Huntington Library Engagement Photos | Cindy + Brandon

Posing

I like to guide couples with small prompts rather than having them pose in a rigid way. It helps them interact naturally and forget that a camera is even there. Sometimes I’ll ask them to walk together, whisper something funny, or even chase each other through the gardens. Moments like the running photos happen this way. I asked Cindy and Brandon to run across the lawn together, and as they moved I slowed the shutter slightly to capture that dreamy motion blur. Those playful prompts often create the most genuine moments because the couple is simply enjoying each other instead of thinking about the photos.

Bringing Personal Items

I always encourage couples to bring something personal to their engagement session. Small items from everyday life can add a lot of meaning to the photos and make the experience feel more like a real moment than a staged shoot. It could be a book you both love, a camera you travel with, or something that represents a shared hobby.

For Cindy and Brandon, music is something they bond over. They brought a cassette they recorded for each other so they could listen to it together during the session. It created such a quiet and intimate moment, and it made the photos feel even more personal to them.

The picnic blanket helped create a relaxed setting for that moment. While props like blankets are not always allowed in every area of the Huntington Library gardens, we were fortunate to find a quiet spot where it worked naturally within the scene.

16 Themed Gardens Across 130 Acres

One of the reasons I love photographing engagement sessions at the Huntington Library is how much space and variety the gardens offer. The estate in San Marino spans about 130 acres and includes more than 16 themed gardens, from the Japanese and Chinese Gardens to the Rose Garden and Desert Garden. Within a short walk, the scenery can completely change, which makes the whole session feel like we are exploring different worlds in one place.

Even on busy days when the gardens are full of visitors, it’s surprisingly easy to find quiet corners and peaceful pathways. That sense of space allows couples to slow down, enjoy the surroundings, and simply spend time together. When that happens, the photos start to feel more natural, relaxed, and genuine. Those quiet in between moments are usually the ones that end up meaning the most.

Planning Engagement Photos at the Huntington Library

The Huntington Library in San Marino is truly one of the most beautiful places for engagement photos in Southern California. With its blend of historic architecture, peaceful gardens, and expansive grounds, it offers couples the chance to slow down and enjoy the moment together. The space also gives us room to explore different areas and try different ideas during the session, which helps the experience feel relaxed instead of rushed.

Cindy and Brandon’s session felt especially playful and cinematic. When Cindy first reached out to me, she shared that she loved soft, dreamy, film like photos. Because color grading is such an important part of my work, I immediately understood the mood she was going for. We focused on creating moments that felt natural and romantic, and I was really happy to hear that they loved how the final photos turned out.

If you are thinking about planning your own engagement photos at the Huntington Library, I would love to hear about your vision and what you have in mind. Every couple brings a different story and energy to the session, and it is always fun to explore new ideas together and create something meaningful.