Don't be afraid to get your dress wetâthe playful splashes and fiery sky create images that burst with life and energy.
He
Linen shirt + t-shirt + chinos
Beige and white
She
Wrap dress
Burnt orange
You hear the whisper of receding waves, feel the cool water swirl around your ankles. Itâs 6:20 p.m., and the sun hangs lowâjust 25 minutes from dropping below the horizon. I met you at the Cannon Beach access point an hour ago, when the light was still bright and the tide was pulling back. Now the sand is firm and mirror-wet, reflecting gold and pale rose. Youâre barefoot, hems of your linen pants already soaked. Your partnerâs cream blouse catches the warm light, and her rust-colored skirt deepens against the blue-gray of the Pacific. I have you walk together, hands swinging, as I back up with a 70-200mm lens at f/4. The compression layers the sceneâthe silhouette of Haystack Rock in the distance, the foam of a spent wave, your laughter as you glance at each other. 'Splash a little!' I call. You kick through a shallow sheet of water, droplets freezing mid-air, catching the sun like scattered coins. For your beach engagement photos, this is the perfect alchemy: the right hour, the right tide, the right willingness to get a little wet. I switch to a 35mm lens at f/1.8 for a few close-ups, the lens just inches from your joined hands as you twirl. The air is cooling, the light is fleeting. Within ten minutes, the sun slips beneath the sea, and the sky ignites in tangerine and magenta. I capture a final wide shot, your silhouettes small against the blaze. Youâre shivering now, but grinning. The towel and dry shoes you stashed in the car will feel like a luxury. When you plan beach engagement photos, always pack as if youâre going for a swim: expect wet clothes, chilled skin, and sand in every pocketâand a set of images that feel alive.
đ Golden Hour â Shoot in the hour after sunrise or before sunset for warm, flattering light and long soft shadows.
A typical session lasts 60-90 minutes, focused around golden hour. I usually meet couples an hour before sunset to capture the shifting lightâfrom bright and warm to the deep, fiery colors post-sunset. This timeframe allows for walking, splashing, and a few pose variations without feeling rushed. If you want multiple locations along the beach, add 30 minutes. Keep in mind that the best light is fleeting; arriving early ensures youâre relaxed and ready when the sky begins its show. Tell your photographer if youâd like a few quick portraits in the blue twilight just after the sun drops.
It depends on the beach. Many public beaches donât require a permit for casual, handheld photography, but some state parks or protected shorelinesâlike Californiaâs El Matador or Oregonâs Cape Kiwandaâmay require a commercial photography permit. I always check regulations a week before the shoot and apply if needed. If youâre hiring a professional, they typically handle this. Privately owned or resort beaches might have their own rules. When in doubt, call the local park office. A small fee beats having your session interrupted.
Going barefoot feels natural and creates a relaxed, intimate vibe. Itâs my go-to for most beach sessions. The sensation of sand and water underfoot adds to the authentic joy youâll see in the images. However, if the beach is rocky or has sharp shells, I suggest wearing neutral sandals that blend with your outfit until we hit the smoother sand. I also keep a pair of flip-flops nearby for walking back to the car. Bare feet often look best, but comfort and safety come firstâespecially if the tide pools are shell-strewn.
Wind can be your secret weapon for dramatic, flowing shots. I embrace it by having you face into the breeze so hair blows back, or stand side-on to create movement in skirts and loose clothing. If itâs gusty enough to cause squinting, Iâll position you with the wind at your back. A textured updo or half-up style helps control flyaways, and a light hairspray is a good insurance. Avoid stiff, structured outfitsâthey catch wind awkwardly. Instead, lean into the boho linens that flutter beautifully. Windy conditions often bring crisp, clear air and vibrant sunsets.
Yes, but keep props simple and meaningful. A cozy blanket for sitting on the sand, a vintage umbrella, or a bottle of champagne with glasses can add personality without distracting from you two. Iâve had couples bring a guitar, a picnic setup, or even their dog. The key is to integrate props so they feel natural, not staged. Iâll work them into candid momentsâlike pouring a drink or wrapping up together. Avoid heavy items that sink in the sand. And always let me know beforehand so I can plan the light and composition.
I always check tide charts before scheduling. If high tide coincides with golden hour, the shoreline shrinks, which can limit walking space and cover reflective wet sand. We can still shoot closer to the dunes or bluffs, or embrace the dramatic waves crashing in the background. Sometimes a high tide creates moody, spray-filled frames. If youâre set on wide, open flats, weâll reschedule for a day with low tide at sunset. Flexibility is keyâIâll discuss tide times within a week of our shoot and offer backup dates if needed.
Yes, sand will get everywhereâthatâs part of the charm. Expect it between your toes, on your clothes, and in your camera bag. I recommend bringing a brush to dust off before getting in the car, and a change of clothes for the drive home. Microfiber towels are great for wiping down gear and feet. If you worry about your outfit, know that dry sand usually shakes out; wet sand may leave a faint residue. Donât fret over it. The candid moments of you brushing sand off each other often make for some of the sweetest, most unposed images.