It was a breathtaking display of love and cosmic wonder, Macy of Macy Alex Photography and now fiancé Alex Hoffpauir orchestrated an unforgettable proposal to Austynn Harbison against the backdrop of the total eclipse at Murrell Park, Texas, overlooking the serene waters of Grapevine Lake. The iconic shot of the proposal made the national news. Thanks so much Macy for taking the time to answer a few of our questions!
When and how did you decide to become a photographer and to capture people’s life moments?
When I was 15! It’s been a long journey but I recieved my Bachelor in Fine Arts from UNT ans well as my Master in Business and then went into corporate marketing for about a decade. Slowly but surely my photography side hustle grew bigger and bigger until I decided to go full time this past January.
When did you start photographing engagements? Are there usually set up after the facts or do you often become part of the surprise?
I’ve always photographed proposals and engagements – I am nosey by nature and love to be the first to know something so a proposal is extra fun for me! Usually the proposer will reach out to me and we make a plan together. It’s a lot of fun to be part of something so full of joy!
Tell us about this iconic eclipse proposal. How long was it in the works?
There were weeks of planning and anticipation . The journey began when Alex shared his vision with me in mid-March. Austynn and Alex had been together for over five years and a solar event that would not happen for another 20 years seemed like the perfect time. After shopping a few locations, Alex and I chose Murrell Park for its panoramic cliffs, providing an idyllic setting to line up the couple with the eclipse.
Alex and Austynn arrived twenty minutes before the event, and with some smart maneuvering by Alex, set up right where I had pointed the flash.When totality hit, Alex knelt before Austynn and asked her to say yes to forever with a gorgeous, sapphire ring from Staghead Designs. Thanks to great timing on Alex’s part, I was able to seize the opportune moment and capture the eclipse right when the diamond effect was happening.
Was it the first time you had photographed an eclipse? What are the technical challenges?
It was my first time! Because it gets so dark for totality, you have to use a flash to light your subject and get the eclipse in the same shot. I also didn’t know for sure where they’d be so I had to guess and thankfully I placed the flash just right.
Tell us about your favorite proposal shoots so far in your career.
This one is by far my favorite! I also had a beautiful proposal in late February that coincided with a pregnancy announcement!
Any tips for people looking for a photographer. How can you know who to pick?
Find someone you can call a friend. Getting your photos done, especially engagement or wedding photos is a super intimate process and can leave people feeling vulnerable. Look for someone who makes you feel seen and makes you want to hang out with them – that’s how you get the best photos!
