This was easily one of the most fun and memorable couples photoshoots I've had the pleasure of photographing in Los Angeles! Adria and Brad traveled from different parts of the country to visit LA, and we met bright and early for a sunrise couples photoshoot at the iconic Griffith Observatory.

Just two days before their preferred photoshoot date, Adria reached out to ask if I was available on a Sunday morning. Although I was initially hesitant because of the early drive up to Griffith Observatory and my usual Sunday morning commitments, something told me to go for it. Within a short amount of time, we coordinated all the details and locked in their last-minute Los Angeles photoshoot.

I met Adria and Brad a few minutes before sunrise, just as the city was beginning to wake up. I always recommend scheduling a sunrise photoshoot at Griffith Observatory rather than sunset if you're looking for beautiful photos with fewer crowds. The early morning light, cooler atmosphere, and peaceful views of Los Angeles make it one of my favorite times to photograph couples here. However, I was surprised by just how many people had already made their way up to the Observatory that morning!

When we first met, Adria mentioned that she had been searching Google for a Los Angeles couples photographer and that my photography stood out to her the most. She had also reached out to a few other photographers in San Diego and Orange County, but given the short notice, nobody else was available. I was genuinely grateful that she found my work and chose me to capture this special part of their trip.

Exploring Griffith Observatory for Couples Photos

We started the session around the main entrance of Griffith Observatory, taking advantage of the incredible Los Angeles skyline as our backdrop. Since it was still blue hour, I wanted to create a variety of looks by photographing some portraits with flash and others using only the available ambient light.

I particularly love how the flash photographs turned out. The combination of the cloudy morning sky, glowing city lights, and dramatic lighting gave the images a completely different atmosphere. It's a look that feels a little more cinematic and adds variety to a couples photography gallery.

From there, we moved to the iconic green door near the Observatory for a few portraits before heading to one of my favorite photography spots on the property. I photographed Adria and Brad using my favorite composition with a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, creating beautiful portraits with the surrounding architecture and landscape.

When I showed them the photos on the back of my camera, they were ecstatic! Seeing my clients get excited about their photographs is always one of the most rewarding parts of being a photographer.

Hollywood Sign and Los Angeles Skyline Views

Before wrapping up the session, Adria mentioned that she really wanted to incorporate the Hollywood Sign into their couples portraits. Of course, I was more than happy to make that happen!

We headed to the other side of Griffith Observatory, where we could capture the Hollywood Sign along with sweeping views of the Los Angeles skyline. We finished the session with a mixture of natural walking shots, relaxed couple portraits, and a few fun photographs that captured their personalities.

One of the things I love most about photographing couples at Griffith Observatory is the variety of backdrops available within such a relatively small area. From the iconic architecture and green doors to panoramic city views and the Hollywood Sign, it's an incredible location for couples, engagement, and honeymoon photography in Los Angeles.

A Little About Adria & Brad

Brad is the guitarist and vocalist for Rocket Hips, a three-piece punk rock band from Muscle Shoals, Alabama. His mohawk, black suit, and red necktie definitely gave him a distinctive look that made this session even more fun!

The two originally met at a bar and got married just a few months before our photoshoot. Brad was visiting from Alabama, while Adria was coming from New York. After navigating a long-distance relationship, the newlyweds are now living together in New York.

It was especially meaningful to photograph them while they were visiting Los Angeles for their honeymoon. Their personalities, style, and chemistry made this such a fun session, and I loved being able to capture a little piece of their story against one of LA's most recognizable landmarks.

Congratulations again to Adria and Brad on your recent marriage! Thank you for trusting me to photograph your couples portraits during your Los Angeles honeymoon. It was such a pleasure meeting you both, and I wish you nothing but happiness in this next chapter together!

If you're dreaming of an engagement or wedding shoot in LA or Orange County, let's create something unforgettable together. Inquire today to start planning!Let me tell the unique story of your relationship through timeless, meaningful photographs.

Book Your Own Session Today!