Beach Engagement Photos are Romantic and a once in a lifetime experience

Planning a beach engagement photo shoot can be a dream come true. As a destination wedding photographer, I’ve had the privilege of capturing countless love stories against the backdrop of some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

Here’s how to make your beach engagement session unforgettable:

Timing is Everything

• Golden Hour Magic: The hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset, known as the golden hour, offers the most enchanting light. This soft, golden glow adds a romantic and dreamy quality to your photos.
• Avoid Midday Blues: Midday sun can be harsh, causing unflattering shadows. If you can only shoot during this time, seek shaded areas or use a reflector to soften the light.

Tide and Weather Considerations

• Know the Tides: High tide can limit your access to the beach, while low tide can reveal fascinating tide pools and rocky features. Check tide charts to plan accordingly.
• Weather Watch: A bright, clear day is ideal, but don’t discount a few clouds—they can add drama and texture to your photos. Always have a backup plan in case of unexpected weather changes.

Are you ready to start planning your beach engagement?! Reach out so we can make it happen!

Beach-Friendly Wardrobe

Where to shop for Beach Engagement Attire

Finding the perfect attire for your beach engagement photos is essential to complement the beautiful backdrop and make you feel comfortable and stylish. Here are some great places to shop for beach engagement outfits:

Free People

• Why It’s Great: Free People is known for its bohemian and free-spirited style, which is ideal for a relaxed beach vibe. Their clothes are often flowy, comfortable, and photogenic.
• What to Look For: Flowy maxi dresses, lace details, and lightweight fabrics. Their beachwear collection often features beautiful, unique pieces that stand out.

Nordstrom

• Why It’s Great: Nordstrom offers a wide range of high-quality clothing, including designer and contemporary brands. They have a great selection of both casual and dressy beach attire.
• What to Look For: Summer dresses, elegant jumpsuits, light-colored blouses, and beach-appropriate footwear. Nordstrom also offers personal styling services to help you find the perfect outfit.

Anthropologie

• Why It’s Great: Anthropologie offers unique and romantic styles that are perfect for a beach engagement shoot. Their clothing often features intricate details and high-quality fabrics.
• What to Look For: Maxi dresses, flowy skirts, and chic blouses. Look for pieces with lace, embroidery, and delicate prints that complement the beach setting.

Revolve

• Why It’s Great: Revolve is known for its trendy and stylish collections. They offer a wide range of options that are perfect for a fashionable beach photo shoot.
• What to Look For: Trendy dresses, chic rompers, and stylish swim cover-ups. Revolve’s curated collections often include pieces that are perfect for capturing stunning engagement photos.

Zara

• Why It’s Great: Zara offers fashionable and affordable clothing that is perfect for any occasion. Their seasonal collections often include stylish beachwear.
• What to Look For: Summer dresses, stylish tops, and casual trousers. Zara’s collection often includes trendy and minimalist pieces that look great in photos.

Lulus

• Why It’s Great: Lulus offers a wide range of affordable and stylish clothing, perfect for a beach engagement shoot. They have a great selection of dresses and accessories.
• What to Look For: Flowy maxi dresses, cute rompers, and elegant jumpsuits. Lulus also has a great selection of accessories to complete your look.

H&M

• Why It’s Great: H&M is known for its affordable and trendy clothing. Their seasonal collections include a variety of beach-friendly options.
• What to Look For: Lightweight dresses, casual shirts, and beach accessories. H&M often features trendy and budget-friendly pieces that are perfect for a relaxed beach vibe.

When shopping for beach engagement attire, look for lightweight, breathable fabrics and styles that complement the natural beach setting.

Whether you prefer bohemian, trendy, classic, or unique styles, these stores offer a variety of options to help you look and feel your best for your beach engagement photo shoot.

Props and Accessories for Extra Flair

• Fun Beach Props: Think about incorporating elements like beach balls, surfboards, or a picnic setup. These can add a playful and personal touch to your photos.

Top Beaches in the United States for Engagement Photos

Planning an engagement photo shoot at a beach? Here are five stunning beach locations across the United States, including some beautiful spots in North Carolina, that provide breathtaking backdrops for your special moments.

1. Cannon Beach, Oregon

• Why It’s Amazing: Known for its iconic Haystack Rock, Cannon Beach offers dramatic coastal scenery with its rugged cliffs, tide pools, and serene sandy shores. The stunning sunsets and frequent misty mornings provide a magical, ethereal quality to photos.
• Best Time to Shoot: Late afternoon to sunset, or early morning for a more intimate feel.

2. Malibu, California

• Why It’s Amazing: Malibu boasts a variety of picturesque beaches like El Matador, Zuma, and Point Dume. With its rocky formations, golden sands, and vibrant sunsets, Malibu provides a diverse range of settings within a single location.
• Best Time to Shoot: Golden hour, just before sunset, when the lighting is warm and soft.

3. South Beach, Miami, Florida

• Why It’s Amazing: Famous for its vibrant art deco architecture, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and lively atmosphere, South Beach offers a dynamic and colorful backdrop for engagement photos. The palm-lined shores and lively boardwalk add to the charm.
• Best Time to Shoot: Early morning to avoid crowds and capture the sunrise.

4. Maui, Hawaii

• Why It’s Amazing: Maui’s beaches, such as Makena Beach (Big Beach) and Kapalua Bay, feature pristine white sands, lush greenery, and breathtaking ocean views. The island’s tropical ambiance and stunning sunsets create a romantic setting for photos.
• Best Time to Shoot: Late afternoon to sunset for the best lighting and fewer tourists.

5. Cape Cod, Massachusetts

• Why It’s Amazing: Cape Cod offers a quaint and picturesque setting with its charming lighthouses, sandy dunes, and gentle waves. Beaches like Race Point Beach and Nauset Beach provide a serene and classic New England coastal vibe.
• Best Time to Shoot: Late afternoon or early evening, especially during the summer months.

6. Outer Banks, North Carolina

• Why It’s Amazing: The Outer Banks, with its wide, open beaches and historic lighthouses, offers a variety of scenic backdrops. Locations like Jockey’s Ridge State Park and Cape Hatteras National Seashore are perfect for capturing stunning beach landscapes and dramatic sunsets.
• Best Time to Shoot: Sunrise or sunset for the best light and fewer crowds.

7. Wrightsville Beach, North Carolina

• Why It’s Amazing: Known for its pristine sand and crystal-clear waters, Wrightsville Beach is perfect for a relaxed and elegant photo shoot. The nearby piers and lush dunes add variety to your photos.
• Best Time to Shoot: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday sun and crowds.

8. Emerald Isle, North Carolina

• Why It’s Amazing: Emerald Isle offers a peaceful and serene setting with its soft, white sand and emerald-green waters. The natural beauty of this beach makes it a favorite for couples seeking a romantic and intimate photo session.
• Best Time to Shoot: Late afternoon to capture the warm, golden light.

9. Bald Head Island, North Carolina

• Why It’s Amazing: Accessible only by ferry, Bald Head Island offers a secluded and tranquil atmosphere. Its unspoiled beaches, maritime forests, and charming lighthouse provide a unique and picturesque backdrop for engagement photos.
• Best Time to Shoot: Early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting and fewer visitors.

10. Carolina Beach, North Carolina

• Why It’s Amazing: Carolina Beach combines the charm of a classic beach town with beautiful coastal scenery. The boardwalk, vibrant local culture, and wide sandy beaches offer a fun and dynamic setting for engagement photos.
• Best Time to Shoot: Sunrise or sunset to capture the vibrant colors and avoid the heat of the day.

As you can see, these top beach locations across the United States, including the beautiful beaches of North Carolina, each offer unique and breathtaking settings for your engagement photos.

Whether you prefer the rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest, the vibrant atmosphere of South Beach, or the tranquil charm of North Carolina’s coastline, there’s a perfect beach for every couple. Reach out to Natalia Baqueiro Photography so we can start planning your beach engagement!

Candid Authentic Moments

Focus on candid moments and genuine interactions. Walk along the shore, splash in the water, or sit together enjoying the view.

It’s a collaboration between you and as your photographer

• Share Your Vision: Communicate your ideas and preferences with me. Share inspiration photos and be open to suggestions.
• Trust the Process: As a destination photographer, I know how to make the most of the lighting, angles, and scenery. Trust my expertise to capture your best moments.

7. Relax and Enjoy the Moment

• Be Yourselves: The best photos come when you’re relaxed and enjoying each other’s company. Don’t stress about perfect poses.
• Savor the Experience: This is a special time in your life. Enjoy the experience and let your love story unfold naturally.

Insider Tips from a Destination Photographer

• Local Insights: If you’re traveling to a new beach, take advantage of my local knowledge. I can suggest hidden gems and less crowded spots for a more intimate session.
• Pack Smart: Bring essentials like water, snacks, and a change of clothes. A small first aid kit can also be handy for minor scrapes or insect bites.
• Footwear Tips: Barefoot is best for the beach, but if you prefer shoes, go for comfortable sandals that you can easily slip off.

Booking Natalia Baqueiro for your Beach Engagement Photos

Beach engagement photos are a beautiful way to capture your love story in a stunning natural setting. With thoughtful planning and the right approach, you’ll have breathtaking images to cherish forever.

Are you ready?! Let’s do it!!!

Let’s embark on a journey together, where every photograph tells a story and every moment is filled with love.

Contact Natalia Baqueiro Photography to schedule your own intimate waterfall engagement session in Pittsburgh, and let’s create memories that will last a lifetime.