There’s something about the Big Sur coastline that pulls people in. Maybe it’s the way the cliffs plunge into the Pacific, the untamed wildness of the landscape, or the golden sunsets that seem to suspend time. When Pablo reached out to me a few months ago, he said it was exactly that—the epic, raw beauty of Big Sur—that made him want to propose here. Coming up from Southern California, he was drawn to the towering rock formations, the drama of the waves, and the sense of adventure that Big Sur promises.

Pablo told me he found my work on Google and was excited to book me for such a life-changing moment. That meant a lot. Because, truthfully, when you choose Daniel James Photography, you’re not just booking a photographer—you’re stepping into an experience. One that’s as much about the memories we create together as it is about the images you’ll take home.

Book now

A Big Sur engagement session with me is part adventure, part celebration, and part legacy. We don’t just show up, snap a few photos, and call it a day. We explore. We laugh. We connect. I get to take you to my favorite hidden spots along the coast, and together, we get to create something truly personal.

For Pablo’s proposal, we started along the rugged cliffs of Garrapata—where the light just pours in over the coastline, and every frame feels like a scene from a movie. After he popped the question (and she said yes!), they shared a bottle of champagne he had tucked away in the trunk of his car—such a simple but joyful moment. That’s the kind of magic you find in Big Sur. It's one of the only places I know where you can toast to forever on the cliffs, then watch the sun sink into the ocean together.

We ended our evening at Monastery Beach, where the waves were soft and the light golden—perfect for finishing off their Big Sur engagement session with some quiet, romantic portraits in the sand.

These sessions aren’t just about getting “the shot.” They’re about documenting a chapter of your story in a way that feels true to you. I like to think of these photos not just as keepsakes but as heirlooms—images you’ll hang in your home, share with your kids someday, and look back on decades from now with full hearts.

If you're thinking about proposing in Big Sur or Carmel, I’d love to help you plan something unforgettable. Whether it's scouting the perfect location, timing your session with golden hour, or finding the best hidden beaches for a post-engagement toast—I'm here for all of it.

Because the truth is, these moments deserve more than a snapshot. They deserve to be lived, explored, and remembered.