Newport Beach, CA & Gilbert, AZ • Sessions by appointment only

Venice Canals Engagement Photography

Venice Canals Engagement Photography – Venice Beach, CA

N & N’s Venice Canals Engagement session brought us to a really cool new location, far away from Orange County. The Canals are a hidden gem a short distance away from the wacky world of Venice Beach. Since the happy couple lives nearby in Marina Del Rey, they have loved coming to the canals for a walk after eating at their favorite local restaurants.

The canals are filled with cute small canoes, row boats, and paddle boats- each tied up to private landings behind the homes. The houses range from modern and colorful, to quaint little cottage style homes on the water. Photographers can be seen photographing models and engagement sessions around every corner!

Parking can be a real challenge, so be ready to walk a few blocks outside of the canals. If you are getting engaged and looking for something different, consider a Venice Canals Engagement photography session!

A little history on the Canals in Venice Beach

The Venice Beach canals were built back in the early 1900’s to imitate the canals in Venice, Italy. The canals attracted buyers and many homes were built. In the 1920’s, the invention of the automobile made the canals seem outdated. Most were destroyed and filled in to favor more roads for cars to drive on.

By 1940, the place was a dump. The canals and sidewalks were closed by the city and the area sunk into a 40 year depression. It seemed that nobody had the funds to repair such a large project. The original canal district was 4 times larger than it sits today!

Fast forward to the 1990’s, it was time to bring the canals back to life. The canals that you see today were totally rebuilt, including new sea walls and sidewalks. This made the property value skyrocket and turn into one of the most desired places to live in Venice. If you ever get the chance to visit this historic area, it’s well worth it!

About the photographers

Gilmore Studios is a husband and wife wedding and engagement photography team. They also photograph hundreds of maternity, newborn, children and family sessions in Los Angeles, San Diego, Orange County. Contact us for more info about booking your studio or on location session in the Southern California area.

Brian and Jennifer Gilmore specialize in wedding and portrait photography in Venice Beach, Marina Del Rey, Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and surrounding areas in OC and Los Angeles, CA. Call 949-698-3968 or email us to book your 2017-18 engagement photography & wedding.

 

Engagement photography at the Venice Canals in Venice Beach- CA

Meet the Gilmores:

Gilmore Studios is a husband and wife team that serves Orange County, Los Angeles, and San Diego areas. We specialize in fine wedding photography, family portraits, and newborn photography. Our studio has been in business since 2002.

Fun Facts:

PLace we call home:

Newport Beach

Number of kids:

3 boys

Years in business:

Since 2002

As seen in:

Wedding

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Simple Sophistication

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1. Keep posing gentle and natural.
At this age, kids don’t need stiff, formal poses. Simple prompts like “look over your shoulder,” “hold your dress,” or “twirl once” help them feel at ease and still keep the focus on the special meaning of the day.
2. Give them space to feel grown-up and little.
Eight is a magical age, old enough to understand the moment, but still so innocent. I like to sneak in a few detail shots of their hair, dress, or tiny hands to capture that in-between.
3. Talk to them like a friend.
An 8-year-old is more relaxed when they feel seen and heard. I always ask about their favorite part of getting ready, or what they’re most excited about. The best smiles come when they feel proud of what this milestone means. #BaptismPhotography #BaptismPortraits #ChildPortraitPhotography #LDSBaptism #ldstemple
1. Simple is beautiful.
Soft, neutral outfits photograph best on a white background. You don’t need fancy clothes or lots of props, just pieces that feel comfortable and timeless so the focus stays on you and your little one.
2. The magic is in the in-between.
Don’t worry if your child isn’t looking at the camera the whole time. Some of the most heartfelt moments happen when you’re snuggling, playing, or just being together.
3. It’s okay if it feels a little chaotic.
Kids wiggle, giggle, and sometimes melt down. I’m a mom too, and I’ve seen it all. I’ll guide you through every moment so you can relax and soak up this sweet time together.#maternityphotosession #maternityphotoshoot #maternityphotography #mommyandme
🇺🇸 Happy Fourth of July! 🇺🇸

Today I’m feeling extra grateful for the freedoms we have, the people who built this country, and every brave person who has served — past and present — to protect it.

Wishing you a day of fireworks, family, and a moment to appreciate just how lucky we are to call the USA home. ❤️🤍💙

#4thofjuly #GratefulHeart #USA #Freedom #GilmoreStudios
1. These photos will mean even more with time.
Right now, it might feel like a fun excuse to get everyone together, but years from now these are the images your family will go back to. The ones that hang on walls, show up in slideshows, and get pulled out during the holidays. It’s more than a session, it’s a gift for your future self.
2. Group photos are just the beginning.
Once I capture the big group shot, I break it down into smaller combinations like siblings, individual families, and grandkids with grandparents. You’ll walk away with a gallery that feels like a full family album.
3. I’ve got the chaos covered.
Big groups can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry. I know how to keep things moving, lighthearted, and fun. You don’t have to direct or organize anyone. Just show up and enjoy the moment, I’ll take care of the rest.
#extendedfamily #extendedfamilysession #familyphotographer
1. It’s totally normal to feel awkward at first.
You’re not professional models, you’re just two people in love. The best photos happen once you relax, talk, laugh, and just enjoy each other. I’ll guide you through it all.
2. Outfits matter, but comfort matters too.
Wear something that feels like YOU. You’ll move more naturally and feel more confident, which always shows up in the final images.
3. Your location should mean something.
Whether it’s where you had your first date or just somewhere that feels like you, personalizing your session makes the photos even more meaningful.

Newport Beach, CA & Gilbert, AZ

Session by appointment only