140+ Bay Area couples said YES with GoodEye in 2025…
If you want the most experienced proposal team from San Francisco to Carmel, you’re in the right place. We take every proposal seriously — and we never miss the moment.
I’m Chris, your proposal-planning partner.
I’ve worked with hundreds of clients over the years, and I still absolutely love helping plan and ultimately capture this amazing moment in your lives together. Everything you need to help make a decision to hire me is on this page, so I’ll be completely candid here.
>> Keep scrolling for Testimonials, Availability, Pricing, Reservations, FAQ and more amazing photos…
Our focus is epic photography, but we work with some pretty amazing partners that specialize in elaborate decor (separate pricing from our packages).
I promise not to let this happen…again.
If you choose me, I promise to:
🧭 Help you plan the logistics: time and place (including satellite image screenshots with drawn directions). Most proposals are in the Carmel to San Francisco area, but I go as far north as Napa Valley and as far south as Big Sur (and everything in-between). Please review the location options in each package below.
✅ Provide tons of tips to ensure everything runs smoothly, based on my past experience
⏳ Be incredibly responsive in all communications, while making every effort to not spoil the surprise
📸 Effortlessly guide / direct the two of you after the proposal with a quick, fun and easy couples’ portrait (engagement) session
🖼️ Provide an sneak peek of 4-5 edited photos within 24 hours of the proposal, the complete collection edited and online within 7 days for your review.
Start Planning Your Proposal:
Even if your proposal is last-minute, reach out. I have a small team of trusted photographers (I would still personally handle all logistics and editing), and we can almost always accommodate tight timelines. Need to talk immediately? Schedule a call here (but ideally you fill out the form below and I’ll text you asap.
Big Sur coastal cliff vibes? Check.
>> Keep scrolling for Testimonials, Availability, Pricing, Reservations, FAQ and more real client photos!
“Chris, why should we work with you, though?”
Fair question! I’ve had the honor of shooting proposals, engagements, elopements and weddings for almost two decades, so I’ve learned a thing or two along the way.
First, I must earn your trust. This comes through responsive, clear and quick communications – before, during and after our shoot.
Next, I am an open book when it comes to showing full shoots AND all my prices (see below). If my style / pricing isn’t what you’re looking for, I don’t want to waste your time.
Last, please don’t take my word for it – simply consider the hundreds of reviews past clients have left for me on Yelp. Here’s just a handful:
Satya + Asha
Chris is excellent at what he does. We loved our proposal photo shoot with him! Initially, I had no idea what to expect as I never had my photos taken by a professional photographer before. But we didn't have to do any thinking at all. We just followed the instructions Chris gave us and the album turned out excellent! The whole photoshoot session felt natural and comfortable. Would 100% recommend GoodEye Photography for any event.
Elizabeth + Daniel
Chris with GoodEye photography was wonderful from start to finish! I planned to propose to my girlfriend in Santa Cruz (2.5 hours away from our home) and Chris was extremely helpful in planning/tips/advice as well as flexible with last minute changes due to weather. The pictures he took during and after the proposal are absolutely stunning and he worked really well with our dog too! He got our pictures back to us that evening which is great since we of course can't wait to share them with family/friends! I highly recommended GoodEye for all your photography needs!
Jina + Kevin
Today is one month since our wedding. This review is long overdue. When we think back to the big day, Chris is top of mind. It almost feels like if we didn't hire Chris, we didn't have a wedding.
Last year, my then boyfriend hired Chris as his partner in crime to surprise me with a proposal in Santa Cruz. On our walk to the surprise spot I spot a man with two extremely large cameras and the poise of an endearing dad, and I joked to my partner that the waves being photographed could be on National Geographics one day and we witnessed the moment. How cool! Little did I know that he was there for me, for us.
Our engagement photos turned out to be exactly National Geographics level amazing. I barely dressed up that day, and I hate taking photos, but Chris made the experience fun and enjoyable. His camera doesn't have a loud clicking noise when photos are taken, so as our session progressed I sort of forgot that I was being photographed. He was our tour guide for the hour and we simply enjoyed the nice scenery while looking into each other's gaze.
Fast forward to wedding day, Chris came early and spoke to the coordinator directly without any help from us. He is assertive and takes care of the details without adding anything extra to us. Throughout the day, he completed all my wishes (I wanted certain portraits done) AND did a bunch more that he thought would add to our memories. He commanded the crowd nicely and zipped between everyone like a ninja. We didn't notice him, but he was everywhere.
The wedding was a blast, and when we received the photos only 4 days later (your email response to your boss probably takes longer), we were blown away. There were moments we missed that he captured, moments we cherished that he captured, and moments we thought were probably embarrassing to be captured that he captured in the most loving way.
I quit my job a few months ago, and as I finish all the post wedding work I am hit with the question - "what's next?". I can't help but look up to Chris - the man is so good at his craft, and that's where I want to be too one day. An excellent photographer and an even better human being.
April + Justin
**BEST PHOTOGRAPHER EVER!**
I wasn't sure if I wanted to get engagement photos until discovered GoodEye! The reviews caught my eye and the website is quality, awesome, real & funny. Truly a breath of fresh air to send an inquiry and receive information right away followed by a phone appointment with an actual human!! Communication was stellar, start to finish!
I was hesitant as my partner and I are awkward in front of cameras and not models by any definition of the word. Chris listened to my vision and made it a reality! We felt immediately at ease and were directed every step of the way.
Our photos were edited and ready for review so quickly! Chris even edited people and other unwanted items out of all of our favorites! A great experience all around and at fair prices!! I would recommend Chris 1000 times over, especially for the shy people like me! Thank you for giving us beautiful photos and memories that will last forever!
Nicole + Elliot
I had the most unbelievable proposal at Panther Beach, California. There's nothing like that moment that means so much to you, and all you can hope for when a moment passes is you'll have something to vividly remember that day rather than solely rely on memory. Well, Chris being right by our side from before, during, and after the proposal helped provide me with the best souvenirs from our trip that I could ask for.
Chris was so professional and you could tell from the second he started snapping pictures of us that he really knew what he was doing. I was so shocked and overwhelmed by what was happening, not to mention the wind was driving my hair crazy. My (now) fiancé and I joked how awful we were at following Chris' directions since we've never done a photoshoot, so we didn't expect the pictures to come out as amazing as they did. Chris really knew how to position the camera, what angles/scenery to capture, and how to direct us to ensure we looked our best.
As if I wasn't impressed enough by the actual photoshoot, Chris' quick return of the photos to us was unbelievable. We had a sneak peek of the pictures the night of the shoot (hours after it occurred), and when we finally selected the photos we wanted to order, he had them back to us within a day or 2. We were so anxious to see them, and his quick reply made us so relieved and happy to get them so quickly. Looking through the photos brought me to tears, and it was surreal to even think that it was me in these photos.
Beautiful photos that I will look back on forever. Thank you to Chris!!
Tiffani + Karlee
So many good things to say about Chris, where shall I begin?! First I think it's important to mention my partner and I are a queer couple, and it can be challenging to find someone who is going to celebrate our love the way we do. We're SOOO glad and grateful we found Chris. Chris was incredible from the planning of the proposal right to the delivery of the final photos. He made us laugh and encouraged us with so many poses and placements and options to ensure we had a variety to choose from. I'm not one to be comfortable in front of the camera but Chris makes it fun. He really cares about you and your experience and that meant a lot to us. He made a special day something we can look back on forever. HIGHLY RECOMMEND CHRIS FOR ALL YOUR PHOTO NEEDS!! Especially the LGBTQ community - I see you I am you and Chris is who you want. Thanks for everything Chris :)
“Ok Chris, you seem legit. Where do we start?”
The two critical questions I always get up front are 1) are you available, and 2) what does it cost?
AVAILABILITY:
We shoot weekends (Fri-Sun) and weekdays (Mon-Thurs), the latter offering a little better chance of increased privacy at some locations. Because weekends are in higher demand, the pricing is a little different (see below). Because Chris has a team of reliable pros, we are almost always available, even for super last minute reservations. Most of our proposal shoots happen in the greater Bay Area (as far south as Big Sur and as far north as Napa Valley), but we are not limited to this area for your special occasion. Just reach out!
PRICING:
Our proposal photography packages range in price from $650 to $2,250 (see below for full package details) – there’s a lot of planning leading up to the big day, and we also need to be on-site early for the actual shoot so everything is in place. I understand this is no small investment, but my clients are always thrilled and honestly surprised with how much we can do in such a short amount of time, not to mention the quality of the photos and the experience itself. Review general location and collection / package options below:
Surprise Proposal / Engagement Packages:
Pricing is based on destination and collection.
Identify your region, then choose your collection.
Step 1 — Choose Your Proposal Destination
Santa Cruz Area: Santa Cruz, Davenport, Capitola, Aptos, Watsonville
Carmel • Big Sur • Half Moon Bay • San Francisco: Monterey Coast & Greater Bay Area
Napa Valley & Wine Country: Napa, Sonoma, Yountville, Sausalito
Step 2 — Choose Your Collection Level
Coastal Collection — 15 Final Images
Signature Collection — 50 Final Images
Full Collection — All Edited Images
Coastal Collection – 15 Final Images
Ideal for simple, elegant proposals in a single scenic location.
Proposal / engagement session at one scenic location
Thoughtful location guidance and timing recommendations
Curated online gallery delivered with 75-100+ edited images presented
You select 15 fully edited final images
Professional retouching included
Santa Cruz
Weekdays (M-Th) $650 | Weekends $950
Carmel / Big Sur / HMB / San francisco
Weekdays (M-Th) $950 | Weekends $1250
Napa Valley
Weekdays (M-Th) $1350 | Weekends $1650
Signature Collection – 50 Final Images
Perfect for couples who want variety and more storytelling.
Proposal / engagement session at one or two nearby scenic locations
Thoughtful location guidance and timing recommendations
Curated online gallery delivered with 125-175+ edited images presented
You select 50 fully edited final images
Professional retouching included
Santa Cruz
Weekdays (M-Th) $950 | Weekends $1250
Carmel / Big Sur / HMB / San francisco
Weekdays (M-Th) $1250 | Weekends $1550
Napa Valley
Weekdays (M-Th) $1650 | Weekends $1950
Full Collection – All Final Images
For those who want the complete story preserved.
Proposal / engagement session at one or two nearby scenic locations
Thoughtful location guidance and timing recommendations
Curated online gallery delivered
All fully edited images from your session are included, typically 125–200+ final images
Professional retouching included
Santa Cruz
Weekdays (M-Th) $1350 | Weekends $1650
Carmel / Big Sur / HMB / San francisco
Weekdays (M-Th) $1650 | Weekends $1950
Napa Valley
Weekdays (M-Th) $1950 | Weekends $2250
*Decor and proposal setup elements are not included in photography collections. Vendor referrals are available upon booking.
Alright Chris, let’s do this! What’s Next?
Here’s the Process:
1. I’ll text you.
Once you book a call with me OR submit a contact form, I’ll personally reach out by text (usually within minutes during Pacific Time business hours).
Most proposals are planned discreetly, so text keeps things flexible and easy (just make sure you mute our thread!). We’ll confirm your date, discuss location options, and overall vision — and I’ll help you think through timing, light, backup plans, and anything else you might not have considered.
Consider me your local, on-the-ground expert. A lot of you are planning this from out of state (hello Canadian friends). I’ll help you avoid rookie mistakes, navigate weather realities, and dial in the details so you can focus on the moment.
If you want help beyond photography — decor, musicians, vendors — I can guide you and connect you with the right people. My focus is always capturing this once-in-a-lifetime moment beautifully.
2. Choosing the Proposal Location
If you’re unsure where to propose, I’ll help you narrow it down. I’ll ask a few simple questions about the vibe you’re going for — coastal cliffs, beach, iconic view, winery, etc. — and guide you toward strong options (especially if you already have plans to stay in a general area).
If you’d like inspiration, I can send you recent proposal galleries from Carmel, Big Sur, San Francisco, Napa, and beyond.
3. Reserving Your Date
Once we confirm your date and general plan, I’ll send you a private reservation link to lock in your proposal time.
There’s no cost to reserve, and no penalty for adjusting plans if needed. Weekdays typically offer more privacy in public spaces, but weekends absolutely work — we’ll plan accordingly.
If I’m personally booked, I have a small team of talented photographers I trust for days when multiple proposals are happening across the Bay Area. I’ll let you know which approach we’ll take before you make your reservation.
4. Leading Up to the Proposal
You can text me anytime with questions, adjustments, or logistics.
If weather or conditions shift, we’ll adapt. If your location has limited cell service, I’ll send detailed parking instructions, map links, and annotated satellite images so everything feels simple and clear.
5. Proposal Day Coordination
On the day of the proposal, send me a quick selfie of you both so I know what to look for.
If you have an iPhone, temporarily sharing your location via Find My makes coordination seamless. If you’re on Android, we’ll use WhatsApp for easy location sharing.
I’m typically on site at least 30 minutes early and ready.
6. The Post-Proposal Session
After the proposal, I’ll introduce myself and guide you through a relaxed engagement session together. Most sessions last 30–60 minutes depending on the collection/location you’ve chosen.
You don’t need to know how to pose — I’ll direct everything in a way that feels natural and fun.
7. payment & Delivery
Payment is due the day of the proposal. You’ll choose your collection before images are delivered.
Within 24 hours, I’ll text you a handful of sneak peeks to relive the moment right away. Your full edited gallery will be delivered within one week.
Any small retouching requests after delivery are almost always doable.
So, what are you waiting for?
Below you can book a 10 minute call with Chris OR book the actual proposal shoot. Click here if you’d prefer to get in touch through our form.
FAQ:
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Most of our shoots are in the Carmel / Monterey / Santa Cruz area, but we are often up in San Francisco and even go up to Napa Valley on a regular basis. If you want coverage outside this area, like Yosemite, Hawaii or beyond, just ask us for a custom quote for your once in a lifetime adventure!
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I don’t have specific time requirements for these shoots, it’s entirely dependent on each unique situation. Sometimes it’s 20 minutes, sometimes an hour. A basic session is almost always going to be on the shorter side, and vice versa.
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Nope, schedules can change - weather could screw things up. I don’t want you to pay a thing until the successful shoot is over.
However, if your plans are last minute (like, less than a week), we may require payment in full upon booking as we are often moving appointments around to accommodate you.
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Absolutely! Consider me your on-the-ground local expert on all the cool places to do propose to your partner. From Big Sur to San Francisco, there’s so much to pick from – redwood forest, rocky cliffs, amazing beaches, stunning architecture. We really have it all in the Greater Bay Area.
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Then we’ll attempt to reschedule, no biggie. One reason I don’t take deposits.
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I personally don't deal with props as my primary focus is capturing excellent photos of this momentous moment in your lives – but once you book your proposal session with me, I'll send you my preferred vendor contact info for amazing floral setups.
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While I *can* shoot video, people generally hire me for my stellar still photography and award-winning editing skills. HOWEVER, one workaround I’ve come up with goes something like this: at the pre-agreed-upon proposal spot, I’ll be nearby pretending to take photos of something else. You come up to me, hand me your phone, asking if I can take a picture of you both real quick. I oblige, except you hand me the phone ready to go in video mode. I pretend to start taking a photo but the video is rolling… you immediately get down on one knee and voila, it’s all captured and I didn’t even have to hide or anything. We can absolutely recreate the scene with still photos as well, so it’s really the best of both worlds.
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I highly suggest planning a nice dinner, or some other evening event she’ll want to get a little dressed up for.
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99% of the time, no. We’re generally in a public space, and typically somewhere that is beautiful and a photographer taking photos of the scenery would not appear strange. I will pretend to ignore you, but will be on-the-ready since you’ll have texted me that you’ve parked and sent me a photo of you both ahead of time. Once I see you in my peripheral getting down on one knee, I’ll start actively capturing everything – and all your partner’s attention will be on you.
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A totally alternate approach to the proposal can go as follows: tell your partner you hired a photographer to capture your small family at a cool location. You both go into it knowing you need to look your best, and a photographer is involved. At some point during the shoot, I’ll give you the nod (or you to me), and you can get down on one knee and do your thing. It’s a great method, takes a lot of the cloak-and-dagger out of the logistics, and is a lot of fun. Oh, and this works great even if you don’t have kids - people hire me all the time for couples’ sessions. The main reason clients don’t opt for this is because they’re worried it will be too out of character to have hired a photographer, and it will give the game up. You know your partner best, but it’s good to have options!
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Hasn’t. Happened. Yet.
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Yes!
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Before the shoot, please let me know which package you’re most strongly considering, so I spend the appropriate amount of time with you day-of.
You don’t have to ultimately decide (or pay) until the end of the session. At that point you’ll know exactly how it went and all the settings we explored for photos.
When you review the results in the online gallery, you DO have the option to upgrade your package and pay the difference.
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I absolutely love capturing your love story - this is just the beginning. I have many clients that started with a proposal, then an engagement, then wedding, and over the years maternity, newborn and family photos. Obviously this works best for Bay Area local clients, but I do travel all over for weddings, so please consider me for your big day once you set the date.
Oh, you want to see more Bay Area Surprise Proposal / Engagement Photos?
Scroll on, friend…scroll on.
If you’re still craving more photos, I invite you to visit our many hundreds of client galleries - so you can see exactly what our clients see. I’m an open book, you deserve to see exactly what a full shoot looks like for any given location. Added bonus? You can check out what different locations look like in case you haven’t figured out your perfect spot yet.
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