December 21, 2022 / Engagement
Big Sur Engagement Photos at Pfeiffer Beach
I’ve been holding on to these Big Sur engagement photos until I had time to properly blog about it, and the time has come! Not only did I have the pleasure of capturing this gorgeous couple’s love story once, but I also got to capture it again during their Tahoe elopement, which I’ll be sharing in a few weeks!
Without further ado, let me introduce the couple of the hour, Lindsey and Ahmad!
These two are really laid back, down to earth, playful, and SO in love. They have that quiet, loving affection for each other that makes you think they’ve been together for 50 years!
It was so sweet watching how Ahmad looked at Lindsay throughout the session…it was like I wasn’t even there!
If you’re looking for the perfect location for your Big Sur engagement photos, Pfeiffer Beach should be at the top of the list!
From the beautiful beaches, natural arches, cliffsides, and dramatic rocks in the water – Pfeiffer Beach has it all! Some people refer to this section of the beach as the “purple sand beach” because it has areas with gorgeous iridescent sand of lilac hues.
If you’re willing to head up a steep trail, it has some gorgeous overlooks too! It’s a little rugged to climb, so I don’t recommend it for everyone. But if you’re up for the adventure, I’m all in too!
There are endless spots to choose from around Big Sur, but Pfeiffer Beach is by far my favorite in the area. It’s stunning in photos but even more breathtaking in person, if you can believe that!
A Note on Weather and Lighting for Big Sur Engagement Photos
Many people are used to scheduling summer sessions for beautiful golden hour light. But that’s not necessarily the case on the west coast.
In my opinion, winter is the best season for beachside sessions. During this time, the lighting conditions are often quite stunning. Plus, there are usually fewer tourists to contend with, which is definitely a bonus.
Lindsay and Ahmad’s Big Sur engagement photos were taken in December, and the lighting and weather were perfection! *chefs kiss*
Golden Light vs. Overcast Light
I know, I know. We all love golden sun drenched photos. But when the clouds roll in, I roll right along with the punches! Having cloudy weather can create some truly dramatic photos that will make you wish for clouds on your session day. And since the weather literally changes by the minute here, you might end up with both!
That’s what happened during this session. You’ll notice some are filled with golden light, while others are a bit more moody and dramatic!
While I’m all about working with the elements, if it’s super windy, it’s a no-go for me. Completely wind-blown hair isn’t the vibe we want. You’ll have to trust me on this one.
Creating Variety with Outfit Changes
Want to create variety in your photos? An easy (and quick way) to do this is with an outfit change!
When Lindsay and I discussed what she would wear, she went with a gorgeous white dress that she had bought from Revolve. As luck would have it, I just so happened to have a rental dress from another session, so I brought it along too. Both dresses looked amazing on Lindsay (I swear she needs to be a model!)
If you need inspiration on wardrobe styling, you can check out my Pinterest boards. But I’m also happy to help you find the perfect outfit too!
I had the best time exploring the Big Sur Coast with Lindsay and Ahmad. And I can’t wait to share their elopement photos soon!
Ready to schedule your Big Sur engagement photos?
Send me a quick note to let me know what you’re interested in, and I’ll be in touch!
Want to poke around some of my other couples’ sessions, I think you’ll enjoy these ones!
