A Moody Cannon Beach Engagement Session + My Greatest Engagement Images Tips

Cannon Beach on the Oregon coast is a well-liked vacation spot for a motive. It’s typically acquired that foggy, moody vibe that’s so typically related to pacific northwest seashores. Haystack Rock is iconic and provides such visible intrigue to images, and naturally, the Beach has some declare to fame because the backdrop for the film, The Goonies. All that provides as much as Cannon Beach engagement images having all of the substances wanted for some actually beautiful images. 

These engagement images I took of Lilly and Brett (and their candy pup, Bogie) had been no exception. We acquired that aforementioned foggy, moody model of Cannon Beach that provides an additional layer of magnificence to footage that, let’s be trustworthy, the superbly sunny days simply don’t provide you with. (Don’t get me incorrect, although, the Oregon coast on a sunny summer time day is actually undefeated in actually each different facet!)

As an Oregon native who’s spent my skilled pictures profession discovering Oregon’s greatest spots to seize life’s greatest moments. I’ve some engagement pictures ideas for anybody seeking to recreate a number of the magic in these photographs.

Why Cannon Beach is a dream for engagement images

If the above wasn’t complimentary sufficient, take into account this my love letter to Cannon Beach: the Pacific Ocean, miles of beautiful seaside, dramatic dunes with tall, flowing grass, cliffsides that appear to be they’ve come straight out of a portray, and the PNW’s signature moodiness to tie all of it collectively. I actually imagine you’ll be able to’t discover a extra beautiful location, overcast or completely sunny, than this stretch of the pacific coast. 

On prime of its inherent magnificence, its geographical location additionally makes it fairly unbeatable. It’s lower than a half an hour from the quaint Oregon city of Astoria, and nearly 90 minutes from Portland. Its good location means it’s far sufficient from the hubbub of the large metropolis to really feel such as you’re in a faraway place, however shut sufficient that it’s a simple weekend getaway, a much-needed escape for a day journey, or possible as a dreamy location for a fast engagement photoshoot. Wherever you journey from and nonetheless you make your approach to the coast to take Cannon Beach engagement images, the number of backdrops you will get in a single session (from seaside to dune to cliffs to forest) is assured to make it definitely worth the journey.

Tip #1: Embrace the climate

I don’t know in the event you’ve ever heard this earlier than, however the Pacific Northwest could be a bit…soggy. (I’m kidding, I do know you’ve heard this earlier than.) And given the PNW’s climate status, many individuals don’t know simply how good it may be in the summertime. That goes for Cannon Beach, too, which sees its warmest months in July, August, and September, the place the typical temperature clocks in at a very snug 67-68 levels. Even with the modest summer time temps, the area nonetheless averages a handful of days with rain, even in its warmest months. 

That means you must be able to embrace the climate, no matter it may be. There aren’t many locations that genuinely get extra lovely when it’s wet and overcast out. But as I discussed above, Cannon Beach is completely considered one of them. The mist and moodiness takes the dramatic surroundings to new ranges, and it actually comes throughout superbly in images. Overcast climate provides Cannon Beach engagement photograph classes. Like this one with Brett and Lilly, a really romantic really feel and the pictures tackle an virtually editorial look.

Aside from simply being prepared for any potential sort of climate, my different engagement pictures tip could be to ensure the couple you’re capturing clothes heat. Encourage your shoppers to carry a jacket they genuinely love being photographed in, particularly if the climate may name for an additional layer. Denim and comfortable knits work superbly right here, as you see on this photoset with the couple’s denim, corduroy, and sweater layers. That leads me to my subsequent suggestion.

Tip #2: Pick outfits that really feel such as you

This is the place the ‘matchy without completely matching’ rule comes into play. You don’t have to appear to be you deliberate matching outfits for an identical twins, however it is best to nonetheless look deliberately coordinated. Lilly and Brett actually nailed this method of their shoot with denim shirts, cream knits, white lace skirt, brown corduroy. 

They had been clearly going for an earthy, impartial palette that labored very well with the seaside panorama as a substitute of clashing with it. Some recommendations to remember as you intend your outfits for the large day: keep away from loud logos, go along with textures over patterns, and convey two outfits if you would like selection (one cozy, one a little bit dressier). Basically, go by the rule of thumb that it is best to put on one thing that you simply’d truly put on on an actual date. Because on the finish of the day, consolation means assured physique language, and assured physique language all the time means higher images.

Tip #3: Trust your photographer’s places

As I discussed above, I’ve spent my skilled profession capturing images throughout Oregon. I’ve put many hours into researching, scouting, and photographing places for every little thing from weddings and engagement shoots to maternity images and milestone moments. I do know the spots that work greatest, and those that don’t. And that’s actually to not say you shouldn’t give your enter or make requests for sure places to your photographer, however on the finish of the day, the images will all the time end up greatest if you defer to your photographer.

For this session, we moved from the dunes to the cliffside path to the open seaside with Haystack Rock within the background. All of those places had been inside strolling distance, and all gave completely totally different vibes. That’s the magic of working with somebody who is aware of the world. That’s the large profit if you ebook with a neighborhood Oregon Coast photographer (trace: me), you get somebody who is aware of the sunshine, the tides, and the spots that aren’t on each Pinterest board.

Ready to your personal dreamy Cannon Beach engagement images?

If you made it this far, you’re both freshly engaged (congrats, buddy!) or knee-deep in Pinterest boards attempting to determine what your engagement session ought to appear to be. Either method, I hope these engagement pictures ideas made the entire thing really feel rather less overwhelming and much more thrilling.

Here’s the factor: one of the best engagement images aren’t about good climate, good outfits, or good poses. They’re about you two. The method you chuckle at one another’s jokes, the best way he tucks her hair behind her ear with out pondering, the best way you’ll be able to’t cease holding arms. My job is simply to catch all of that when you do your factor.If you’re dreaming of your individual Cannon Beach engagement images (or wherever alongside the Oregon Coast, up in Washington, or someplace magical throughout the PNW), I’d completely love to listen to from you. Head over to my inquiry web page and inform me all about your love story. I can’t wait to listen to it!