Cannon Beach, Oregon
It's no surprise that one of the most iconic natural landmarks in the Pacific Northwest also makes a breathtaking backdrop for fine art and horse and rider photoshoots. Despite the popularity of the area, it's not as hard as you might think to plan your Cannon Beach photoshoot.
If beach images of you and your horse are on your wish list, get in touch and let's plan a fantastic beach day!
The best access to the rock for horses is from the Tolovana Beach State Recreation Site. From there, the stretch of beach north to Haystack Rock, or Goonies Rock if you prefer, is your literal playground.
If you've never been to Cannon Beach, you're in for a treat. The beach is huge and skirted on the east by plenty of galleries, shops, and places to eat and explore. The large areas of packed sand down by the surf make riding along the shoreline a breeze. It also makes it possible to get show-stopping action shots and reflection images. Don't forget to set aside some time to check out the tide pools during low tide.
While a Cannon Beach photoshoot doesn't have to take any longer than a shoot anywhere else, you may want to make a weekend of it. When I head for the coast I typically book an Airbnb somewhere near the rock but most recently I stayed at the Surfsand Resort in Cannon Beach and I have not stopped thinking about it since. The service and setting were both perfection and it's dog friendly! This was my view from my room.
So maybe you came for the rock, but you'll still get a gallery full of variety as there are few bad angles in a place like this, especially if your horse doesn't mind wading into the water.
Also check out Ecola State Park, just up the road from Cannon Beach, for even more incredible views and some great hiking options. This shot happens to be a composite, but everything behind the horse is the unaltered view of Haystack Rock and surrounding areas from the park.
Do not forget to catch a sunset or two while you're here. You won't get the same one twice and they're really something to see. When I was there last, the beach was basically bedazzled with fire rings in the evenings, so grab some blankets and s'mores kits and make an evening of it!
