1. Chill the heck out (yes, really).

You’re not auditioning for “America’s Next Top Couple.” This is not the time for forced prom poses and panicked smiles. Your San Diego beach engagement photos should feel like a rom-com blooper reel—goofy grins, wind-in-your-hair moments, and all the unfiltered, unscripted stuff in between. Let your love show up the way it actually is. Laugh. Spin. Dance badly. Let your beach photographer (hi, that’s me) do the heavy lifting. And if your guy’s still feeling stiff? A little whiskey courage never hurt anybody.

2. Let’s skip the bribery.

If you find yourself promising your fiancé unlimited football time or homemade lasagna in exchange for his participation, stop. This isn’t the DMV. This is you two, celebrating the good stuff with photos you’ll actually want to look at again. Tell him the truth: this session is fun. Playful. There will be piggyback rides, belly laughs, maybe some spontaneous sand sprints. At Elle G Photography, we don’t do stiff and boring—we do real.

3. No squabbling en route. I mean it.

You know what shows up in photos faster than lipstick on teeth? Tension. So if someone forgot their ironed shirt, the GPS acted up, or you’re 12 minutes late—breathe. Let it go before you step out of the car. The beach doesn’t care, and neither do I. Your engagement photos should scream romance, not passive-aggressive silence.

4. Time it like a pro (hint: it’s not high noon).

We’re shooting in that dreamy zone where the sun isn’t too clingy. Think before sunset or right after sunrise—light so good, it’s basically nature’s soft filter. It flatters everything. You, your fiancé, your dog if you brought one. Photographing your engagement session 2 hours prior to sunset allows you to still have that golden light but it leaves time for you to enjoy the sunset on your own right afterwards.

5. Leave the stilettos at home.

Want to wear that killer dress? Absolutely. Bring it on. But those 4-inch heels? They can sit this one out. Bare feet are the beach’s dress code, and they’ll make you feel grounded, comfy, and way more yourself. Splash in the waves, chase each other down the shoreline, get wet—it’s all part of the fun. The photos you love most? They usually involve sandy toes and salty kisses.

6. Make it a whole vibe.

Don’t treat your engagement session like a dentist appointment wedged between errands. Turn it into a day date. Hit your favorite beachy café, explore La Jolla’s coves, or toast to your love with cocktails and a view. Photos are just the beginning of the story—make the rest of the day part of the magic.

Looking for your own beach engagement photos?

I’m Lisa G of Elle G Photography, your laid-back, light-chasing San Diego engagement photographer based in sunny Pacific Beach. I serve all the best coastal spots: La Jolla, Coronado, Del Mar, Sunset Cliffs, Mission Beach, Encinitas (hi surfers), Ocean Beach, Point Loma—you name it. Ready to plan a shoot that feels like you? Call or text 858-344-1068, or click [HERE] to get it rolling.

Lisa G (Elle G) is a San Diego beach photographer based in Pacific Beach, CA. Proudly serving San Diego’s coastal communities: La Jolla, Del Mar, Encinitas, Mission Beach, Mission Bay, Sunset Cliffs, Ocean Beach, Point Loma and Coronado. 858-344-1068. To chat about booking your own portrait session click HERE.