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.

Couple sharing a kiss on the rocky shoreline at El Matador Beach, Malibu engagement session
Engaged couple sitting on rocks at El Matador Beach, white dress and casual attire, Malibu photographer
Woman in white dress leaning into fiancé at El Matador Beach during sunset, engagement photos
Man and woman standing on rocks at El Matador Beach during engagement session, 35mm film
Engaged couple embracing at sunset on El Matador Beach in Malibu, white dress flowing
Couple walking along the sand at El Matador Beach during engagement session, 35mm film photographer
Man and woman standing on rocks at El Matador Beach during engagement session, 35mm film
Couple posing for engagement photos at El Matador Beach, woman in white dress, Malibu backdrop
Close-up of couple laughing together on the sand at El Matador Beach, 35mm film engagement session
Couple sharing a kiss on the rocky shoreline at El Matador Beach, Malibu engagement session
Engaged couple sitting on rocks at El Matador Beach, white dress and casual attire, Malibu photographer

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
Black and white photo of couple embracing on the shore at El Matador Beach, Malibu engagement session
Black and white photo of couple embracing on the shore at El Matador Beach, Malibu engagement session
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, Malibu engagement photos
Blurred black and white photo of a couple walking along El Matador State Beach, Malibu backdrop
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

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.