Are you considering having a beach engagement session in the Los Angeles area? Los Angeles is centrally located to several beach locations making the beach a desirable setting for a photo shoot. As a Los Angeles wedding and couples photographer, I spend my fair share of days on the beach documenting love stories. Keep reading to see some of my favorite beach sessions as well as 3 tips to help you prepare for your beach photo shoot!
Why a beach engagement session?
If you are recently engaged in the Los Angeles area and wondering if a beach engagement session is for you, let’s talk about it! The beach is a very versatile setting. You can take a more casual approach and rock neutrals and jeans, or dress it up for a more elegant feel. The beach also offers a wide range of lighting and makes for a stunning sunset.
Tips for Beach Engagement Sessions
Speaking of lighting, let’s talk time of day!
- Pick a time of day
There is not a “bad” time to shoot at the beach. However, the time of day will give a different look due to the lighting. The most popular times for a beach session are sunrise, sunset, and just after sunset or blue hour. Of course other factors may come into play when planning a sunrise or sunset session, so we will talk about these details specific to your location during your consultation call. The three images below show the variations in lighting during some of my most recent beach engagement sessions.
2. Add some variety & Incorporate your personality
Once you decide on a time of day, we can begin to think of how we can add variety to your gallery. From outfit changes to props we can work to maximize the authentic and artistic images within your digital gallery. As seen in the gallery below, props do not have to be cheesy or over the top. I love to include subtle things such as champagne toasts, cameras, or something unique to the couple and their love story.
3. Determine Outfits
Clothing that makes you feel comfortable is always the best choice.
It’s not uncommon for people to want to shop for new, sparkly, fabulous clothes to wear to a photoshoot. And that’s totally fine – if that’s your jam, but let’s talk about comfort a little more.
Do you think you’d be more comfortable in your favorite t-shirt and jeans or a new clingy little black dress? The best route is usually to go with something that’s tried and true. Something you know moves with you and hugs you in all the right places.
Don’t get me wrong – it 100% does not have to be jeans and a t-shirt. You can glam it up a bit more if that’s what you fancy. But if authenticity is what you’re after, you’re going to have to show up as yourself.
Plan your outfits around what you know about the conditions at the location we’ll be shooting at. You’ll want to be warm enough (or cool enough!), have pain-free feet, and look relatively native to your environment. The idea is to authentically capture you wherever you are.
Think through your clothing choices logically based on location, vibe, and comfort level.
If you are a recently engaged couple in the Los Angeles area looking to book a beach engagement session, let’s start the planning process! You can find my contact page here.
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