Marissa and Darius’ beach bluff engagement session showcases quintessential relaxed SoCal vibes. This laid-back, artistic, and fun-loving duo was an absolute honor to work with! The moody weather, stunning beach location, and playful energy made for some truly gorgeous pictures, and we had fun creating them, too.

How to Choose Your Engagement Session Outfits

When it comes to engagement shoots (or any session, really), having the right wardrobe can take your photos to the next level. The outfits that Marissa and Darius chose for the beach bluff shoot perfectly embody this! Our shoot took place on a cool, overcast winter day at the beach, and their stylish retro clothing matched that energy so well. Proof that gloomy days can still work well for photos!

Try choosing outfits that complement the weather, each other, the lighting, and the location to attain that stylized and elevated look. You can choose casual or dressy options (or both if you want to add variety to your gallery). I also encourage couples to step out a little and wear something different than your typical everyday attire. That being said, it’s important that you still feel comfortable and confident in what you pick!

Go with the Flow

Another tip for achieving amazing engagement photos like these carefree beach bluff images is to let go and be present in the moment. I know, I know—it’s way easier said than done! But the more you play around, dance, laugh, and genuinely interact amid poses, the better your pictures will be. You might get a little dirty or wet, and that’s ok! I promise to guide you through poses to help you rock your session.

Marissa and Darius were up for anything during their shoot, and their easy-going energy definitely shined through in their images. We were able to get some beautiful and unique shots because of their willingness to try all the things! Focusing more on one another and less on posing or looking at the camera will give you photos that feel candid and authentic (because they will be!). 

Having confidence in your photographer is key. If you trust their talented eye and instinct to capture these raw, real moments artistically, you won’t need to worry about how you look. Talk with them beforehand if you’re nervous about being in front of the camera; we’re here for you! If all else fails, take a shot or have a drink before your shoot. I’m all for whatever will help loosen you up and make you feel silly and relaxed!

Get Inspired

Many couples unnecessarily stress when it comes to what to wear or expect for your session; utilize your photographer’s expertise! We’re more than happy to help set the tone for your shoot ahead of time. Our working relationship starts well before you’re in front of the camera!  My biggest suggestion to all clients is to make a mood board of images you like. I love using mood boards to see the vibe you envision to create images that reflect what you are most drawn to in photos. Share a handful of pictures or hundreds—I’m here for it! Pinterest is your best friend here! Plus, I post regularly on my website and social media platforms to provide ongoing inspiration from recent sessions I’ve photographed.

Check out my blog or portfolio. You can find me on Instagram @hannawalkowaik and Facebook @hannawalkowaikphotography.

Style Your SoCal Engagement Session with Me!

I may not be able to change the weather for your session, but I can certainly help you style your shoot and strategize SoCal photo locations with you! If you’re ready to plan your shoot or have more questions, connect with me here.