Neskowin Engagement Photos
A cloudy and moody engagement session at Neskowin Beach on the Oregon Coast
Why Neskowin Beach is the Perfect Location for Oregon Coast Engagement Photos
This year, I’ve really wanted to explore beyond my usual favorites for coastal engagement session locations in Oregon. Some of my go-to spots have been closed due to natural hazards, and it gave me the perfect opportunity to explore more of the Oregon Coast for photographing couples.
When Rachel and Casey mentioned they wanted to take their engagement photos at a beach, I was so excited they were up for my suggestion of Neskowin Beach. It is easy to access with just a short walk from the parking lot.
From dramatic cliffs with keyholes, to the quaint little town that surrounds it, which also means fewer people, to incredible sunsets, Neskowin Beach has so much to offer. It also features Proposal Rock, a small island located right in the center of the beach. It was so fun to incorporate this landmark into their photos.
We were blessed with overcast weather, which gave everything those moody Pacific Northwest vibes. You truly cannot go wrong choosing Neskowin for your engagement photos, and I will most definitely be back.
Best Time of Day for your Neskowin Engagement Photos
’m a golden hour girl, especially at locations like the Oregon Coast. If it’s a sunny day, anytime earlier than about an hour before sunset will give you harsh light, and that’s not a good look for anyone. Cloudy days can give you an extra thirty minutes or so, but I would definitely still recommend planning for an evening session. Every photographer has a different style and approach, so make sure to talk with your specific photographer about their recommended start time.
What to Wear to Your Session
It’s always best to dress for your location. At the beach? Probably not heels. In the forest? Probably not all black, unless you want to blend into the background. Barefoot on the beach is always a win, and I often encourage my couples to ditch their shoes when we are shooting on the coast.
Are you more casual, or do you like to dress things up a bit? Flowy dresses are always in. They add movement, which brings so much life and emotion to your images. If you’re more on the casual side, jeans with a simple top will always work.
A few more tips: skip clothing with logos, avoid tiny checkered patterns because they can be distracting, and keep prints simple and larger in scale. Earth tones and neutrals win the day. With my editing and photographic style, I’d also recommend avoiding pastels and really bright “hot” colors since your skin tone can absorb those colors like crazy.
Too long, didn’t read: keep it simple and true to who you are. If the location or outfit doesn’t feel like you, choose something that does. You’ll thank me later.
When to Schedule Your Engagement Session
It’s no secret that the Pacific Northwest can have temperamental weather. The Oregon Coast can be especially challenging when it comes to scheduling engagement photos. Most couples tend to wait until spring, but there are always exceptions. We scheduled this session in early April, which might be one of the wildest weather months in Oregon, and we got incredibly lucky with the conditions.
The most popular time for beach sessions is May through October, but flexibility is often key since forecasts can be a little unpredictable.
Pro tip: Schedule your session Monday through Thursday. There will be far fewer people around, which means no photo bombers and a more secluded experience for your engagement session. Many of my couples feel a little anxious about being photographed, and having an audience can definitely put a damper on the experience. As mentioned earlier, evenings are usually the best time to schedule anyway, and many of my clients make it work around their job schedules.
Looking for an Engagement and Wedding Photographer?
Like what you see and looking for a photographer to capture your engagement photos or wedding, I’d love to hear from you! Check out my website or feel free to contact me with any questions 🙂
Planning Your Oregon Engagement or Wedding? I Can Help
Make sure to check out my Best Nature Wedding Venue Guide to see some of the best that Oregon has to offer! Whether you’re envisioning mountain views, an oceanfront ceremony, or exchanging vows beneath a canopy of towering trees, this state offers an incredible variety of scenic wedding venues to match your vision.
If you are on the search for your wedding photographer and like what you see, contact me to say hello or check out my reviews on google!
