06/08/2026
I get asked what's your favorite session? What's the hardest session you've ever done? What's the session that challenged you the most?
The truth is, every session is unique. Each one comes with its own challenges, excitement, and surprises. Photography is all about preparation—knowing your location, understanding your clients, planning for the weather, and sometimes just being ready for the unexpected.
If I had to pick the most exciting and nerve-wracking session I've ever photographed, it would have to be my very first surprise proposal.
Picture this I'm sitting on a beach blanket, looking like any other beachgoer. Meanwhile, I'm secretly watching every person who walks by, waiting for the right couple to appear. My camera is sitting right beside me, ready to go at a moment's notice, and I'm trying my best not to look suspicious.
The hardest part wasn't taking the photos—it was waiting. Waiting for the moment and hoping I captured what I call "the money shot."
The one photo they'll use for everything. The photo that announces the engagement. The one that ends up on save-the-dates, social media, and becomes part of their story forever.
As photographers, when we're capturing real, authentic moments, we only get one chance. There are no do-overs. You can't recreate genuine surprise, excitement, or emotion. You can pose afterward, but you can never truly recreate that exact moment.
So there I was, pretending to relax on the beach while my heart was racing. I was hoping I had the right angle, that I caught her reaction perfectly, and that everything came together as envisioned. Honestly, I was so nervous I almost go sick on the drive there.
It wasn't until I was walking back to my car afterward and started scrolling through the images on the back of my camera that I found it.
This shot.
The emotion. The excitement. The surprise. Everything came together in one frame.
That feeling—when you know you nailed it for your clients—is hard to describe. It's an incredible rush, and honestly, it's one of the reasons I keep coming back for more.
I love a challenge every now and then, but more than anything, I'm grateful I was trusted to capture such an important moment in their lives.
I've photographed a number of surprise proposals since that very first one, but I'll tell you something—I still get nervous every single time.
I still run through my checklist. I still check my angles. I still try to look as unsuspecting as possible while I wait for that couple to walk by. Because once they do, their lives are about to change forever, and for a brief moment, I'm part of their story.
That's not something I take lightly.
I always remind myself that I'm not just taking pictures. I'm helping turn moments into lifetime memories. The images I capture become part of a family's story, something they'll look back on for years to come.
And honestly, that's one of the greatest privileges of being a photographer. 📸❤️
