Will Rogers State Beach Anniversary Session | Los Angeles Couples Photographer
Will Rogers State Beach Anniversary Session | Los Angeles Couples Photographer
As a photographer I love photographing love.
Brittany and Chad are definitely in love and it was a joy to have them in my lens for a second year of their annual anniversary sessions.
There’s a special kind of magic that happens when a couple has more than one session with a photographer. The familiarity breeds a flow and an ease like three friends getting together for coffee. This is why when couples are picking their wedding photographer, I always advise having an engagement session with them. It’s so important to me that as a Los Angeles Wedding Photographer I offer complimentary engagement sessions when someone books their full day wedding with me.
In this blog post, I'll explore the versatility of anniversary sessions and provide five tips to help you make the most of your session and prepare for a stunning beach photoshoot. Let's dive in!
Embrace Your Unique Story
Your anniversary session is an opportunity to showcase the depth and authenticity of your relationship. Make it a reflection of who you are as a couple, beyond the label of 'engaged.' Choose meaningful locations or “props” that hold sentimental value, like the place you had your first date or items that represent important milestones in your journey together.
Brittaney and Chad wanted to have their session at a place near and dear to their hearts, Will Rogers State Beach in Santa Monica, CA. This spot is where Brittaney open water swims while training for triathlons, such as The Iron Man, while Chad glides on the waves with his surfboard.
Another element they included was this fun VW bus, which was similar to their getaway vehicle on their wedding night 9 years ago. It added a really fun way to create connection and visually tell their story.
Dress to Impress
Selecting outfits that express your personal style as a couple can transform your anniversary session into a visually stunning experience. Coordinate your outfits while still allowing your individual personalities to shine through. Choose colors and styles that complement each other and the environment, creating a cohesive and visually appealing look.
Brittaney and Chad have a vision when it comes to the feeling they want their sessions to have. Their last session included a beautiful sparkly dress, a tailored suit as well as a triathlon bike and helmets. Check a few shots out below.
For this session they went for a slightly retro feel for the beginning of the session. I love the pop of color that the bus brings against the Los Angeles coastline, and their bathing suits for sure bring an element of fun. As the sun got lower in the sky they changed into more of an evening feel. I think Brittaney looked like a beautiful mermaid in her dress, which she rented from RENT THE RUNWAY. It’s such a great way to get some beautiful pieces for your session without needing to add them to your wardrobe.
Let Love Be Your Guide
During your anniversary session, focus on the bond and connection between the two of you. Allow your emotions to shine through and forget about the camera. Celebrate your love with laughter, tender moments, and genuine interactions. Find a photographer to capture that can prompt you into those candid, raw expressions that truly encapsulate the essence of your relationship.
For this part of their session, I had Chad walk up to Brittaney and talk to her as if they had never met. It added a lot of genuine playfulness, laughter and fun for all.
Timing is Key
If you're planning a beach photoshoot, timing is crucial for capturing the perfect lighting and ambiance. Plan your session during the golden hours – the hour after sunrise or the hour before sunset – for that magical, soft glow. Timing your session around these hours will ensure beautiful, warm lighting and a romantic atmosphere for your beach portraits.
We met about 90 minutes before the sun was scheduled to hit the horizon, so the beginning of the session was a little brighter which worked well with the beach and surf feeling.
We did their wardrobe change as the sun got lower in the sky and we shot until about 20 minutes after the sun hit the horizon. Where golden hour light is warm and vibrant, blue hour light feels more soft and romantic. Brittaney and I even saw the green light as the sun hit the horizon for the first time together. We joked that we are bonded for life now!
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Embrace the Elements
The beach offers a unique environment for photography, with its windswept beaches, crashing waves, and stunning scenery. Embrace the elements and incorporate them into your session. Let the wind play with your hair, kick off your shoes and dip your toes in the water, and allow the waves to add movement and texture to your images. By fully immersing yourselves in the beach experience, you'll create memories that will last a lifetime.
Bonus tip: Bring a warm gallon of water and a towel to wash your feet of after your Los Angeles beach session.
Anniversary sessions go beyond engagement sessions, capturing the beauty and growth of your love story. With my five tips, you'll feel confident and prepared to make your anniversary session truly memorable. Embrace your unique story, dress to express your personalities, and let your love shine. And when it comes to beach photoshoots, time it right, dress comfortably, and embrace the natural elements for breathtaking results. Get ready for a delightful and memorable experience that will celebrate your love, commitment, and joy.
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