Planning a Beach Engagement Session at Fisherman's Cove
There’s something undeniably magical about a beach engagement session, and Fisherman’s Cove in Laguna Beach is one of the best spots for it. If you're dreaming of sandy toes, crashing waves, and golden hour magic for your engagement photos, this blog is for you! Let’s dive into how to plan the perfect beach engagement session at Fisherman’s Cove.
Why Fisherman's Cove?
Fisherman’s Cove is a hidden gem in Laguna Beach, offering a more intimate setting compared to some of the busier beaches. The cove's stunning cliffs, clear blue water, and beautiful rock formations create a stunning backdrop that’s perfect for engagement photos. The way the light hits the cove during golden hour is SO breathtaking, making it an ideal location for capturing those canid shots I love to take!
How to Get to Fisherman's Cove
Getting to Fisherman’s Cove is pretty straightforward. If you’re coming from Los Angeles, take I-5 South. Exit at Coast Highway (CA-1) and continue south. Once you’re in Laguna Beach, turn onto Cliff Drive, and you’ll find street parking along the way. There’s a small staircase leading down to the beach at the intersection of Cliff Drive and Myrtle Street. It’s a bit hidden, so keep an eye out for it!
Planning Your Beach Engagement Session
Timing is Everything
For the best lighting, plan your session around golden hour, the hour before sunset or after sunrise. At Fisherman’s Cove, the sunset creates a warm, soft glow, lighting up with vibrant colors that’s perfect for photos!
Check the Tide
Before your session, check the tide schedule. Low tide will give you more beach to work with and can reveal interesting rock formations and tide pools. High tide can make the beach narrower, but it can also create dramatic waves for more dynamic shots! Just be prepared to possibly get wet and run into ocean. (Especially if you want to get some water shots!)
Weather Considerations
While sunny days are ideal, don’t be discouraged by a bit of cloud cover. Overcast skies can actually create a soft, diffused light that’s flattering and beautiful for photos. When I photographed Tor and Freddie at Fisherman’s Cove, the weather was absolutely gorgeous, the water was especially clear and warm that evening! Even if it had been cloudy, I know the photos would have turned out amazing!
What to Wear
Choosing the right outfits for your beach engagement session can make a big difference. Here are a few tips:
Comfort is Key: You’ll be walking on sand, climbing rocks, and maybe even getting a little wet, so wear something comfortable and easy to move in.
Colors that Pop: Soft, pastel colors and earthy tones work beautifully against the beach backdrop. Avoid busy patterns that can distract from the natural beauty around you.
Flowy Dresses: For a more romantic look, consider a flowy dress that catches the wind and adds movement to your photos.
Casual Looks: A more casual look with jeans and a nice top can also work well, especially if you plan on getting more adventurous with your shots.
Tor and Freddie drove all the way from Arizona for their beach engagement session at Fisherman’s Cove, and it meant so much to me! Their session took place in April, and it was a bit chilly since the road took us so high up, but the evening turned out SO gorgeous! The water was especially clear and warm, which made for some stunning shots. They settled into things so quickly and had the most beautiful night. It was their anniversary weekend spent in Laguna, and the photos were a perfect way to commemorate it.
Working with Tor and Freddie was an absolute blast, they were so trusting and fun the whole night! Their excitement and love for each other shone through in every shot. Being a part of their special weekend was an honor, and I loved every moment of capturing their love!
Making the Most of Golden Hour
Golden hour is prime time for beach photos. The light is soft, warm, and incredibly flattering. Here are some tips to make the most of it:
Arrive Early: Get to the beach at least an hour before golden hour starts. This gives you time to scout out the best spots and get comfortable.
Stay Late: Don’t rush off after the sun sets. The afterglow can create some stunning, soft lighting for your final shots.
Capture the Colors: As the sun sets, the sky often lights up with vibrant colors. Use these to your advantage for some truly magical photos.
Final Tips for your Beach Engagement Session
Bring a Blanket: For sitting shots, a blanket can be a nice touch and keep you from getting sandy.
Props: Consider bringing props that are meaningful to you as a couple, like a bottle of champagne to pop or a picnic setup.
Relax and Have Fun: The most important thing is to enjoy the experience. The more relaxed and natural you are, the better your photos will turn out! But dont worry if you are feeling nervous as I’ll help you feel relaxed as if you were just on a date and I’m just the third wheel!
Book Your Southern California Photographer!
If you’re ready to have your own beach engagement session or capture your engagement photos that are as unique as your love story book me as your Southern California engagement photographer! Whether you have a specific location in mind or need help brainstorming ideas, I’d love to work with you to capture your one-of-a-kind moments. I can't wait to hang out and create some magic with you!
See more of Tor and Freddies beach engagement session on film below and read my blog on How to Plan Your Laguna Beach Engagement Photos to plan your beach engagement at this beautiful location!
