ASTRAY PHOTOGRAPHY

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Dreamy sunset engagement session at Carlsbad Cliffs

Andrew & Elisa

There are certain nights where the elements just line up in your favor. This was one of those nights. Andrew and Elisa made their way out to San Diego a few months back where we planned their engagement photos along the coast of one of our favorite beaches. With the beach pretty much to ourselves we kicked our shoes off and created magic under the cliffs.


Engagement photo shoots like this are an absolute dream! Both Andrew and Elisa were such a pleasure to work with and so happy and excited to be here. We always love when the energy is reciprocated and they both had a smile on their face the entire day :) We always suggest making a full day out of your engagement session. Whether that mean taking a half day and grabbing a late lunch or drinks before hand - It really eases the tension so there is no stress but allows you two to really be in the moment and have excitement for this process leading up to your wedding day. Here are just a few reasons we love beach engagement photos.


Beach engagement photos in San Diego are a fantastic way to capture the romance and beauty of your relationship against the backdrop of stunning natural scenery. Here are some tips to ensure your beach engagement photos turn out beautifully:

  1. Choose the Right Time: Lighting is crucial for photography. The golden hours around sunrise and sunset provide soft, flattering light. We always try to avoid midday when the sun is harsh and can create unflattering shadows.

  2. Select the Perfect Location: We will definetly lend our suggestions with this! Look for beaches with scenic views, interesting rock formations, or iconic landmarks. Consider quieter beaches to avoid crowds in the background of your photos. We find that our two favorite locations of Carlsbad Cliffs and San Onofre have the most beauty with fewest of tourists. We consider these hidden gems along the coastline as oppose to areas like Torrey Pines or Sunset Cliffs.

  3. Coordinate Outfits: Ask us about our style guide, we would love to share with you! Opt for outfits that complement each other and the beach setting. Soft, pastel colors or neutral tones often work well. Flowy dresses, linen shirts, or casual beachwear can create a relaxed and romantic vibe.

  4. Accessorize Thoughtfully: Consider adding accessories like hats, sunglasses, or a bouquet of flowers to enhance your look and add visual interest to the photos.

  5. Plan Your Poses: Think about the poses you want to try beforehand. Whether it's walking hand in hand along the shoreline, cuddling up on a beach blanket, or dipping your toes in the water, having a few poses in mind can help the photoshoot flow smoothly. Rest assured, we got you.

  6. Incorporate Props: Consider bringing along props like a vintage bike, champaigne, or a blanket for a cozy picnic setup. Props can add personality to your photos and make them more unique.

  7. Embrace Candid Moments: What were all about! Some of the best engagement photos capture genuine, candid moments between you and your partner. Relax, have fun, and let us capture the natural chemistry between you.

  8. Be Mindful of the Weather: Check the weather forecast before your photoshoot and come prepared with any necessary items like umbrellas or jackets in case of rain or wind. Even embracing the weather can make for truly unique photos like running in the rain.

  9. Work with a Skilled Photographer: Choose a photographer experienced in shooting beach engagements - like us :) who understands how to work with natural light and scenery to capture stunning images.

  10. Have Fun: Most importantly, enjoy the experience! Your engagement photos should reflect the joy and excitement of this special time in your lives. Drinks before and during are strongly encouraged :)

By following these tips, you can ensure your beach engagement photos are not only visually stunning but also capture the love and connection between you and your partner in a beautiful seaside setting.