Black & White Sunset Portraits in Corona Del Mar — Los Angeles Photographer
It was a pleasure producing a photo shoot last month with @fboulaire in Los Angeles. Or close by - on the beach in Corona Del Mar. We went scouting the day before along the coast by motorcycle - quite an awesome ride indeed. We had that perfect SoCal weather, and had a fun time with @caitlinleahy and @nickviciouss at sunset. These two were a great match and hit it off from the start - super pros and awesome to work with.
Some shoots start with a motorcycle ride down the California coast. This one did — scouting locations along the Pacific Coast Highway the day before, looking for the right stretch of beach, the right quality of light, the right relationship between land and water.
Scouting the California Coast by Motorcycle
Producer François Boulaire and I rode down from Los Angeles toward Corona Del Mar the day before the shoot, covering miles of coastline to identify the right location. Scouting on a motorcycle lets you cover ground quickly and find spots you'd miss in a car — narrow access points, angles of light, stretches of beach that only reveal themselves when you slow down.
Shooting at Golden Hour on the Beach
We had that perfect Southern California weather — overcast enough to soften the light, clear enough to let color come through at sunset. Models Caitlin Leahy and Nick V were exceptional to work with, two professionals who understood the brief immediately and brought genuine chemistry to the images. The shoot started at dusk and ran long because the light kept giving us more.
Black and White as a Creative Choice
For the first release from this session, I chose black and white. Color beach photography can easily become cliché — the blues and golds too predictable. Black and white strips the images back to form, shadow, and expression. Caitlin's blue eyes, which will be the centerpiece of the color edit, become something different entirely in monochrome: all depth and gaze.
Portrait Photography in Los Angeles and the Bay Area
I'm based in San Francisco but regularly take portrait and commercial assignments throughout California, including Los Angeles and Orange County. On-location shoots along the California coast are some of my most rewarding work.
Planning a portrait or lifestyle shoot in Los Angeles or the Bay Area? Contact me to discuss your project.