Amy and Finn reached out to me to photograph their upcoming November 2024 wedding and were looking for the perfect location for their engagement session. After reviewing several beautiful beach options in Southern California, we ultimately decided on El Matador Beach in Malibu. This beach is a favorite spot for engagement photography, maternity photos, and other milestone moments. While parking can sometimes be a challenge, once you're on the beach, it’s easy to find secluded areas that create a sense of intimacy, making it feel like you have the entire beach to yourselves.


Amy and Finn booked me shortly after I updated all of my photography packages to include 35mm film. I was thrilled to meet them for their engagement session and capture their love story on both digital and 35mm film. El Matador Beach was the ideal setting for this session. Despite the couple expressing they weren’t sure how to pose, the natural beauty of Malibu made it easy for them to relax and focus on each other, creating magical photos that look straight out of a movie.

A couple watches the sunset together along a scenic coastal overlook in Malibu.
Couple sharing a kiss on the rocky shoreline at El Matador Beach for a Malibu engagement session.
Engaged couple sitting on rocks at El Matador Beach in Malibu.
Woman in white dress leaning into fiancé at El Matador Beach during sunset engagement photos.
35mm film photo of a couple sharing a romantic moment on coastal rocks at sunset with misty cliffs and ocean waves in the background.
35mm film photo of couple standing on rocky shore at sunset as ocean waves crash against the dramatic coastline.
35mm film photo of a couple holding hands while standing on rocky beach shore in black and white photography.
A couple in summer attire walks hand in hand along a scenic rocky beach at sunset at El Matador State Beach.
A couple in beachwear stands together on a rocky beach at sunset, with sunlight glowing through coastal cliffs.
35mm film photo of couple dancing together at sunset on a rocky beach, with the person in a white dress twirling gracefully.
Intimate couple sharing a tender moment outdoors during sunset in white and pink clothing at El Matador Beach in Malibu.
A romantic beach scene with a couple playing in the water near coastal rock formations in Malibu.
Couple sharing a kiss on the rocky shoreline at El Matador Beach for a Malibu engagement session.
A couple gazes at the ocean from a clifftop viewing area at dusk at El Matador Beach.
A romantic couple embraces outdoors against a scenic mountain backdrop at golden hour at El Matador Beach.

35mm Film + El Matador Beach is heaven, but so is digital.

Black and white photo of couple playing in the ocean at El Matador State Beach.

Black and white images work perfectly to create a vintage cinema look for photos, it's one reason I love black and white imagery so much, it's an instant nostalgia factor.

Black and white photo of couple running towards the ocean at El Matador State Beach.
A romantic black and white portrait of a couple against an ocean backdrop in Malibu.
A joyful couple shares a tender moment in a meadow with rolling hills.
Black and white photo of couple embracing on the shore at El Matador Beach.
Black and white photo of couple embracing on the shore at El Matador Beach for engagement photography.
A playful black and white beach photo near dramatic coastal caves and rocks.
A black and white photo of a man dipping a woman at El Matador State Beach for a kiss
Black and white image of couple holding hands on the sand at El Matador Beach for Malibu engagement photos
A loving couple shares a romantic moment against coastal cliffs and ocean waves.
Blurred black and white photo of a couple walking along El Matador State Beach.
A couple explores a dramatic rocky beach with sea caves and coastal formations.
Romantic black and white shot of couple standing on rocks at El Matador Beach during engagement session.
Black and white photo of a woman's hands showing her engagement ring.
A romantic black and white portrait of a couple sitting on rocks near a cliff in Malibu.
Intimate black and white photo of a couple embracing and laughing outdoors.

To wrap up Amy and Finn’s engagement session at El Matador Beach, I had the pleasure of capturing their love story through a variety of photography techniques—showcasing the timeless beauty of 35mm film, cinematic black and white imagery, and vibrant color images. The dramatic rock formations and California ocean views of Malibu created the perfect setting, allowing Amy and Finn to shine in every frame.


As a Malibu wedding photographer who specializes in both digital and 35mm film, I’m always thrilled to offer couples a mix of styles. After all, engagement sessions and weddings are unique and don't occur everyday- so having a mix of different styles to choose from works well for most couples. El Matador Beach remains a top choice for engagement sessions, with its hidden nooks and scenic backdrop making every moment feel magical. It's important to note that parking is tricky- so if you have a session there, please arrive early!


I hope you enjoyed, and I am stoked to be working with Amy and Finn again at Inn of the Seventh Ray in Malibu this coming November.