There’s something unforgettable about photographing a couple in their element—where the setting reflects their story and their energy is just… real. For Anton and Jamie, that meant an adventurous, sun-drenched engagement session at Black’s Beach in San Diego, followed by a cozy, intimate ending at their condo with cake, laughs, and personal touches that made the whole thing feel like a snapshot of their relationship.


Also—this session was extra special to me. It was my first time flying from Seattle to San Diego for a shoot, and Anton and Jamie trusted me fully from the start. That trust set the tone for a shoot that was not only beautiful but truly meaningful.

Two people standing in a sunlit dirt path between rocky walls during golden hour.
A romantic couple shares a tender moment in golden sunlight, with a yellow flower tucked behind her ear.
A romantic couple embraces on a nature trail during golden hour sunset with bokeh foliage in the foreground.

Starting High Above the Beach


We began at a crevasse above Black’s Beach—this natural alcove tucked into the cliffs that gave us gorgeous, diffused light (a dream for portraits). I loved using the nearby wildflowers to add softness and layers to the photos, creating a grounded, earthy vibe before we ever even touched the sand.

From the jump, it was clear: Anton is pure comedic gold. He had Jamie in stitches the entire time, which made my job easy—just capture what was naturally unfolding between them.

A romantic couple embraces in warm sunlight, with a yellow daisy flower accent creating a tender moment against nature.
A romantic black and white portrait of a tender embrace between a couple sharing an intimate moment outdoors.
A couple stands on a sunlit nature trail as late afternoon sunlight filters through surrounding vegetation.
A couple shares a romantic moment outdoors at sunset, laughing together as golden light illuminates their joyful expressions.
A couple shares ice cream cones together while standing on a sunlit trail during golden hour.
Romantic couple sharing an intimate moment in a sunlit meadow surrounded by lush greenery and tall grass.
A black and white close-up photo of two people holding hands tenderly against a light background.

Cliffside Views + That Iconic Ocean Backdrop


After the crevasse, we explored the cliffs and found a ledge that overlooked the beach. One of my favorite shots from the entire session? Anton and Jamie standing side-by-side at the bottom, gazing out toward the horizon. I climbed above them to capture the moment from a distance—it was peaceful, cinematic, and so “them.”


And here's the thing about beach shoots: they’re rarely tidy. But that’s the beauty of it. I always recommend couples wear comfy clothes, embrace movement, and yes—prepare to get wet. Because the best photos usually happen when you're not worried about staying dry.

A couple standing on a scenic coastal cliff overlooking a beautiful curving beach and blue ocean waters.
A couple stands together on a beach at sunset in black and white, sharing an intimate moment by the ocean.
A couple embraces while standing on a coastal cliff overlooking a scenic beach and ocean landscape at sunset.
A couple looks out over a scenic coastal view with waves rolling into shore on a sunny day.
A black and white photo showing a close up of a cuddling couple against a blurred rocky background.
Two figures traverse a steep mountain trail along rugged cliffs in a dramatic black and white landscape.
Two people sit on a hilltop overlooking misty rolling hills at golden hour in a dreamy landscape setting.

Golden Hour Frolicking at Black’s Beach


As the sun started to dip, we hit the shoreline just in time for golden hour. Anton and Jamie went full send—frolicking in the waves, splashing each other, letting loose. The laughter was constant, the lighting was perfection, and the silhouette shots we caught? Chef’s kiss.


💡 Heads up if you're planning a shoot at Black’s Beach: keep an eye on the tides. We were almost caught off guard as the water crept in, and while the adrenaline added a fun twist, safety always comes first. That moment actually inspired us to shift gears and wrap things up in a more relaxed setting…


At-Home Session: Intimate, Sweet, and Full of Personality


Back at Anton and Jamie’s San Diego condo, we went into full cozy mode. They had the most adorable beach-themed cake waiting—topped with graham cracker teddy bears, a sweet nod to Anton’s nickname for Jamie: Callahan Bear. (How cute is that?!) The cake was crafted by the most amazing baker, Emma, owner of Emma Cakes.


They changed into comfy clothes, cranked up the music, and the session turned into a full-on celebration. By the end, we were all laughing through a spontaneous cake smash. It was relaxed, intimate, and one of the most personal ways I’ve ever wrapped a shoot.

A couple silhouetted against a golden sunset holds hands while dancing at the edge of the ocean waves on a beach.
Two people walking barefoot on a sandy beach at the edge of ocean waves during sunset.
Two people running and splashing through ocean waves on a sandy beach at sunset.
Two people holding hands and dancing together on a beach at sunset as waves crash on the shore.
A couple shares a romantic moment at sunset on the beach as the ocean waves roll in behind them.
A couple embraces on a rocky beach at sunset, smiling warmly as they pose for a romantic portrait.
A romantic couple share an intimate moment together while posed against coastal rocks at sunset.
A romantic black and white portrait of a couple embracing and smiling together.
Silhouettes of two people holding hands and running on the beach at sunset while ocean waves roll in.
A silhouetted couple embraces against a warm orange sunset over the ocean.

Why I Love Engagement Sessions Like This


Anton and Jamie’s session is everything I love about what I do—playful, honest, romantic, and completely unfiltered. From scenic cliffs and wild waves to a quiet moment at home, we captured not just how they look together—but how they feel together.


If you’re based in San Diego and dreaming of an engagement session that goes beyond the standard poses and feels more like your actual relationship, I’d love to be part of it.

Two people relax on a white sectional sofa while watching TV in a cozy living room with framed art on the walls.
Person in green sweater cuddling with pug dog on couch with knit blanket and decorative pillows.
Someone cuts into a small turquoise blue frosted cake on a white cake stand atop a wooden table.
A beach-themed dessert with blue frosting, crushed graham crackers for sand, and tiny decorative umbrellas on top.
A couple sits on a couch sharing a laugh while working on laptops with a cat nearby.
A couple shares a sweet moment on the couch while enjoying a bright blue birthday cake with their cat nearby.
A person in a green hoodie laughs enthusiastically while raising their arm in an animated moment.
Two people sit on a couch sharing conversation and a birthday cake in a warmly lit living room.
Two people sitting on a couch share a moment together with a bright blue birthday cake in a cozy living room.
Two people sitting on a white couch having an animated conversation while holding plates with food.
A candid black and white photo captures two people sharing a lighthearted moment while sitting on a couch.

Planning a San Diego Engagement Session? Here’s What You Should Know:


  • Location Variety = Magic: Mix epic outdoor spots with personal, cozy settings to show off every side of your love story.
  • Tide Timing Matters: Research the tide schedule for spots like Black’s Beach to stay safe (and dry-ish).
  • Wardrobe Tips: Think pastel tones, neutrals, and fabrics that flow—anything that vibes with the sand and sea.
  • Get Playful: Whether you're splashing in the ocean or smashing cake at home, the more you do, the more memories we capture.


📍 I’m a Pacific Northwest + San Diego engagement photographer, always up for chasing sunsets and telling real stories. Based in Seattle, available in California, Oregon, and beyond.


Check out other sessions for inspiration:


📸 Let’s make your dream engagement shoot happen.


Whether it’s beachside or at home in your favorite sweats, I’m here for it.


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