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Top 5 Insider Tips for Breath-Taking Engagement Photos in Laguna Beach":
In this article, delve into our top 5 insider tips that will make your engagement photos truly special.
Laguna Beach CA. Engagement Photos
Welcome to Laguna Beach, a slice of coastal heaven that's just perfect for your engagement photos! The coastal community of Laguna Beach in South Orange County is in my opinion the most beautiful location for engagement photos in the OC. I love the natural cliffs that run parallel to the sandy beaches and the ocean. The sunsets here are breathtaking all year round. As a local expert, I’m thrilled to share some insider tips that will make your photo session truly special. Around here, we’re spoiled with jaw-dropping sunsets and stunning beaches that serve as the ultimate backdrop for your love story.
In this guide, we’ll dive into the best times and places to capture those magical moments, from the soft, golden light of early morning to the secluded spots where you can steal a kiss undisturbed. I’ll walk you through everything from choosing the right outfits to finding the perfect local photographer who can bring your vision to life. Whether you’re local or visiting for your shoot, I’ve got the inside scoop to help you make the most of every click. So, let’s get started and make some beautiful memories together in one of the most picturesque towns on the Pacific Coast!
Looking for a local photographer to help plan & capture your engagement photos?
We would be excited to help you with any family portraits, surprise marriage proposals, or any other photography in Laguna Beach.
Tip # 1: Timing is Everything
Planning Your Engagement Session
The goal is to have an amazing experience, capture this special time in your life, and walk away with stunning engagement photos. For the most optimal results, begin with the small details. Discuss when to plan the shoot for optimal results.
- Best Time of Year: Laguna Beach is an all-year-round destination, with mild temperatures throughout the year. However, if you live near the coast in Southern California you know about "May Gray" and "June Gloom". These refer to the marine layer and overcast conditions that are common during these months. The ideal season to get engagement photos would be the fall months between September to October and during the springtime late February to April. While there are many days when the sun is shining, these months tend to be more reliable and since they are the shoulder season for summer and winter holidays, they tend to be less crowded. To avoid crowds plan your engagement photo session mid-week. Weekends can be very busy with beachgoers.
- Avoid Crowds: Early mornings are also great for avoiding crowds at popular spots like Main Beach.
- Golden Hour: Couples love to add the element of romance in their Laguna beach portraits, one way to do this is taking photos just before sunset. The light softens and becomes beautiful, we call this the golden hour.
- Getting Photo Permits: Laguna Beach requires photo permits. This can be arranged in advance.
- Tidal Chart: It is very important to know the tidal chart for the beach you choose. Many beaches in Laguna are not accessible during high tide making it impossible to have a photo shoot during those times.
Pro Tip: The wind tends to die down at the beaches during sunset.
Tip # 2: Choosing the Right Locations
Iconic Beaches vs. Hidden Gems
Iconic Beaches:
Consider classic Laguna Beach landmarks for your backdrop, such as the historic lifeguard tower at Main Beach, the rocky outcrops of Heisler Park, or the dramatic cliffs at Victoria Beach. Each offers a unique vibe, from playful and sunny to dramatic and intimate.
1. Treasure Island Beach (TIB)
#1 on the list of best beaches for portraits because of its versatility and raw beauty.
- TIB is an easy spot to coordinate meeting up and finding parking.
- It's also one of the larger beaches that still has space for photography on a higher tide.
- The rock arch, often referred to as the notch, arch, or keyhole is also a uniquely Laguna Beach landmark.
Map to Treasure Island Beach
Pro Tip: I like the early morning before the sun gets over the hills to the East. The ocean also looks a deeper shade of blue in the morning. Afternoons have more golden light and tend to be windy.
2. Main Beach
Is the epicenter of the Laguna Beach lifestyle, and as a result, is very popular with tourists and locals. I take my photography clients to Main Beach when they want to have a session with more variety than just beach photos
- Laguna Village is full of cool secret spots to shoot cool photos.
- Sometimes it makes sense to begin a session in the downtown area to capture some lifestyle images.
- Then make the short walk down to the main beach at the historic lifeguard station and further north to the tidepools below Heisler Park Gazebo.
Map to Main Beach In Laguna
Hidden Gems:
For a more unique session, explore lesser-known areas like Shaws Cove and Victoria Beach known for their stunning ocean views.
1. Shaws Cove
Everyone should experience a day at Shaws Cove. This idyllic beach makes you feel like you're part of a special club. The pace of life slows down when you're there and you can't help taking a moment to admire the beauty of the cove.
- This is my favorite beach in Laguna because of its hidden location and raw beauty.
- I also love the light. Especially on the north side of the cove in the afternoon.
- The cliffs will also block some of the typical afternoon wind most days.
- Also an amazing location to propose.
- Be aware, lots of stairs to access the beach from the street.
Directions to Shaw's Cove
2. Victoria Beach
This beach is a gorgeous spot for beach photos. It's popular because of the tower, however, the tower is the last reason I'd choose it for any type of portraiture. The pirate tower is just a cherry on top.
- My favorite spot to shoot is the rocks immediately below the tower or the retaining wall when the high tide has created a reflection pool.
Pro Tips: The Pirate Tower is located on Mermaid Beach just to the right of Victoria Beach. When you reach the sand walk to the right and out onto the rocks till you can see the tower.
Map To Victoria Beach Pirate Tower
Tip # 3: Outfit Selection and Coordination
Coordinate don't match
Color Coordination: Opt for colors that complement the natural surroundings. Soft blues, corals, and creams echo the beach vibe. Avoid overly busy patterns that might clash with the natural textures of the landscape. Decide on a color scheme when planning outfits for the beach.
Comfort Meets Style: Choose outfits that not only look good but also allow you to move freely. Flowing dresses and comfortable footwear are ideal for navigating sandy beaches and rocky shores.
Tip # 4: Work with a Local Photographer
Benefits of a Local Photographer
Local Expertise: A local photographer not only knows the best "secret" spots but also understands how the light changes with the seasons and times of day. They can guide you to get the best shots possible, taking advantage of Laguna's natural beauty.
Portfolio Review: When choosing a photographer, look for someone whose style matches the mood you want for your engagement photos. Review their portfolio for past engagement shoots to ensure their aesthetic aligns with your vision.
Tip # 5: Incorporate Personal Touches
What's Your Story
Props and Themes: Ideas for incorporating elements that reflect the couple’s personality and relationship (e.g., surfboards, picnic setups).
Storytelling: How to use the engagement shoot to tell your love story. Choose a location that is meaningful to you. Let the photographer guide you during your photoshoot.
PRO TIP: Hire a photographer who uses a special tool called a diffusion panel for incredible results here.
Bonus Tips:
Photo Permits, Ocean Tides, & Parking
Photography Permits In Laguna Beach
Photo Permits are required in all Laguna Beach City Beaches for professional photography. They cost $100 and are good for 2 hours at one pre-selected location. They can be purchased directly from the city of Laguna Beach Photo permit webpage
Ocean Tides In Laguna Beach
Due to the nature of the low and small beaches in Laguna, they are often flooded by high tides and surf. Some beaches actually completely disappear during higher tides. So it's important to incorporate the tides into your beach photo shoot planning. I use this tide prediction tool from NOAA connected to nearby Balboa to decide on the best times to schedule a photo session on Laguna Beaches. Every beach is different and will handle a tidal level differently, so it's worth it to hire a professional photographer with experience in Laguna to help plan the best location and timing for your family portrait session.
Parking In Laguna Beach
Parking in Laguna can be a bit hectic, especially on a beautiful day. There is limited free parking near most beaches, however, free parking can be found in most neighborhoods inland of Pacific Coast Highway.
It's easiest to park in public lots or metered spaces if you want to be close to most beaches in Laguna, CA.
All meters or parking kiosks accept credit cards. However, I find it easier to use the parking app that works across all of Laguna's Pay lots or meters.
The app is called LAGUNA BEACH PARKING and can be downloaded from the Apple App Store HERE or from the Android Store HERE
It's worth downloading if you're in Laguna Beach or just want to have an easy parking experience.
FAQ
Some of our most frequently asked questions from couples
Have more questions? Get in touch with us to start planning your engagement portraits today.
Meet The Author & Photographer
Call Me Chris
Thanks for checking out my favorite beaches for photography in Laguna Beach. As you can tell I'm excited to share my discoveries having photographed LOTS of people all over Laguna. I hope you can plan something fun with these tips.
Meet The Author & Photographer
Call Me Chris
Thanks for checking out my favorite beaches for photography in Laguna Beach. As you can tell I'm excited to share my discoveries having photographed LOTS of people all over Laguna. I hope you can plan something fun with these tips.
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