Southern California
Engagement Photographer

Chasing adventure - one love story at a time.

Get in Touch
Get in Touch

10+ YEARS

OF PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

SoCal

RIVERSIDE-BASED

100+

⭐5.0

REVIEWS ON
GOOGLE

COUPLES
PHOTOGRAPHED

Woodland Mist photographer Mitchell Anderson smiling with arms crossed wearing glasses and a patterned sweater

I'm a Riverside-based photographer with over 10 years of experience capturing real moments between couples across Southern California. Most of my work is wedding photography, but engagement sessions are a separate offering for couples who want portraits leading up to the big day, or just want to celebrate where they are right now.

My approach is relaxed. I'm not here to direct you through stiff poses. I'll give light direction when it helps, but mostly I'm just there to capture how you actually are together — the looks, the laughs, the quiet moments.

Hi, I’m Mitch

Three Reasons Couples Book

Engagement sessions aren't just one thing. Some couples want the adventure. Some want save-the-date images. Some want to ease into being photographed before the wedding day. Most want all three.

Couple embracing on a Channel Islands cliffside overlooking the ocean and sea stacks during a glowing golden sunset
Couple embracing on a Channel Islands cliffside overlooking the ocean and sea stacks during a glowing golden sunset

The session itself is part of the experience. Whether it's a sunrise in Joshua Tree, a coastal hike in Laguna, or a vineyard in Temecula, we go somewhere beautiful and let the day unfold. You get great photos and a real memory to go with them.

An Adventure Together

Couple walking hand in hand through Joshua Tree desert at golden hour with sun flare and rocky mountains behind them
Couple walking hand in hand through Joshua Tree desert at golden hour with sun flare and rocky mountains behind them

Engagement images double as save-the-dates, invitations, and announcement photos. They also work into your wedding day, whether it's a slideshow at the reception or framed prints on a welcome table.

Save-the-Dates & Invitations

Smiling engaged couple standing arm in arm beneath Hermosa Beach pier during a warm golden sunset
Smiling engaged couple standing arm in arm beneath Hermosa Beach pier during a warm golden sunset

If you're nervous about your wedding photos, this is the warmup. We get to know each other, you find out how I shoot, and by your wedding day, the camera doesn't feel weird anymore.

Comfortable in Front of the Camera

Check My Availability
Check My Availability

REAL COUPLES

Featured Engagements

Joseph & Michelle

JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK

Engaged couple with a vintage Dodge truck at Joshua Tree sunset, woman seated on the hood with wildflower bouquet
Man kissing woman's cheek during a Joshua Tree engagement session, warm desert light and boulders softly blurred behind them
Laughing boho couple during a Joshua Tree engagement session, woman in wide-brim hat riding piggyback in the desert
Boho engaged couple close-up in Joshua Tree golden hour light, woman in fringe jacket and wide-brim hat gazing softly
Boho engaged couple holding hands and walking across granite boulders surrounded by Joshua trees and desert scrub

Zac & Marie

CHANNEL ISLANDS NATIONAL PARK

Taylor & Johnny

MISSION INN HOTEL

WHERE WE SHOOT

Popular Locations

Southern California has more variety in 90 minutes than most places have in a state. Desert in Joshua Tree, vineyards in Temecula, beaches in Laguna and Crystal Cove, mountains in Big Bear, urban architecture in Downtown Riverside. Pick what fits the energy you want, or let me suggest based on the time of year and how your photos should feel.

JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK

COASTAL & BEACH SESSIONS

LAKE ARROWHEAD

DOWNTOWN RIVERSIDE

BIG BEAR LAKE

PALM SPRINGS & THE DESERT

SYCAMORE CANYON

IRVINE REGIONAL PARK

INVESTMENT

Engagement Session Pricing

Engagement sessions fall under my portrait pricing. Pick the package that fits the time you want to spend, the number of locations, and the deliverables you need.

MINI SESSION
$300

  • 30-minute session

  • 10 edited images

  • 90-day access to online gallery

  • Digital print rights

  • Additional photos available for $10 each

Best for: Quick sessions or couples on a tight budget

MOST POPULAR

STANDARD SESSION
$400

  • 1-hour session

  • 1 location

  • 30 images edited and retouched

  • 1-year access to online gallery

  • Digital print rights

  • Additional photos available for $10 each

Best for: The standard engagement session, enough time to relax and explore one location

ADVENTURE SESSION
$500

  • 2-hour session

  • Multiple locations

  • 60 images edited and retouched

  • Any additional images included

  • 1-year access to online gallery

  • Digital print rights

Best for: Couples who want multiple locations, outfit changes, or a more elaborate session

Let's Plan Your Session

Send me a note about what you have in mind, the date you're thinking, and where you'd like to shoot. I'll respond within one business day.

Engagement FAQs

1. How long does an engagement session take?

Sessions range from 30 minutes (Mini Session package) to 2 hours (Adventure Session package). Most couples choose the 1-hour Standard Session for a single location. If you want to cover multiple spots or change outfits, the 2-hour Adventure Session works better.

2. How far in advance should we book?

Most couples book 4 to 8 weeks before their preferred date. Weekends and golden hour slots fill up faster, especially in spring and fall. If you have a specific date in mind, reach out as early as you can.

3. What should we wear?

Dress in something you feel like yourselves in. Coordinate colors loosely without matching exactly. Avoid loud patterns and logos. If you want more specific guidance once you book, I'll send a short style guide based on your location and time of day.

4. Where should we shoot?

I'll suggest locations based on the look you want, the time of year, and what fits your story. Joshua Tree, Palm Springs, Big Bear, Laguna Beach, Crystal Cove, vineyards in Temecula, or somewhere meaningful to you. If you have a specific spot in mind, we'll go there.

5. Do you travel for engagement sessions?

Travel is included throughout Southern California, which covers Riverside, the Inland Empire, Orange County, Palm Springs, Big Bear, Joshua Tree, and surrounding areas. For sessions beyond Southern California, reach out and we'll quote travel separately.

6. How long does it take to get the photos?

Sneak peek images are delivered within 48 hours of your session. Your full edited gallery is delivered within 2 to 4 weeks.

7. Can we use the photos for save-the-dates and invitations?

Yes. Every package includes digital print rights so you can use the images for save-the-dates, invitations, social media, prints, and anywhere else you'd like.

8. Do you also shoot weddings?

Yes. Wedding photography is the main focus of my work. Engagement and wedding sessions are booked separately though, so booking one doesn't lock you into the other.