my fiancée feel at ease throughout the process. We got the images the following week and we both loved them. I would definitely recommend Sean to my friends and family and especially for those looking to pull off a surprise proposal like we did.”

If you’re looking for a photography to get surprise proposal photos in Big Sur, connect with me and lets talk! I do all kinds of weddings, events, family portraits, maternity, everything! I do wedding videography too, check the post before this one to see a gorgeous wedding I shot in Monterey. I travel worldwide and one of my favorite things to capture is romantic, intimate elopements and small weddings.  Reach out to me with whatever your needs are at 408-306-3490, seansalazarphotography@gmail.com or through my info/contact page. Thank you so much for letting me do what I love every day!