"A Proposal, Coyotes, and the Photographer Who Yelled to Scare Them Off"


There are certain photographers who are just driven to create, and will do nearly anything to get the shot. Getting in the lake, the boat, on the ladders, tables and chairs or up in a tree. Or in this case, hiking to the top of a snowy hill in a field in the middle of nowhere, and yelling to scare off coyotes.

A serene winter landscape with snow-covered hills stretching into the distance.

I first heard from J in the fall, with his news that he was going to propose! He asked me if I’d be able to hide out at the top of the hill on the winter hike he had planned for them, to capture the moment for his surprise engagement.


Of course! I was super excited for this beautiful snowy location and romantic moment! When J mentioned it was in Duntroon, just outside of Creemore, I knew it would be beautiful. We had our fingers crossed for good weather, set the date, and booked the shoot.


About a week before the proposal date I drove out to scope the location and make sure we had a seamless plan for where I’d be hiding, and how the moment would play out. I hiked up to the top of a snowy farmers field, lined with beautiful old growth forest. Then, standing there, frozen at the top of the hill, to my surprise…the coyote! I yelled like the human maniac I am, got big and loud, yelling “GO ON, GET OUTTA HERE…EEYAAHHHH!!!” I truly had not anticipated any wildlife encounters, but I trusted my instincts and went with a good old “EEYAH, YAH!” which seemed to do the trick to send the coyote running for the forest. Whew!

Two people in winter coats share an intimate embrace while standing in deep snow on a misty winter day.
A man in a winter jacket opens an engagement ring box for a woman in a winter jacket, in a snowy field on a cloudy day.
Two people in winter coats embrace in a close hug against a snowy landscape background.
Someone in a blue winter jacket and black beanie wiping a tear from their eye against snowy landscape.
A happy couple in winter jackets showing off an engagement ring in the snow.
A couple shares a playful piggyback ride moment in a snowy winter landscape.
An intimate winter moment captured as a couple in warm coats shares a tender touch.
A couple holds hands while walking through deep snow with rolling hills in the background.
Close-up of hands showing an engagement ring against winter coats.
A romantic winter embrace captured against a snowy landscape background.
A tender moment shared between a couple in winter clothing against a snowy backdrop.
An engaged couple in winter coats sharing an intimate moment with a ring visible.
A romantic proposal moment in the snow with a diamond ring prominently displayed.
A joyful engagement moment captured with the ring visible between the happy couple.
A couple laughing together in winter coats against a snow-covered landscape.

In the end, we decided I’d be a “landscape photographer” out in the wild with my tripod, taking photos. Far less suspicious and awkward than popping out from behind a hay bale, right? We planned to let them walk past me, just as I was “packing up”. I waited until I saw them crest the hill, and started to slowly pack up the tripod. I gave them a very curt “hey, how are ya” and head nod as they passed by me. I was casually putting my camera back in my bag and walking towards them, and just as J began to pop the question - I pulled my camera back out and got.the.shot!


She was so excited! The moment couldn’t have turned out more perfect, and I’m so honoured to have been chosen to capture such a magical memory for this adventure loving couple.


Thinking of popping the question? I’d be honoured to be a part of it! Simply send me a message, and we’ll create an epic plan to capture beautiful memories of you and your love kicking off forever together!


-Xox, Hillary

Two distant figures traverse a snowy winter hillside overlooking a vast rural landscape in black and white.