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Angeles National Forest Engagement Session // FAQs

Between this glowing forest engagement session at Angeles National Forest and their upcoming wedding at Saddlerock Ranch, Sabrina and Edgar know how to do it right. After all, you can’t go back and re-do these moments. They’re adventurers at heart, always looking for another place to explore and experience, so this was the perfect backdrop for them.

Finding Your Los Angeles Engagement Photographer

What some people don’t know is that a photographer—a good photographer—does so much more than wield a camera. It’s more than good editing and high-tech gadgets. At heart, a photographer is an artist guided by skill and intuition. To get those wall-worthy portraits you can’t wait to show off, I’m here for the whole process!

As your photographer, you can count on me to:

-Recommend locations that fit your style and personality
-Offer outfit guidance
-Plan out the schedule and logistics for your session
-Help obtain location permits if needed
-Provide posing guidance & analyze the best lighting angles
-Navigate tourist and bystander situations
-Scout out the perfect spots to create variety
-Create a great experience for you so you can relax & have fun!

And that’s just during the session… Afterward, I sort through hundreds of images, pulling out the best and lightly polishing them. You’ll receive private access to your curated online gallery where you can select your favorites for albums, wall art, and more.

*Note: There is such a thing as over processing images, and I prefer a more natural editing style and true-to-color images for a timeless look that you’ll love forever. I also gravitate toward those priceless in-action shots that reflect real, raw emotion over posed still shots. Imagine freeze-framing your favorite moments. That’s what I’m here for.

Check out my portfolio of Couple’s Highlights to see if we’re a good style fit. Want a few gifs mixed in? I can do that, too!

Angeles National Forest Engagement Session

All that being said, Sabrina and Edgar inquired with me about an engagement session with mountains and trees. I got to scouting and found us a secret little spot in the Angeles National Forest! It checked all the boxes: tree-lined hiking trails, mountain views, and extra privacy. (We were the only ones there which made for awesome photos on this gloriously sunny day!)

Covering across 700,000 acres, this unique national forest sprawls across the high desert, over towering mountains, and through dense evergreen forests. Amongst all this terrain, it’s not hard to find a place all to yourself. There are endless locations, and the scenery changes drastically in just a few miles. Basically, anywhere you can pull your car over is a photo moment. We chose to walk just a few minutes down a serene trail to find these hidden gems—no lengthy hiking required!

Do we need a permit to take photos at Angeles National Forest?

Since we aren’t filming commercial photography, we don’t need a special photography permit for your session. However, we will need a general permit to enter the park at certain locations. A National Recreation Pass or Annual Adventure Pass ($30) will work if you have one, or we can purchase a day pass for $5.

Perks of an Angeles National Forest Engagement Session

If you want a natural backdrop for you session, this beautiful national park features incredible biodiversity. It has a Mediterranean climate with cool wet winters and hot dry summers. (Keep that in mind when booking your session and so you can dress and prepare accordingly.) The chaparral is home to interesting native plants and grasses that photograph beautifully if you want some texture and color in your photos. The pines and rolling San Gabriel Mountain Range paints a picture-perfect backdrop for a romantic engagement session.

Plus, an Angeles National Forest engagement session is inexpensive, accessible, and uncrowded. You can check out some popular sites and trails within Angeles National Forest here.