Engagement Photography
Ryan Smith Photography’s engagement portraits and surprise proposals
I specialize in fun, candid, and creative engagement sessions and surprise marriage proposals in Myrtle Beach. My engagement photography sessions are relaxed and fun. I personally do a small number of appointments each week, typically around sunset time, and I do everything myself, from the photography to the adjustments and touch-ups of the pictures. Not only am I a native of the Myrtle Beach area, but I’ve been doing engagement and wedding photography in Myrtle Beach for over a decade!
My style as a Myrtle Beach engagement photographer
What I do is different from a traditional in-studio portrait. I use a mix of posed and photojournalist styles of photography. While I will suggest poses, I typically take around 200-400 shots in an hour or so session trying to capture my couple’s real romance and natural expressions. I have many typical poses and fun ideas I like to suggest for couples, but I always love to incorporate any ideas you may have as well. I’ve even had clients show me their favorite Instagram or Pinterest pictures, and I’m always happy to try and recreate them.
Quality of finished engagement pictures
I prefer clear, crisp, and clean images using the best prime lenses and an expert understanding of lighting and flash. I use the same equipment as at weddings, like high-end prime lenses and powerful off-camera lighting. This gives a different look from ordinary “natural light only” engagement pictures. It’s like a combination of an in-studio portrait balanced with the beautiful natural light from the sun. I include a reasonable amount of artistic and general touch-up Photoshop work at no charge.
Surprise Proposals
I also specialize in photographing surprise marriage proposals on the beach (or anywhere else you like). I can give you help and suggestions to make this go smoothly and make it a moment you don’t forget. I added a recent blog post here that goes through my usual process and tips to make your proposal unforgettable.
Latest Engagement Sessions on Instagram
It`s so beautiful right now at @caledoniatruebluegolf, with all the spring flowers blooming. This couple was so much fun to work with for their engagement pictures. I wish they were having their wedding in this area as well. #springflowers #engagement #couplegoals #happiness #romance #offcameraflash #godox #golfcourse #pawleysisland #cutecouple #ryansmithphotography
This fun couple was celebrating their 25th anniversary in Myrtle Beach. The first thing I said was they look too young to have a 25th anniversary! It just made me realize I`m getting old 😆. We had the perfect evening; the only issue is that the state park is still closing at 6pm, but we got the sunset right at the end. #25thanniversary #happycouple #marriedlife #sunsetpictures #couplegoals #beachpictures #myrtlebeach #silhouette #funcouple #atalayacastle #ryansmithphotography #anniversary
Congrats to my couple on yesterday`s surprise proposal. It was cold and overcast, but they still had a great time, and we got a little light peeking out in the sky. #shesaidyes #surpriseproposal #cloudyday #beachpictures #happycouple #couplegoals #engagementring #myrtlebeach #ryansmithphotography #engagement
A few more pictures from this happy couple after their surprise proposal at the Conway Riverwalk. It was a little cold that day but they had a great time and I`m sure they will love the pictures. #surpriseproposal #engagement #conwayriverwalk #couplegoals #engagementpictures #traintracks
Sneak peek from a surprise proposal yesterday evening. His mom set up a "will you marry me" sign on the Conway Riverwalk for her to see as they walked by. It was a little cold, but they had a great time. #surpriseproposal #myrtlebeach #engagement #shesaidyes #boardwalk #conwaysc #conwayriverwalk #happycouple #couplegoals #ryansmithphotography
All Inclusive Engagement Photography Prices for Myrtle Beach
$400 March Session Special Price
Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, April | $500
May, Sep, Oct, Nov | $600
Jun, Jul, Aug | $800
Includes:
Sunset Photo Session
Full Resolution Digital Files
$75 Credit for Prints
More Details
Location: This engagement session can be anywhere on the Grand Strand, from Pawleys Island to North Myrtle Beach. I travel to many more locations, but there may be a small extra charge. I like to plan the sessions about an hour or so before sunset. Check out sunset times here.
All-Inclusive Package: There are no sitting fees or other charges. It includes the photo session with no set limit on pictures and a download of the full-resolution digital files from the session (with copyright release), perfect for prints of any size. I adjust each picture for color, lighting, and artistic quality. You will also get a $75 credit for ordering prints through the gallery. Additional prints can also be (optionally) ordered through your online client gallery at very reasonable prices. If we do the pictures at one of my preferred State Park locations, I also have passes for two cars to get in at no charge. More details are here.
Sales Tax: SC requires a sales tax of 8% added if you are a resident of SC.
Deposit: To book your photography, I request a $200 deposit, deducted from your total, that can be paid by CashApp, Venmo, Check, or Credit Card. Please see the Q&A section for details. This deposit is refundable up to 3 months from the session date. After that, I can’t refund the deposit for cancellation. Once you have booked a date, I can’t book anyone else, which is why I am asking for the deposit. Of course, I will refund you for rain if we can’t reschedule during the week.
Most questions people ask me about the photo sessions I’ve answered on my Q&A page. Please click below for much more detailed information.
Latest Engagement Reviews – Click here for more
Ryan did a wonderful job capturing photos for our 25th Wedding Anniversary! I will forever cherish them!
Ryan was great. He was able to capture the perfect moment of our surprise proposal. He was very helpful throughout the entire process, and he was also very easy to work with! Would definitely recommend!
We hired Ryan for both our engagement photos and for our upcoming wedding. We couldn’t be happier at how our engagement photos turned out. Ryan was both insightful and personable during our session, and made the(...)
Ryan was absolutely amazing. My now fiancé surprised me with my dream beach proposal. I was overjoyed! (hint the jumping up and down)
Ryan captured such a special moment for us. the pictures turned out(...)