Bankers Hill Engagement: A Storytelling Couples Session with Ensley & Dimitri
What It Means to Have a Storytelling Couples Session
One of the best parts of a storytelling couples session is that we get to play it easy and take our time—letting your connection unfold naturally, without the pressure of stiff posing or rushing through shots. It’s about capturing your unique love story in a way that feels authentic, relaxed, and totally you.
A storytelling couples session is really about slowing down and being present in the moment. Instead of rushing through poses or trying to “perform” for the camera, we take our time. This means exploring your favorite places, letting your natural connection guide the session, and capturing those genuine smiles, laughs, and little glances that truly tell your story.
Starting at Cafe Busan: A Cinematic Vibe
Our session kicked off at Cafe Busan, a warm and inviting spot that Ensley and Dimitri love. They were aiming for a cinematic feel—something moody, timeless, and real. By starting in a place where they felt comfortable, we were able to capture the quiet, intimate moments before the adventure really began.
Fun tip: Choosing a favorite local café as your session start can give you a relaxed boost. It’s a natural way to ease nerves, and the ambient light in cozy cafés often adds beautiful warmth to photos.
Exploring Bankers Hill: Easy Walks, Hidden Gems, and Candid Moments
Next, we wandered through the beautiful streets of Bankers Hill, where historic architecture meets leafy, peaceful corners. This neighborhood is a perfect mix of charm and calm—a great place for couples who want photos that feel natural and effortless.
One little secret spot? The pedestrian bridge near the park! It offers stunning views and a quiet spot to steal a kiss or share a laugh away from the crowds. Walking slowly and discovering these hidden gems really brings out authentic moments.
Pro tip: If you feel comfortable, take a moment to stop on the bridge and look out together. It’s a great way to create a pause, connect, and let the photographer capture your genuine expressions without you even realizing it.
Balboa Park & Marston House: Historic Romance in Motion
Our stroll continued to Balboa Park, where the historic Marston House provided a dreamy, romantic setting. The lush gardens and elegant architecture offered timeless backdrops that naturally enhanced the storytelling vibe of the session.
This location is perfect for couples who love a mix of classic beauty and outdoor charm—plus, it’s full of little spots to explore, from ivy-covered walls to sun-dappled walkways.
Helpful hint: If you visit Balboa Park for your session, plan to arrive early or later in the day when the light is softer and the crowds are thinner. It makes it easier to relax and enjoy the moment (and results in more intimate photos).
Ready for Your Storytelling Session?
Above all, I want your session to feel like you—easy, comfortable, and full of trust. Trust that with every step we take, every quiet smile we share, your story is unfolding naturally. No pressure, no rushing—just genuine connection, captured thoughtfully.
Final tip: Wear something you feel great in, and don’t overthink it. When you’re comfortable in your clothes and shoes, it shows in your photos and helps keep the session relaxed and fun.
If you’re dreaming of a couples session that feels like a relaxed stroll through your story, where every moment is genuine and uncaptured moments become timeless memories, let’s chat.
Locations: Cafe Bassam & The Marston House
My photography is a blend of art, experience, and instinct—a little bit of this, a little bit of that.
For over 15 years, I’ve been immersed in the world of photography. It all started when I was 18 and stepped into a darkroom for the first time. That moment sparked a lifelong obsession with capturing the world through my lens. It eventually lead me to the fine art space, collaborating with artists, managing studios, and working alongside galleries and museums.
Through years of studying art and photography—both in undergraduate and graduate school—my aesthetic evolved under the influence of critical theory and contemporary art. I found myself drawn to the intersection of traditional documentary photography and spontaneous, unfiltered moments of real life. My goal is to create images that are raw, honest, and deeply human.
Travel plays a huge role in my creative process. I find inspiration in the unfamiliar—letting light, movement, and emotion guide my eye. Photography is my way of making sense of the world, turning fleeting moments into lasting stories. With a camera in hand, everything becomes a canvas, and every frame is a chance to reveal beauty in the unexpected.
