How Outdoor Engagement Photos Can Feel Natural, Fun, and Totally You

Okay, but seriously… can we talk about how underrated engagement sessions are?

Couple kissing on the shoreline at Shaw’s Cove, Laguna Beach, with palm trees in the background and footprints in the sand.

A close-up moment of Ryan's tattooed hand gently resting on Elly's chin during their outdoor engagement photos.

The couple walks barefoot on the beach, hand in hand, with golden sunlight hitting their backs and the cliffs ahead.

You’re probably thinking it’s just a warm-up for the wedding day or some cute save-the-date pics (and yes, we love those!), but they’re so much more! These are the photos that capture your real love, the messy, silly, sweet kind of love that doesn’t need stiff poses or fancy backdrops to shine!

Joyful twirl on the beach during their outdoor engagement photos, captured in black and white with motion blur.

This session with Elly and Ryan was so dreamy. We shot it at Shaw’s Cove in Laguna Beach (a favorite hidden gem!), and it was the perfect example of what outdoor engagement photos are really about: golden light, good conversation, and a whole lot of laughter!

A close-up of the couple smiling inches apart, sharing a quiet moment with soft beach light on their faces.

Couple sitting barefoot on the beach, wrapped up in each other, with soft sunlight highlighting them.

It’s Normal to Feel Nervous (I Got You!)

When Elly and Ryan arrived, they were both feeling a little nervous, kind of that “what do we do with our hands??” energy. And honestly, that’s so normal! Most couples start there, especially when they haven’t been photographed professionally before!

Playful twirl in the sand with a blurred motion effect, perfectly capturing the carefree spirit of outdoor engagement photos.

Black and white photo of the couple holding hands, walking toward the light along the shoreline with their backs to the camera.

Golden hour glow on a couple nose-to-nose and smiling, surrounded by Laguna’s beach cliffs during their outdoor engagement photos.

But that’s where the experience comes in.

I don’t just tell people where to stand and when to smile. I ask questions. I get to know them. We talk about how they met, what drew them to each other, and what they’re looking forward to in the next season of life!

Tight crop of the couple gazing into each other’s eyes with the soft ocean behind them, full of warmth and intention.

Elly and Ryan laugh on the beach as he playfully holds her hair over his head, capturing a spontaneous and goofy moment of connection.

Couple walking along Laguna Beach, laughing with sunlit hair and radiant smiles—classic outdoor engagement photos full of joy and movement.

With Elly and Ryan, the conversation flowed naturally, and eventually their laughter came easily, and we had the silliest time! It was honestly such an honor to capture their memories!

It wasn’t about posing. It was about presence. And that’s what made their session so special, and what I aim for with all my shoots!

Elly wraps her arms around Ryan as they share a soft, intimate moment in front of the ocean during golden hour.

Why Shaw’s Cove Was the Perfect Backdrop

Laguna Beach has no shortage of beautiful spots, but Shaw’s Cove holds a special place in my heart! It’s quiet, full of texture, and unbothered by the usual beach crowds. For Elly and Ryan (who were visiting from the Midwest), it was the perfect mix of calm and scenic!

Blurry black and white shot of Elly and Ryan forehead-to-forehead on the sand, showing raw emotion in these candid outdoor engagement photos.

Couple walking hand-in-hand down the beach with palm trees in the background, soaking in the sunset and quiet simplicity of the moment.

The light at golden hour was unreal, the cliffs added so much cozy character, the tide was juuust right, and it gave us room to breathe, to move, and to be playful! Which is exactly what I look for when suggesting locations for outdoor engagement photos for couples who want something that feels personal and intimate!

Elly and Ryan embrace by the rocks with ocean waves behind them at Shaw’s Cove in Laguna Beach.

Blurry motion photo of a couple running barefoot on the beach during their outdoor engagement photos.

Elly and Ryan laughing together while walking side by side on the sandy beach in Laguna Beach.

If you’re looking for more Laguna inspiration, I put together The Best Top 5 Laguna Beach Engagement Photo Locations so you can dream up your own sweet beach moment, too!

Golden hour moment during outdoor engagement photos as Elly and Ryan share a kiss near the shoreline.

Candid Photos That Feel Like You

I live for natural engagement photos because I don’t want your photos to feel like a photoshoot (ironic, I know lol.)

With Elly and Ryan, I gave a few loose prompts and then just let them do their thing. We moved slowly. We wandered the sand. We leaned into the quiet moments and the silly ones (which are always my faves!)

Tight crop of the couple holding each other close, showing emotional connection and delicate details.

Barefoot couple standing on rocks at the beach during their Laguna Beach engagement session, showing a tattooed foot and relaxed summer outfits.

Elly and Ryan laughing as they walk hand-in-hand on the sand. Sun-drenched stroll along the beach, capturing the joy and movement of their outdoor engagement photos.

Candid outdoor engagement photos are all about the in-betweens: the way Ryan looked at Elly when she laughed too hard, or how her hand always found his no matter what they were doing. It’s those tiny, quiet things that tell the real story.

You don’t have to show up with perfect poses, you just have to show up as yourselves, and I’ll take care of the rest!

Close-up romantic portrait of a couple almost kissing at golden hour on the beach — natural light engagement photos in Laguna Beach, California.

Detail photo of a couple holding hands with visible tattoos and warm tones, captured during their summer engagement photos on the coast — artistic beach engagement photo idea.

Outdoor Engagement Photo Ideas You’ll Actually Love

Let’s take the pressure off. If you're looking for outdoor engagement photos that feel fun, easy, and true to you, here’s where I always start:

Keep moving! Walk, twirl, splash, play, movement makes everything feel more natural!
Talk during your session. I’ll ask questions that spark connection and help you settle in and then you guys can just take it away!
Go somewhere that feels right. It doesn’t need to be “Pinterest-worthy,” it just needs to feel like you. (If you’re local to SoCal, check out this Laguna Beach Visitor’s Map for easy-to-access outdoor locations I love!)

Let go of trying to “perform.” It’s not about being perfect, it’s about being present with your person!

Black and white close-up of a couple holding each other, smiling and making eye contact — emotional, timeless engagement photography in Southern California.

Wide black and white photo of a woman playfully wrapping her arms around her fiancé mid-kiss on the beach — unique engagement photo ideas for fun-loving couples in Laguna Beach.

Cropped black and white detail of a woman’s back and her partner’s arm wrapped around her during a beach engagement shoot — intimate, documentary-style engagement photo.

Back view of a couple holding hands and walking toward the sunset along the shoreline, shot in black and white — Laguna Beach engagement photo location with timeless vibes.

And if you need more location help, I break it all down in my other blogs:
How to Plan Your Laguna Beach Engagement Photos

How to Find the Best Engagement Photo Locations for Your Engagement.

Blurred motion photo of a couple dancing on the beach, smiling at each other during a joyful engagement session — playful engagement photography on the California coast.

More Than Just Photos (It’s a Feeling)

The thing about Elly and Ryan’s session that stuck with me most was that it wasn’t just the light (though it was literally perfect) or the beach (which was amazing), it was the energy they brought! Open, a little shy, and so full of love! That’s what made their gallery feel like them. And that’s what I want for every couple I work with!

Tight shot of a woman laughing with her arms around her partner’s shoulders, glowing in the sunlight — natural, candid engagement portrait in Laguna Beach.

A couple embraces on the beach at golden hour, smiling and relaxed, with soft waves and coastal homes in the distance — perfect for candid engagement photos in Laguna Beach.

Soft, emotional beachside moment of a woman resting her head on her partner’s shoulder during golden hour — a serene engagement photo showing connection and stillness.

Whether you're super confident in front of the camera or totally unsure what to expect, I’ll meet you where you’re at! I’ll help create the kind of experience that makes you forget you’re even being photographed, so we can focus on what really matters (duh, your relationship!)

And if you’re planning a trip to Laguna, make it even more memorable by documenting this chapter with someone who’s just as excited about your love story as you are! You can even explore some local favorites before or after your session. Check out this Laguna Beach guide for itineraries and places to visit!

Intimate close-up of a couple mid-laugh, noses touching, sharing a joyful moment during their Laguna Beach engagement session — authentic candid engagement photo.

Book Your Laguna Beach Engagement Photographer

If you're looking for outdoor engagement photos that feel relaxed, fun, and meaningful, and want someone to guide you through it all with warmth and care, I’d love to be your photographer!

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Let’s make something beautiful together!

If you can’t get enough of these photos like me, you can check out the film below!