Engagement Photography
Ryan Smith Photography’s couples portraits including engagement, anniversary and surprise proposals.
As a professional photographer with over a decade of experience in Myrtle Beach, I specialize in capturing fun, candid, and creative moments for couples. Whether it’s a surprise marriage proposal, an engagement session, or an anniversary, I believe that photography should be relaxed, enjoyable, and authentic. I handle every aspect of the process, from scheduling appointments around sunset for the best lighting to taking and editing the photos myself. Having grown up in Myrtle Beach, I know all the best photo spots in the area, and I love using its natural beauty to enhance my photographs.
My style as a Myrtle Beach engagement photographer
What I do is different from a traditional in-studio portrait, and 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.
What makes my engagement photos stand out from other photographers in Myrtle Beach?
I prefer clear, crisp, and clean images using the best prime lenses and an expert understanding of lighting and flash. I only schedule one engagement session daily so we can take your portraits at the ideal time. This also allows me more time to perfect your final pictures and deliver them in a reasonable time.
I use the same equipment as at weddings, like high-end prime lenses and powerful off-camera lighting. This looks different 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. You will see the colors of the sunset and the sparkle from off-camera flash in my subject’s eyes. 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 won’t forget. In addition to photographing the proposal, I do an engagement photo session immediately after to capture your joy from the event. 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
We didn’t let a Thunderstorm stop the fun at this engagement session in Pawleys Island. #engagement #romantic #rainyday #couplegoals #fun #happycouple #beachpictures #ryansmithphotography
I did this couple`s wedding at 21 Main Events at North Beach two years ago. It was great to see them again for a 50th-anniversary party for their parents at the same location. I even got a few impromptu senior portraits as well. #family #familypictures #21main #myrtlebeach #anniversary #happyanniversary #50thanniversary #nikonz9 #ryansmithphotoraphy
This was a fun surprise proposal during the family pictures. I took everyone down to the ocean first because I knew he was going to propose, then we went back by the Atalaya Castle for family and couples pictures and finished up with sunset by the ocean. #engagement #surpriseproposal #happycouple #couplegoals #beachpictures #sunset #engagementring #ryansmithphotography
This was such a happy couple for their engagement pictures. We had a beautiful sunset and they had huge smiles for the whole session. #engagement #love #romantic #nikonz #godox #beach #myrtlebeach #couplegoals #sunset #ryansmithphotography
This engagement session was so much fun. They both had amazing smiles, and we had a beautiful day for pictures. I can`t wait for their wedding next year at @pawleysplantationgolf. #engagement #engagementpictures #engagementring #happycouple #bigsmiles #love #romance #couplegoals #fiance #beachpictures #sunsetpictures #myrtlebeach #sunset #atalayacastle #pawleysisland #ryansmithphotography
All-Inclusive Engagement Photography Prices for Myrtle Beach
Since my prices change over the year and I can offer discounts depending on availability, I now send my price list on request. I have very reasonable prices, so please click below and let me know your available dates, and I will send you more info. Thanks!
Includes:
Sunset Photo Session
Full-resolution digital files with copyright release
Credit for ordering 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 your gallery. For example, this credit would get you a 16×20 and four 8×10 prints with shipping as the only cost. Check current prices here. 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 give you a full refund for rain if we can’t reschedule during the week. Rain is often in the forecast in Myrtle Beach, and it ends up nice at the session time, so I can’t cancel based only on the forecast.
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
My fiancé and I recently had our engagement photoshoot with Ryan and the session was wonderful. He is a true professional with so much knowledge to capture the absolute best photos. We are not the most(...)
Ryan is a genuine person that captures beautiful photos! He made my fiancé feel comfortable during our session and took his time to personalize our photo shoot to capture photos we get to cherish for a lifetime.(...)
Ryan is a fantastic professional photographer! He captured some beautiful engagement photos for my fiance and I, and we enjoyed working with him. I cannot wait to see the wedding pictures!
Ryan made the whole experience wonderful, used him for a surprise proposal.