Balboa Park Engagement Session | Romance on Film Photography
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1. About Balboa Park
Balboa Park is one of San Diego’s most iconic engagement session locations. It offers a mix of greenery, architecture, and cultural landmarks. Popular photo spots include the Botanical Building and Lily Pond, the California Tower near the Museum of Us, and the Spreckels Organ Pavilion.
These spaces provide elegant backdrops that work beautifully on film. No permit is required for most outdoor areas. However, photographing inside museums may require advance permission. Always check the park’s calendar before planning a session. Events and festivals often draw large crowds and limit parking access. Parking is free but spread out. Expect to walk and bring comfortable shoes.
Weekends are busy. To avoid crowds, I recommend scheduling early morning sessions or weekday evenings around golden hour.
2. Brittney and Chris’ Balboa Park Engagement Session
Photographing Brittney and Chris at Balboa Park meant a lot to me. Brittney is extended family which made this session feel extra personal.
We kept the energy relaxed and fun. They trusted me fully, which allowed natural moments to unfold easily. The quiet corners and sunny walkways helped them feel comfortable and present.
They brought genuine connection and warmth to every frame. We focused on movement, laughter, and simple moments between poses. Their style paired perfectly with the clean architecture and soft garden light. Next February, I’ll be photographing their wedding at Flora San Diego, a stunning venue in the heart of downtown. I can’t wait to capture the next chapter of their story.
3. Film Photography (35mm and 120 Film)
I photographed this entire Balboa Park engagement session on film using both 35mm and medium format cameras. My go-to gear includes the Nikon F100 and Pentax 645N. These cameras allow me to shoot quickly while still preserving image quality and detail. I prefer Kodak Portra film stock as it handles skin tones beautifully and delivers soft colors with a nostalgic finish. Balboa Park’s neutral walls and filtered sunlight are ideal for this type of film. I love how film captures color exactly how I saw it – rich, true, and full of life. There’s something timeless about knowing each frame is one-of-a-kind and can’t be repeated.
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This blog post of, Balboa Park Engagement Session | Romance on Film Photography was written by California wedding photographer Arianna Maddox.
About the Author
Arianna Maddox is a California wedding photographer based in Sacramento, specializing in capturing your love stories with a blend of digital and film photography. She emphasizes natural and timeless images with hints of editorial flare, ensuring each wedding is documented with care and creativity. Whether it''s local or a destination wedding, Arianna brings a personalized touch to every moment.
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