Montauk NY Couples Session

Destination Couples Shoot in Montauk (But Let’s Talk Big Sur Too!)

When I hopped on a plane to New York, I knew two things for sure:

I was going to eat the best bagels of my life.
I was going to photograph R + A in Montauk.

And let me tell you—both things came true.

Montauk had always felt like this glamorous place in my head, filled with celebrities, movie stars, and luxury cars cruising along the coast. But once I got there, I realized it’s not that big and not that flashy. Sure, there’s a little of that scene—but what makes Montauk so special is its simple, laid-back beach-town charm. Families playing in the sand, friends piling into old Ford Broncos, and that slow-paced summer vibe that makes you want to breathe a little deeper. R + A were doing exactly that. No bronco, but lots of sunshine and relaxation. They’ve been together for over four years and wanted updated couples photos—something that would show how much they’ve grown since they first started dating. And Montauk couldn’t have been a better backdrop for that.

Montauk Point Lighthouse

When you think of Montauk, you think of the Montauk Point Lighthouse. It’s iconic. So of course we had to include it in their session. A’s brothers are in the Coast Guard, so being at the lighthouse also held a deeper meaning for her. It was a way to feel connected to them while capturing this moment with R.

The weather gave us low clouds (which honestly, I love—it adds so much mood and contrast). R + A wore neutral colors that really stood out against the bright greens and wild vegetation. They wanted their photos to lean a little more on the posed side, which worked beautifully since we wanted to highlight the lighthouse and their surroundings.

If you’re planning your own session in Montauk, here’s my tip: aim for sunset. By then, the tourists start to clear out, and you’ll have a better chance at those intimate photos without a crowd in the background.

Back to Big Sur

Now, here’s the thing—I may have been photographing this destination session in Montauk, but my home base (and my favorite place to photograph couples, families, and elopements) is right here in Big Sur, California.

Just like Montauk, Big Sur has its iconic spots—the cliffs, the redwoods, the coastline that takes your breath away every time. And just like Montauk, the weather can surprise you. Some days it’s golden sunshine, other days it’s fog rolling dramatically over the mountains. The unpredictable conditions are part of what make a Big Sur couples session or Big Sur elopement so magical.

Whether you’re in the mood for moody redwood forests, epic cliffside views, or a barefoot walk along the beach, Big Sur gives you a little bit of everything. It’s one of those places where you can really lean into adventure and let the landscape shape your story.

The End of my Montauk Trip:

R + A’s Montauk shoot was the perfect mix of iconic scenery, personal meaning, and a reminder that photos are about more than just posing—they’re about capturing a season of life.

And while I’ll never say no to a destination session (yes, I will always travel for bagels and love stories), my heart belongs to Big Sur and the surrounding California coast. If you’re dreaming of photos that feel adventurous, meaningful, and full of joy, Big Sur is waiting for you.