mya

Coastal Portrait Session Near Davenport

Some portrait sessions are planned with a specific purpose in mind, and others are simply about creating for the sake of creating. This session with Mya was one of those effortless, fun evenings spent chasing light along Highway 1 just north of Davenport. We headed up the coast with my 1973 VW Bug and pulled off along one of my favorite stretches of Northern California coastline for a spontaneous portrait session that felt playful, nostalgic, and creatively free. There is something about that part of Highway 1—the open cliffs, endless ocean views, and soft coastal light—that creates the perfect backdrop for portraits that feel cinematic and timeless. Pair that with the vintage character of my ’73 VW Bug, and the whole session had this beautiful old California energy to it. Sessions like this remind me why I love portrait photography so much. Not every shoot has to be tied to a milestone or major life event. Sometimes it is just about documenting a moment, exploring creativity, and making something beautiful for no reason other than because it feels fun. The dramatic coastline north of Santa Cruz is one of my favorite places for portrait sessions because it offers so much natural texture and movement. Combined with golden hour light, it creates imagery that feels both intimate and expansive at the same time. This session with Mya felt like such a perfect reflection of that—simple, spontaneous, and full of personality. If you’re looking for a Santa Cruz portrait photographer and want a creative coastal session somewhere along Highway 1, I’d love to dream something up with you.