As a professional wedding and couples photographer, every session I capture is unique. Yet sometimes, a shoot stands out in a special way—full of laughter, playful moments, stunning backdrops, and heartfelt connections. Brandon and Anna’s couples photoshoot in San Diego, California, was exactly that kind of session.


When Brandon and Anna reached out about scheduling their first-ever couples photography session, they admitted they felt a bit nervous. Like many couples, they'd never had professional photos taken together before. But from the moment we met in La Jolla Downtown, their energy, humor, and undeniable love made any nerves melt away—and we captured magic from midday through sunset.

Palm tree-lined suburban street in California with mountains in background and parked car on sunny day.
A romantic couple embraces and kisses on a palm tree-lined street in white summer attire.
Close up photo of a romantic couple embracing and smiling at each other in warm sunlight.
A young couple in light-colored casual clothing embrace and smile together on a sunny street with palm trees in the background.
A couple wearing matching white outfits embrace on a palm tree-lined street in a tropical location.

Embracing San Diego’s Warmth in La Jolla Downtown


Our session started in La Jolla Downtown during the warm, golden California afternoon. The inviting streets lined with palm trees, charming architecture, and San Diego’s classic charm provided a perfect setting for romantic and intimate portraits. Brandon and Anna's genuine affection shone brightly as they walked hand-in-hand, paused in cozy embraces, and laughed together in the glow of the afternoon sun. These portraits highlighted their connection and showcased the beautiful diversity San Diego offers for engagement photography and couples photography.

Two people in white outfits dance and pose on a scenic palm tree-lined street in a hillside neighborhood.
Someone in a white jumpsuit holds a no-parking sign on a palm tree-lined street in sunny California.
A romantic couple embraces outdoors on a sunny day with palm trees in the background.
A romantic couple embracing on a palm-lined street, dressed in light summer clothing on a sunny day.
A romantic couple sharing a tender moment while laughing and embracing outdoors in warm sunlight.

Capturing Playful Moments at Scripps Pier


As sunset approached, we moved to Scripps Pier, one of San Diego’s most iconic and beautiful locations. Known for expansive views, dramatic clouds, and pristine beaches, it’s a dream setting for couples photography, engagements, or even surprise proposals.


One hilarious highlight came when Brandon and Anna decided to brave the shoreline without getting wet. Watching them jump, dodge, and laugh as they narrowly avoided waves splashing onto their pants resulted in some of the most joyful, candid photos I've captured. Their laughter was contagious, and their playful energy came alive as Brandon lifted Anna, spun her around, and chased her across the sand. These spontaneous moments showcased their love and friendship authentically.


The sunset at Scripps Pier created breathtaking lighting conditions. By positioning Brandon and Anna beneath the pier, we creatively used its structure to avoid harsh sunlight, creating balanced portraits with rich, warm hues. High dynamic range photography techniques using my Sony camera allowed me to capture both vibrant skies and intimate portraits without overexposure.

A couple in white outfits playing and splashing in the water at sunset near a long wooden pier at the beach.
A couple in white clothes playfully dances on a beach at sunset with a pier in the background.
A romantic couple embraces on a misty beach at sunset with a long wooden pier extending into the ocean behind them.
A couple embraces on the beach near La Jolla Pier in San Diego with waves and reflections in the wet sand.
A serene beach scene with La Jolla Pier reflecting on wet sand at sunset while a seagull and beachgoer enjoy the view.
A young couple poses together on the beach near wooden pier pilings during golden hour.
Couple holding hands walks together on beach near pier in black and white photography.
A romantic couple embraces on a sunny beach under a pier with ocean waves in the background.
A tender black and white photograph capturing a joyful intimate moment between two people.
A romantic couple embrace on the beach at sunset near a pier in casual summer attire.
Romantic couple sharing an intimate moment outdoors with sunlit golden lighting and warm earthy tones.
Couple embraces under pier at sunset on sandy beach with ocean waves and dramatic lighting creating romantic ambiance.
Two people in white outfits hold hands while walking under a concrete pier at the beach during sunset.

Anna’s Experience: From Nervousness to Joy


As Anna mentioned in her Google review, the initial nervousness she felt disappeared quickly:


“We had never taken couples photos before and were honestly so nervous. But Andre instantly made us feel comfortable, confident, and like we could just be ourselves. The posing guidance was perfect—it felt natural, not awkward or forced.”


Hearing this feedback fills me with pride because my goal for every session is exactly that: to ensure couples feel completely at ease, creating photographs that capture their true essence.

Two people having a seaside photo session on dark rocks during golden hour.
Two people pose near mossy rocks on a beach with a pier in the background during golden hour.
A tranquil moment captured against weathered rocks and sandstone cliffs at dusk.
Couple in tender embrace with sunlight illuminating their intimate moment, wearing white lace.
Two people in white clothing pose dramatically among large boulders in a cave setting during a photo session.
Hands raised against a blue sky wearing gold jewelry including a bracelet and ring beside a calm ocean view.
A close-up black and white image shows two hands touching over a textured white knit sweater, with one hand wearing a ring.
A romantic couple embraces on a serene beach at sunset with waves gently lapping at their feet.
Young couple embraces lovingly at sunset by the ocean in casual beach attire.
Two silhouettes stand together on a beach at sunset with a pier in the background and golden clouds overhead.
Two silhouettes walk on wet beach sand during sunset with a wooden pier in the background.
Silhouettes dance together on a beach at sunset with a long pier stretching into the horizon in black and white.
Silhouettes of a couple stand in shallow ocean waves at sunset with a pier in the background.
Two people in romantic embrace during sunset at scenic waterfront with palm trees and pier in background.
Two people embrace on a sandy beach during sunset, with reflective wet sand and coastal cliffs in the background.

Anna’s Emotional Response to the Photos

One of the most rewarding moments for me as their photographer was delivering their final gallery. Anna’s reaction was incredibly heartwarming:


“When we got the gallery back, I was honestly overwhelmed. The photos are beyond beautiful, and we were surprised how fast we got them back. Looking through them, I got emotional—I just couldn’t believe how perfectly Andre captured us. 10/10 recommend!”



Quick turnaround times and photos that deeply resonate with couples are central to my photography approach, and knowing I delivered exactly what they hoped for makes every session worthwhile.

A couple shares an intimate moment at sunset on a beach with cliffs in the background.
A couple in white outfits stands together on a serene beach with dramatic cliffs in the background at sunset.
Two silhouettes stand on a rocky beach at sunset while waves crash against the shoreline at low tide.
A couple shares an intimate moment on a rocky beach at sunset as waves lap against the volcanic shore in Hawaii.

Tips for Your Couples or Engagement Session


If Brandon and Anna’s session inspired you, here are a few quick tips to get the best photos for your couples, engagement, or proposal shoot:


  • Choose locations with diverse lighting and scenery: Locations like La Jolla Downtown and Scripps Pier offer beautiful variety, from cozy city streets to dramatic coastal views.
  • Embrace spontaneity: Playfulness and genuine reactions create the most memorable photos. Forget perfection—laugh, play, and have fun!
  • Timing matters: Transitioning from midday to sunset allows a dynamic range of lighting conditions and moods, creating a diverse and cinematic gallery.


Explore More Inspiration

Thinking about your own engagement or couples photoshoot? Here are some additional resources to inspire and guide you:


Two people in casual white outfits pose together on a beach with coastal cliffs and ocean in the background.
A couple holding hands walking along a serene black and white beach at sunset.

Ready to Book Your Session?


Whether you're local to San Diego, Seattle, or dreaming of a destination photoshoot, I'd love to create stunning memories with you. From playful, candid moments to romantic, timeless portraits, your photoshoot should reflect exactly who you are as a couple.


Visit my contact page today to schedule your session and begin your unforgettable photography experience.

Brandon and Anna's couples photoshoot in San Diego was full of laughter, warmth, and genuine emotion—exactly what every couples session should be. Let’s capture your story next!