Soberanes Point- Big Sur, CA - Drew Zavala Photography - Location Spotlight

When it comes to selecting the perfect photo shoot location for your next photo session, few places can rival the natural beauty and captivating landscapes of Soberanes Point in Big Sur, California. Nestled along the rugged coastline, Soberanes Point offers a picturesque backdrop that will elevate your images to new heights.

From stunning coastal views and dramatic landscapes to unique rock formations and abundant wildlife, this hidden gem has it all. Here’s why Soberanes Point is an ideal place to take truly unforgettable photos.

Since it’s just 10 minutes from Carmel, CA, Soberanes Point is pretty accessible. There is ample parking and amenities such as bathrooms, a restaurant, and a gas station.

Soberanes Point also has great accessibility, which makes it a convenient destination for varying physical abilities. While some trails require moderate hiking, there are accessible points along the coast that still offer stunning views for little effort.

The most prominent feature of Soberanes Point is undoubtedly its breathtaking coastal views. The vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean against the rugged cliffs provides a dramatic and awe-inspiring backdrop, resulting in images that are sure to leave you speechless.

Soberanes Point also offers a diverse range of landscapes that will add depth and character to your photographs. It’s here that the Santa Lucia Mountains meet the oceans to create the iconic shoreline.

The rocky cliffs, sea stacks, and coastal vegetation provide endless possibilities for creative compositions, making it a dream destination for anyone looking to create memorable photos.

One challenge to note, however, is that we might experience any number of weather conditions. The mix of clear skies, fog, and mist rolling in from the ocean creates an ever-shifting play of light and shadow, offering a diverse range of lighting scenarios. Fortunately, I’ve shot here many times as a seasoned photographer, and I know all the tips and tricks to handle most kinds of weather.

Soberanes Point in Big Sur, California, is a truly enchanting destination for your next photo shoot. With its unparalleled coastal views, accessibility, and serene atmosphere, we’re bound to create a stunning gallery.

If you’re ready to book me for this location, contact me! I can’t wait to see what fantastic images we can create at Soberanes Point in Big Sur. See you there!

Colton Hall Museum - Monterey, CA - Drew Zavala Photography - Jose + Carolina

If you're looking for a photographer in California to capture your engagement session, look no further! Recently, we had the pleasure of photographing Jose + Carolina's engagement at the beautiful Colton Hall Museum, and we couldn't be more thrilled with the results.

From the moment we met Jose + Carolina, we knew they were going to be wonderful to work with. They were both so kind and easygoing, and you could tell they were genuinely in love with each other.

As a photographer, it's always great to work with couples who are already comfortable in front of the camera, but we understand that not everyone is like that, especially when it's your first time doing a professional photoshoot. At the beginning of the session, Jose + Carolina were a little stiff and cold, but that's completely normal. I wasn’t phased at all!

We always give our clients some time to warm up and get comfortable, and that's exactly what happened with these two. With a couple warm ups and ice breakers, Jose + Carolina were able to take a deep breath and enjoy the session.

After that, they were so natural that you would’ve thought they were models! I’m so proud of them and how well they adapted. Their photos turned out beautifully.

Colton Hall Museum was the perfect location for this engagement session. The historic building and grounds provided a beautiful backdrop for the photos, and we were able to capture some truly stunning shots. The architecture and landscaping are everything and more, and we were able to play around with different angles and perspectives to create some unique images.

We're excited to say that we'll be photographing and filming Jose + Carolina's wedding in April. They are expecting a ton of guests, so it's going to be a big event. We can't wait to be a part of their special day and capture all of the beautiful moments for them.

If you're looking for a photographer in California for your engagement session or wedding, we would love to work with you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation, and let's create some beautiful memories together!

Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church - Castroville, CA - Drew Zavala Photography - Patty + Maurilio

As Patty and Maurilio’s wedding approached, I couldn't help but count down the days until the big event. The couple chose Quail Lodge as the location for their wedding preparations, Our Lady of Refuge Catholic Church in Castroville, CA for their ceremony.

On the day of the wedding, everything ran smoothly and according to schedule. The couple was punctual and easy to work with, which made my job as their wedding photographer that much more enjoyable. They trusted me and my team completely, which allowed us to capture every stunning moment of the day.

As the bridal party got ready, I made sure to take photos of all of their details. From the rings and shoes to the outside of the church, these small details tell the story of the day. I always make sure to include them in my galleries so that the couple can remember the little things, too.

When it was time for the ceremony, my team and I prepared to capture the big moment. Patty and Maurilio were so romantic, and it was a pleasure to photograph their ceremony. You could practically feel the excitement of the guests as they watched the couple say their vows.

These photos look so effortless, however looks can be deceiving. Church lighting can often be a challenge to work with, and that was definitely the case today.

Due to the church's rules, we were not allowed to use flash, which made things a bit tricky. To ensure that the exposure settings were just right and the skin tones came out consistent, we had to work with the limited natural light that was available. By bumping up our ISO, we were able to capture beautiful photographs. Then after the ceremony, we headed outside for some group photos.

Group photos can be a challenge too, but I have a pro tip to share. I always ask everyone to close their eyes and open them on the count of three. This usually gives me around a 98% success rate and ensures that everyone is looking in the same direction and has their eyes open.

After that, we headed to the reception to party our hearts out! The couple chose an elegant white and lavender theme for all of the decorations, flower arrangements, and the cake.

Everyone had a blast while dancing, eating, and celebrating the couple. From the youngest to the oldest, there was not a frown in the entire building!

Overall, it was an amazing experience to photograph Patty and Maurilio's wedding. They were such a wonderful couple to work with and I wish them all the best as they start their married life together. I am confident that the photographs we captured will serve as a beautiful reminder of their special day for years to come. Congratulations!