Engagement Session at Palos Verdes | Jeff and LiYang

LiYang and Jeff are a sweet couple referred to me by my husband’s coworker going way back. I was definitely excited to be photographing for them, and especially courteous to them, making sure the couple had the best overall experience working with me and celebrating love in front of a camera!

Knowing LiYang preferred a beach session, I suggested a rocky beach that’s accessible from Bluff Cove, a hidden gem for photoshoots in Palos Verdes – if you don’t mind a little hike. I originally discovered this spot while scouting for good secluded shooting spots in Palos Verdes, which I typically do for clients with specific requests.

As our shoot day approached, I noticed the weather predicted light showers during the first half of their session time, which got me worried. But understanding the couple had a tight weekend schedule, and the fact that they don’t mind being shot in the rain, we proceeded to shoot in the rain anyway! It was nerve racking to me as I have never done a photoshoot in the rain before. Going in, I knew there would be some uncontrollable variables that could crop up, like wet clothes, waterlogged equipment, wet hair, and mud. Most importantly, you never want anyone to slip and fall, especially the happy couple.

With a 2-hour engagement session, we had plenty of time to warm them up in front of the camera, so I picked the elegant Malaga Cove Plaza to be that backdrop to kick off the session. Also, it had a lot more covered areas, keeping the couple as dry as possible before heading out to the wide-open, unprotected lookout. 

At first, the two of them were a bit shy to show their lovey dovey side, but after a few changes of poses, they became more comfortable as the shoot went on. Although the gloomy sky and drizzles painted a cooler tone for the background, it was their smiles and the gazing into each other’s eyes that warmed up the overall composition of the pictures, creating much-needed and striking contrast. 

This is definitely one of my favorite shoots despite the rain. If I had to do it again, I would probably make sure my husband (photo assistant) could keep the couple as dry as possible under an umbrella despite their protestations that they were fine.