Do you want to book a photoshoot with your significant other but truly despise the cliche poses and photos you often see posted on social media? I get it! Those photoshoots can feel awkward and forced, especially if you’re alread a little camera shy. One thing I have spent a lot of time working on with couples is unique photoshoot ideas for their sessions. I want my clients to feel comfortable and like their most true selves during their couples photoshoot.

So many couples I work with request outdoor engagement photos, and I don’t blame them! A moment of twirling with your love amongst tall trees, or sharing a kiss in a field of wildflowers, can truly create the perfect environment for dreamy engagement photos. But what do you do when the weather decides not to cooperate and casts a shadow on your sunny day plans?

Does this sound like you: you’ve just gotten engaged and you’re planning to schedule a photoshoot to commemorate this big moment in your life, but you’re just not feeling inspired? Or, you’re excited to have someone capture these images, but don’t want the same, basic engagement photos you see everyone else posting on social media? The good news is, I have plenty of clients who want to mix things up and get creative for their engagement photos!

When you think of San Francisco do you immediately think of the Golden Gate Bridge, or is that just me? Many couples who book engagement photos in the Bay Area request views of this iconic monument, or other San Fran popularities. Being somewhat new to the area, I’ve made it my personal mission to find all the best engagement photo locations in San Francisco.

Capturing your love in one of your favorite places can make the photos all the more special. When you already have so many wonderful memories in a place, having professional photos taken there can really enrich the experience. When Camille and Joey reached out to book an adventurous engagement shoot, I was so excited to hear they wanted to capture their love in Yosemite Valley – one of my favorite places!

After my last blog post it’s no surprise that Lake Tahoe has quickly stolen my heart. The more time I spend here in these mountains, the more certain I am that I will be coming back for years to come! Between the serene forests, golden-hour sunsets on the lake, and lush hidden valleys tucked between snow-capped peaks — the possibilities seem endless.

I had the pleasure of photographing Jimmy’s proposal to Briana last year. I was delighted when they reached out again to photograph their engagement session. After a little debate on the location, Briana proposed we’d shoot at the San Juan Capistrano Mission! I was sold on the idea immediately.

As much as I love a simple, quiet elopement day in a scenic outdoor space, I’m a city girl at heart. And for some time I’ve been wanting to show clients that there is romantic beauty in even the densest city centers. Newly engaged couple Amanda and Alan agreed to be our bride and groom for the day. We met first at Exposition Park Rose Garden in USC. The afternoon light dissolved perfectly among large colorful roses. The glowy light around them was just breathtaking. Most people would be so surprised that these photos where taken in the middle of Los Angeles!

Spring blooms can be fickle in Southern California. If we don’t get enough rain, or if a certain area is ravaged by wildfires the year before, the flowers can quickly die out before I get a chance to enjoy them. This year, I didn’t have too much hope for a flower-filled spring engagement season. But Bekah, Austin, and I just happened to catch Malibu Creek State Park at the most opportune time.

I’ve been wanting to try out some new ideas for sometime now. Thankfully, I have no shortage of sweet couples who are willing to get their photo taken. Eunice and Christian were all about this elopement styled shoot. We worked together on a concept and location. I love how stylish and classic the scenery at Pasadena City Hall is. We met there early in the morning. Eunice brought fresh extra styling pieces, including a beautiful bouquet she made herself!