Corona Engagement Session

I’m always on the lookout for new and unique locations where I can photograph couples for their engagement session! Brian + Karissa’s session took place in one of my “secret” locations in Corona, CA. Because they live in the LA area, we were keen to find a location that wasn’t quite as far as my Temecula engagement sessions, and a bit more accessible given their long drive!

This has ended up being an AMAZING location that has worked for lots of couples! It’s tucked back in a neighborhood and some of the spots have really beautiful backdrops that work ideally with the sunset time! Because it’s in a residential area, it’s quiet and this affords privacy to couples during their session, which definitely helps everyone feel a lot more comfortable! Karissa had requested a location with hills in the background, and this worked out great for that requirement as well!

Tip for if you’re driving to your session from a long distance: if your clothes are wrinkle-prone, hang them in your car and change when you arrive. This particular location of mine doesn’t have a restroom on-site so I recommend couples come prepared to change in their car (or stop at a Starbucks or the like on your way!).

We started out in what I call the “cliff” section of the location – I simply adore the way the light filters in here! And of course how Brian and Karissa look at each other!

I had gotten such amazing images that we could have stopped the session here, but we headed to a different part of the location to a walking path with more untamed scenery and a beautiful view of the hills!

A HUGE kudos to Karissa for this section of the shoot because we had to walk down a rather steep hill. My clients are troopers, what can I say! I think it was worth it – and of course Brian leant a steadying hand/arm!

Choosing an Engagement Session Location

Brian and Karissa were fantastic to work with on this engagement session because they had a clear view of how they saw their photos. This was so helpful in assisting me with recommendations for their session! If you’re trying to think of locations for your own session, think about backdrops that appeal to you. What do you like? Rustic, wilderness backdrops? Lush gardens and greenery? Urban buildings and metropolitan backdrops?

If you’re having trouble thinking of a location, think about what you’d like to wear! If a sequin dress and Jimmy Choo heels are your style, your session best aligns with a cosmopolitan setting. If you’re picturing yourself in a long dress and Espadrilles, a garden setting may be perfect for you.

If you’re looking for recommendations, check out my article Inland Empire Portrait Locations.

What to Wear

Brian and Karissa’s outfits allowed them to stand out, in addition to drawing from the background colors in their setting. I recommend looking coordinated but not matching. You’ll also want to make sure you feel good in your outfits! An engagement session is a great excuse to buy a new outfit that makes you feel like a million bucks – and trust me, that translates in your photos!

Hair & Makeup

Hair and makeup is a great way to feel extra gorgeous in your photos! You can use this as an opportunity for a hair and makeup trial, or simply treat yourself. If you don’t regularly wear makeup, you can express that to your makeup artist and they can help you dial in a more natural look. Well-done makeup is about making you feel confident and like yourself!

What to Expect

You’ve arrived to your session, and you’re looking at me, nervously! This is totally normal. I don’t work with professional models. I work with real couples, exactly like Karissa and Brian. And my job is to help make you feel comfortable in front of the camera and give you all the guidance you need! I help to put you guys in great light and a great setting, and then give you the guidance you need to create fun, creative images that you will love! No model experience necessary!

Check out these additional engagement sessions!

Rose Haven Heritage Garden Engagement Session
Claremont Engagement Session
Avensole Winery Engagement Session
Irvine Engagement Session
Old Town Temecula Engagement Session