She Thought It Was Just a Photoshoot—Until He Proposed
A surprise proposal planned entirely over text? That’s exactly what happened one week ago on La Jolla’s breathtaking Saigon Trail. With just a few hours’ notice, we helped Chase pull off the perfect “Undercover Yes” moment—disguised as a casual photoshoot. This blog shares the behind-the-scenes story, the challenges of location scouting an unmarked trail, and how our Fake Photoshoot Proposal Package helps couples plan unforgettable, last-minute proposals across Southern California—from San Diego to Temecula and beyond.
San Diego Surprise Proposal on Saigon Trail | Last Minute Photoshoot
Not every proposal needs months of planning—sometimes, the most unforgettable ones come together in just a few hours.
Just one week ago on a Saturday morning, we got a message from Chase. He had searched “last minute photographer in San Diego” on Google and found us through Instagram. It was around 9 AM when he reached out, asking if we were available that same afternoon for a quick shoot in La Jolla.
At the time, he didn’t mention it was a proposal. Everything was arranged entirely over text—no call, no consultation, just a location and a whole lot of trust.
By 5 PM, we were standing on a cliffside, capturing one of the most emotional and cinematic proposals we’ve ever documented.
A Secret Proposal on Saigon Trail, La Jolla
Later in the text exchange, Chase let us know his real plan—he was going to propose to his girlfriend, Shannan, at sunset while hiking the Saigon Trail, a lesser-known coastal path in La Jolla with stunning ocean views.
We arrived early to scout the area—and we’re so glad we did.
The trailhead wasn’t marked. GPS led us to the wrong address. The entrance was hidden between private homes, and we had to ask around before finally finding what looked like a narrow path through someone’s yard. Had we shown up later, we could have easily missed the moment.
Scouting in advance gave us time to explore the trail, find the best scenic overlooks, and prepare for the big moment. It’s a perfect example of why pre-proposal location scouting is a critical part of what we do.
The Setup: A Fake Photoshoot with a Real Proposal
Chase and Shannan planned to hike the trail casually—so we crafted a plan inspired by a video from True Summit Films titled “We Set Up a Fake Photoshoot to Do a Surprise Proposal”.
We acted like we were out photographing the cliffs and sunset. When the couple walked by, we offered to take a quick picture. A few frames in, Chase dropped to one knee and proposed.
The surprise. The emotion. The light. It was perfect.
Shannan laughed, cried, said yes, and embraced Chase as golden light poured across the bluffs. They toasted with champagne and shared a moment they’ll never forget—while we captured it all from a distance.
The “Undercover Yes” – Fake Photoshoot Proposal Package
San Diego + Southern California Surprise Proposal Photography
Inspired by that moment, we created a special offering for those who want to propose without tipping off their partner.
Starting at $595
Available across San Diego, La Jolla, Temecula, and Orange County.
What’s Included:
4 Hours of Photography Coverage
We arrive early, scout the location, stay on standby, and discreetly photograph everything—from candid lead-up moments to post-proposal portraits.
Creative Proposal Planning
We help you develop a believable backstory—such as a birthday shoot, travel session, or just-for-fun portraits—so your partner stays completely unaware.
Location Scouting + GPS Tracking
We find the location ahead of time, drop GPS pins, and give you live updates—even in remote or unmarked areas.
Secret Candid Coverage
We quietly follow from a distance using shared GPS and photograph your natural interactions before the proposal without interfering.
Posed + Candid Portraits After the Surprise
After you propose, we capture joyful, romantic portraits while emotions are still fresh.
Styling Guidance
Outfit tips to ensure your “fake” shoot looks natural, relaxed, and camera-ready.
30+ Edited High-Resolution Images
Delivered in a private online gallery. No watermarks. Yours to download, print, or share.
Optional Add-Ons
Champagne, florals, picnic setups, or “Marry Me?” signage available through vendor referrals.
Real-Time Support + Text Coordination
We stay connected from start to finish to ensure timing, direction, and communication are all smooth—even if we don’t meet until the second you propose.
Planning a Proposal While Visiting Southern California?
Whether you're local or just passing through Southern California, we’re here to help. If you’re planning your proposal months in advance or literally texting us the morning of, we’ll do everything we can to make it magical, stress-free, and unforgettable.
From unmarked trailheads to hidden winery overlooks, we specialize in capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments—often on a moment’s notice.
Ready to Plan Your Surprise Proposal?
Contact us here or browse our photography packages to book the “Undercover Yes.”
Because sometimes, the best love stories start with:
“We were just taking pictures…”
How to Find the Perfect Location for Your Photoshoot
Finding the perfect location for your photoshoot is essential to achieving the ideal shot. The right setting can elevate your compositions, create the desired mood, and highlight your subject in the best possible light. Whether you’re photographing portraits, product photography, engagement sessions, or commercial work, choosing the right location is just as important as your camera settings and lighting setup.
Before you start scouting, make sure you define the purpose and theme of your shoot. Knowing what you're shooting for will help you determine whether you need an urban setting, a natural backdrop, or a more stylized indoor location. Whether you're working with natural light, controlling your own lighting setups, or shooting in unique environmental lighting conditions, the location plays a crucial role in the overall outcome of your photographs.
As a photographer, one of the most important elements of a successful shoot is the location. The right setting can enhance your composition, provide natural light advantages, and set the perfect mood for your subject. Whether you’re capturing portraits, branding sessions, engagement shoots, or commercial photography, knowing how to scout the best locations is key.
1. Define Your Vision: What Are You Shooting For?
Before you even begin searching for locations, you need to determine the purpose of your shoot. Are you looking for an urban backdrop for a fashion editorial, a golden-hour field for dreamy portraits, or a sleek, modern setting for corporate headshots? The subject, style, and mood of the session will guide your location scouting process.
Ask yourself:
What’s the theme or aesthetic of the shoot?
Do I need a high-key or low-key environment?
Am I working with natural light or artificial lighting setups?
Will I need permits for shooting in public places?
2. Use Social Media for Inspiration
Social media is one of the most powerful tools for discovering new and trending photography locations. Since trends in photography change constantly, keeping up with what’s popular on social platforms helps ensure your work stays fresh and relevant.
TikTok: My Go-To for Trendy and Hidden Gems
TikTok has become my main tool for finding unique locations. Many content creators share behind-the-scenes footage of their shoots, revealing photogenic spots that may not be widely known. Simply searching for keywords like “photo locations near me,” “best places to take pictures in [city],” or “hidden gem photography spots” often leads to exciting discoveries.
Instagram: Hashtags & Geotags
Instagram is another fantastic resource for scouting locations. Here’s how I use it:
Search for location-based hashtags like #LAphotospots, #NYCportraitlocations, or #SanDiegoSunsetViews.
Browse geotagged photos to see real-life examples of how a location photographs.
Check out local photographers' feeds—they often showcase their favorite spots.
YouTube: Behind-the-Scenes & Vlogs
Many photographers and travel vloggers share on-location shoots on YouTube. Watching their behind-the-scenes photography sessions gives me an idea of how a place looks in different lighting conditions and whether it’s crowded or not.
3. Yelp, OpenTable & Google for Location Scouting
Beyond social media, I rely on Yelp, OpenTable, and Google to find shoot locations, especially when I need to book a space or check if a location allows photography.
Yelp & OpenTable: When I’m looking for aesthetic cafes, rooftop bars, or boutique hotels, I browse through Yelp and OpenTable reviews, checking for well-lit spaces with good interior compositions.
Google Maps & Street View: Sometimes, I’ll use Google Maps to virtually explore neighborhoods, zooming in on parks, alleyways, and architecture. Street View helps me envision angles before I visit.
4. Exploring Your Own Backyard
While online research is a huge help, nothing beats physically exploring your surroundings. I always keep an eye out for locations while I’m out and about—whether I’m grabbing coffee, hiking, or running errands. Some of my best portrait backdrops and cityscape shots have come from randomly stumbling upon a new alleyway, an overgrown field, or a minimalist wall with great natural lighting.
Pro tip: Always carry your camera or smartphone and take test shots of places you come across. Create a personal location library to reference later.
5. Consider Lighting & Time of Day
Once you’ve picked a location, think about the best time to shoot. Lighting conditions can make or break a photo, so I always check:
Golden hour (sunrise & sunset) for warm, soft light perfect for portraits.
Blue hour (just after sunset) for cool, moody tones in cityscapes.
Midday light for high-contrast street photography or commercial work.
Indoor light sources for shoots inside restaurants, studios, or homes.
Final Thoughts
Finding the perfect photography location is all about knowing your shoot’s vision, utilizing the right search tools, and keeping an open mind while exploring. Whether I’m scrolling through TikTok for trending spots, diving into Instagram geotags, or simply walking around my city, I’m always on the lookout for fresh and inspiring locations.
If you’re looking for a curated list of shoot locations in Southern California, stay tuned—I’ll be sharing some of my personal favorites soon.
Have a favorite way of scouting locations? Drop your tips in the comments!