Central Malibu Engagement Photography, El Matador Beach

Fay and John chose a local spot that is really popular for hiking and enjoying nature in the Santa Monica Mountains. We started their Central Malibu engagement photography at a fallen tree along one of the many hiking trails in the park. Our couple will have their wedding at Quail Ranch, a private ranch in Simi Valley.

Starting with Central Malibu Engagement Photography

There was this huge tree that was recently uprooted due to high winds.

There were wooden fences that made for a rustic and scenic backdrop in the engagement photos.

And I love these cute moments that we get from a happy couple just enjoying their time together.

Here’s a bridge in Central Malibu, which satisfies our itch to use symmetry and converging lines in our photo composition!

And here’s our soon to be bride showing off her wedding ring during the session!

El Matador State Beach for Sunset Engagement Photos

We headed over to El Matador State Beach for the remainder of the engagement photo session, starting on the nice, flat beach caused by the low tides that day. We love the reflection it creates below their feet.

El Matador Beach is one of the beaches that has several wooden staircases that are great for photo opportunities.

There are an abundance of rocks and cliffs at this picturesque beach in Malibu.

A Malibu Beach Sunset

As the sun started to set, we could get this beautiful warm glow to all of our sunset photos.

The full moon was right at the horizon after the sunset, giving us some awesome engagement photos with the moon dancing along the cliffs.

Engagement Photos in Central Malibu and El Matador State Beach

This is an engagement photography portrait session done in the Santa Monica Mountains and one of the Malibu Beaches, specifically Central Malibu and El Matador State Beach. We had plenty of hiking trails, wooden fences, fallen trees, a low tide beachfront, rocky shores, scenic and majestic cliffs, and a stunning sunset.