Surprise Proposal at Beavertail State Park: Ryan & Kelly in Jamestown, RI
Surprise Proposal Shoot Quick Facts
Primary Location: Beavertail State Park, Jamestown, Rhode Island.
Nearby Landmark: Beavertail Lighthouse.
Historical Site: Battery Whiting (Coastal Defense Battery).
Strategy: “Dog walking” ruse for a pet-friendly surprise proposal.
Optimal Lighting: Morning or late afternoon (avoiding mid-day vertical shadows).
Strategic Planning for a Pet-Friendly Newport Proposal
When Ryan contacted me from out-of-state for a last-minute Newport proposal, we initially evaluated various beaches and the Cliff Walk. However, because the couple was traveling with their dog, Dewey, I recommended Beavertail State Park as the premier pet-friendly location. The vast coastal trails allowed for a natural “dog walking” ruse that successfully maintained the element of surprise.
“Only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the mid-day sun” ~ Noel Coward
Navigating Mid-Day Lighting Challenges
Due to scheduling constraints, the proposal was set for noon in mid-July. As a professional photographer, I adapted to the harsh vertical shadows of the mid-day sun by scouting specific pockets of shade near Lot #2. I selected a “lea side” location protected from the strong southern breeze, ensuring the couple remained comfortable and the audio (for any video) stayed clear.
The Execution: Tactical Positioning and Concealment
To ensure the surprise was absolute, I utilized a “tourist with a backpack” disguise, hiding my Canon 1DX and 70-200mm f/2.8 lens behind a park fence until the critical moment. I utilized a sequence of annotated photos and real-time GPS coordinates to guide Ryan to the exact “Plan B” spot at Battery Whiting, providing a dramatic backdrop of Narragansett Bay for the proposal.
To the right of my truck, there is a cut-through
This is the spot protected from the wind by the bushes on the left
The Result: A Perfect Jamestown Engagement
Despite the high-noon sun and 85-degree temperatures, the pivot to a shaded “tiny tree” location allowed for beautiful, intimate engagement portraits immediately following the proposal. The session combined the rugged coastal beauty of Jamestown with the personal touch of including the family pet.
The history of the plan B location: Battery Whiting
Battery Whiting is a former coastal artillery battery on Beavertail Point in Jamestown, Rhode Island. It was built during the Endicott Period of coastal defense (1885–1905) and was named after Lieutenant Colonel Levi Whiting, a U.S. Army artillery officer who served during the War of 1812.
The battery was built in two phases. The first phase, completed in 1903, consisted of two 3-inch M1903 guns mounted on M1903 Barbette carriages. The second phase, completed in 1942, consisted of two additional 3-inch guns that were moved from Battery Whiting (1) at Fort Getty.
Battery Whiting was decommissioned in 1946 and is now part of Beavertail State Park. The battery is open to the public and can be reached by a short walk from the Beavertail Lighthouse.
In 1973, the state of Rhode Island entered into an agreement with the U.S. Park Service to rehabilitate Battery Whiting and turn it into a tourist attraction. However, the project has never been funded and the battery remains in its original state.
In 2023, the state is considering waiving the contractual obligation to rehabilitate Battery Whiting. The town of Jamestown has been asked to concur with this request.
The history of Battery Whiting is a reminder of the important role that coastal defense played in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The battery is also a valuable historical resource that can teach us about the history of warfare and the development of coastal defense technology.
If you would like to learn more about surprise proposal photoshoots, pop-over to the Proposal/Engagement web page for details on pricing and lots of information for planning the perfect surprise proposal.
TOP TIP
After photographing many, many, surprise proposals…
Never do anything different. A behaviour change will give the game away!