Romantic Couples Session in Newport Beach | Lido Marina Village to Balboa Fun Zone

Planning a couples session in Newport Beach will never get old — especially when you get to explore charming coastal corners with a couple as fun and down-for-anything as Christina and Mark. Even though they’re both from Los Angeles and Orange County, we still managed to wander into new spots, hidden gems, and everything in between. This gallery has quickly become one of my favorites for Southern California couples photography and Newport Beach engagement-style photos.

Starting in Lido Marina Village

We began at Lido Marina Village, walking along the water and enjoying that golden coastal glow Newport Beach does best. The soft reflections and sailboat views created a dreamy backdrop. To add a personal touch, we brought props that represented the couple:

• A coffee table book from their home
• A Polaroid camera
• Their favorite beach bag

Personal props are an amazing way to elevate couples photo sessions and bring authentic connection into each frame.

Coffee Shop Vibes at Herst Coffee Roasters

Next, we headed to Herst Coffee Roasters for a snack and a delicious pick-me-up. The cozy interior was perfect for capturing quintessential coffee shop couples photos — soft light, warm textures, and candid laughter. The energy was precious in every shot.

Christina and Mark even tested a few frames on my film camera, and later I developed the images at a local film lab in Orange County. Those grainy, nostalgic film shots added so much personality to their final gallery.

Discovering Hidden Corners

One of my favorite parts of shooting in Newport Beach is finding beauty in the overlooked. We stumbled upon:

• Staircases with character
• Quiet alleyways
• Textured walls and corners

These unexpected spots are gold for editorial couples photography — clean lines, shadow play, and contrast against wardrobe choices.

Outfit Change & Blue Hour Magic at the Balboa Fun Zone

As the afternoon softened into evening, we ventured to the iconic Balboa Fun Zone. Christina and Mark changed outfits, and their new looks paired perfectly with the blue neon glow reflecting off the water. We played with posing variation — distance, height, hand placement through hair, and slow movement prompts to keep everything natural and romantic.

Guided Direction & Editorial Touches

Throughout the session, I guided:

• Poses that feel natural and connected
• Hand placement around shoulders and waist
• Playful interactions with props
• Creative editorial looks on staircases

My approach to couples photography is a balance of direction + spontaneity — structured enough to feel confident, but loose enough to feel true to you.

A Perfect Evening With the Sweetest Couple

Christina and Mark were such an incredibly fun couple. They were open, adventurous, and down for anything — which always creates the best photos. From waterfront strolls to nighttime amusement-park energy, this Newport Beach couples session was full of texture, movement, and meaning.

Planning Your Own Newport Beach Couples Session?

Whether you’re local to Southern California or visiting for the first time, Newport’s coastal backdrops are the perfect canvas for:

• Engagement photos
• Anniversary sessions
• Just-because couples portraits
• Vacation memories

If you’re looking for a Newport Beach couples photographer who blends documentary storytelling with editorial flare, I’d love to connect.

Let’s create something magical.