Shosh & Mar

Our lives sometimes exist in chapters—and Shosh and Mar were about to start on the next chapters of their lives together. Our couple was engaged and looking forward to their wedding day. But on top of that, they were also moving away from Los Angeles to Colorado.

To commemorate the passing of one set of milestones for the next, they hired me to photograph their engagement in a beautiful park in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Engagement Photos

When most people think about Los Angeles, they generally picture busy streets and the Hollywood sign. While that’s real, there’s another side to the city that some people don’t see. Green spaces and public parks offer a natural oasis to bustling city life. Plus it makes for some great couples photos.

We really couldn’t have asked for a better day. It was sunny, but the tree cover kept it from getting hot. It was also nice that the park wasn’t very busy, making it easy for Shosh and Mar to pose for photos with no interference.

I captured lots of photos of these two walking up trails, holding hands, and next to trees. Shosh and Mar even brought a Colorado flag to commemorate their upcoming move.

One of the fun parts about working as a photographer is hearing about people’s lives. Shosh and Mar shared with me their excitement for the wedding day, what they loved about LA, and what they were looking forward to in CO.

Tips for Your Own Engagement Photography

Every couple’s engagement photoshoot is different, but here are a few tips to make sure yours goes smoothly:

Choosing a spot: There are lots of ways to choose the perfect location for your engagement photo session. Consider the type of environment you want pictures in—beach, city, desert, forest. It’s up to you! You can even pick a spot that’s special to you two as a couple.
You might need a permit: Depending on where you go, you (or your photographer) might need a permit. Work with your photographer to figure out what you need and how to obtain it.
When to go: Weekends and holidays are the busiest days. If that concerns you, choose a weekday instead. Also, consider the seasons.
Watch the weather: It’s always a good idea to check the weather on the big day. A good strategy is to bring layers in case it gets a bit warm or cool. Not to mention that layers can help add some diversity to your wardrobe.
What to wear: Engagement photo shoots are typically less formal than wedding photography. Some couples like outfits that are cozy, casual, and cute. But it’s totally up to you. If you want something fancy or formal, that’s great.
Add special touches: Shosh and Mar brought a flag to their engagement photo session. What will you bring? Maybe you want a picnic blanket, a bottle of champagne, flowers, something that represents your hobbies… There are really no wrong answers.
Bring along the necessities: It’s wise to bring snacks, water, sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, a hat, layers for warmth, and the like. Anything that’ll keep you happy and healthy during your photoshoot is a good idea.