It is a special time of year at the beach in Southern California. The days are short, the air is crisp and the sunsets are spectacular. Every so often, the warm Santa Ana winds blow through and create absolutely perfect weather conditions for romantic beach engagement photos.
This was the case when Erin and I met Tarashaun and Josh at the pier in Hermosa Beach in the afternoon of January 14th for their engagement photo shoot. We were originally scheduled to meet in the morning to take advantage of the soft, diffused light and calm winds. However, the weather shifted the previous day, and we felt we would get the best photos in the afternoon light, without a threat of wind.
It turned out to be the right decision.
We met Tarashaun and Josh at 2:30pm, with the sun due to set at 5:07pm. This gave us close to three hours to walk around the beach and capture amazing photographs of a beautiful couple…talk about work! 😉
Tarashaun and Josh were well prepared! Prior to the shoot, they researched what colors and styles of clothing would work best for a beach engagement shoot. (Click here to view the Erin & Jake ‘What to Wear to your Engagement Photoshoot’ PDF) They each showed up with three outfits so they could mix and match and create a wide variety of looks. As photographers, we couldn’t appreciate this more!
We started our session by walking a few blocks away from the pier. This would minimize the crowds and give Tarashaun and Josh a little bit of privacy…not that they needed it! They were one of the most naturally affectionate couples we’ve had the pleasure of photographing. Everything was easy with them and nothing ever seemed forced or unnatural.
We spent the next two hours walking around the beach and capturing stunning images the entire time. Tarashaun and Josh were such great sports…they climbed up on the lifeguard tower (the ramp was not attached!) to get some fun shots, and even got wet as they let the cold ocean waves splash them…all in the name of getting great photos!
As the sun began to creep towards the horizon, the temperatures dropped quickly. We decided to make our way back to the pier and finish our day shooting a few silhouettes before the light was gone and it got too cold.
When all was said and done, it was easily one of the most memorable engagement shoots Erin and I have had the pleasure of photographing. From the perfect weather and incredible light, to the photogenic and passionate couple, everything worked in our favor for this one.