BIG SUR & CARMEL PHOTOGRAPHER

Proposals, elopements, couples, maternity & boudoir—white-glove planning, breathtaking locations, timeless editorial images.

Emotive, editorial-style photography for couples and individuals in Big Sur, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Monterey, California. Whether you're celebrating a once-in-a-lifetime moment or simply honoring who you are right now, I’m here to help you create art that feels like you.

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Photography Services

Choose a session type below to view pricing.

big sur ocean overlook with a couple proposing and kissing
Couple laying in grass for carmel california engagement session
film maternity session in carmel by the sea
bride and groom running on beach for carmel by the sea elopement
Modern Branding Portrait of a Monterey Business Owner in Studio.jpg
A woman lying on a furry rug, wearing lingerie with lace and ribbon details, with her eyes closed and hand near her face.

Why Clients Choose This Experience

✔️ Personal session curation

✔️ Expert location scouting (hidden Big Sur gems included!)

✔️ Wardrobe guidance for authentic editorial looks

✔️ Connection-led posing & emotion-rich storytelling

✔️ Hand-edited, cinematic gallery delivery

LET'S PLAN YOUR EXPERIENCE

About Your Big Sur & Carmel Photographer

woman dressed in all black outfit with hat in carmel by the sea photography studio

Hi there, I’m Erin.

Photographer, designer at heart, and your calm guide to beautiful, meaningful images along the California coast. With a degree in Interior Design and a background in Fashion Styling for several major brands, I’m obsessed with clean lines, flattering silhouettes, and the kind of composition that feels both effortless and editorial.

My work blends style with soul. I’m here for the champagne toast that splashed a little, the wind that caught your dress just right, the spontaneous laugh you didn’t plan—because those in-between moments are where the real magic lives. I approach every session like a well-designed space: intentional, inviting, and built around how you naturally move and feel.

From cliffside sunsets in Big Sur to cozy, light-kissed studio portraits in Carmel by the Sea, I build an experience that’s thoughtfully planned and beautifully lived. Direction is gentle, styling is guided, and the end result is timeless—images you’ll treasure as much for how they look as for how the day felt.

Why Clients Choose With Me

Because your story deserves to be told with authenticity, artistry, and care. My clients often say they feel relaxed, confident, and seen — whether we’re hiking to a Big Sur overlook, chasing light on the Carmel coast, or styling a boudoir session in my Carmel by the Sea Boudoir studio.

My approach is calm, cinematic, and connection-led. I don’t just take photos — I help you experience your moment with intention and ease.

MONTEREY | BIG SUR | CARMEL BY THE SEA | BEYOND

SERVING

Testimonials

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Testimonials •

Testimonials

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Testimonials •

  • Carmel Elopement

    “We eloped in Carmel-by-the-Sea and Erin captured every moment so beautifully. Her calm energy and attention to detail made the whole day stress-free. She even helped us pick the location and secure a permit. I still can’t believe how much she captured in just a few hours. Highly recommend her for Carmel elopement photography!”
    – Tristin & Billy

  • Big Sur Proposal Photography

    “Erin helped me plan the perfect surprise proposal on a cliff in Big Sur. She scouted the location, timed everything around golden hour, and made us feel so comfortable. The photos are cinematic and full of emotion — exactly what we wanted. If you’re looking for a Big Sur proposal photographer who knows the area and the light, she’s it.”
    – Jason & Amanda

  • Monterey Boudoir Session

    “I booked a boudoir session with Erin in her Monterey studio and it was one of the most empowering things I’ve ever done. She made me feel confident, beautiful, and totally at ease. The photos look like they belong in a magazine — soft, cinematic, and editorial. If you’re considering a boudoir shoot in Monterey, do it with Erin!”
    – Sasha L.

  • Big Sur Engagement Session

    “From the moment we met Erin, we knew we were in good hands. She helped us plan an engagement session in Big Sur that felt personal and true to us. The wind, the cliffs, the light — it was like a dream. Her natural, editorial style gave us photos we’ll treasure forever.”
    – Olivia & Mark

  • Big Sur Engagement Photos

    "Erin not only captured absolutely gorgeous photos for our engagement session and wedding, but she also stole our hearts during the process! What a beautiful soul inside and out! We couldn’t have picked a better wedding photographer - If you are searching for the best wedding photographer who is kind, talented and easy to work with this is your girl! We love you Erin!" Whitney + Douglas

  • A Big Sur Proposal We’ll Never Forget

    "Erin is a VERY talented photographer from the moment we met I felt like I have known her for years . She is a true artist very fun and passionate . She makes your whole experience so special with your LOVED ONE . If you want a photographer that is glowing with love and joy she's your girl. She will make you very comfortable in front of the camera and she WILL CREATE artwork for you to treasure FOREVER . Her work and personality is beyond 5 stars!!" Tristin + Billy

  • Photos That Feel Like Us—Natural and Timeless

    "Omg Erin!!! Over the past year my husband & I have done many shoots with her & love every experience! She’s an upbeat, talented, & creative person that will get down & dirty just to get the right angle. You can tell that she puts her whole heart in her work to make her clients happy. She’s also the type of photographer that will get you out of your shell when you don’t know what to do with your hands!! I would recommend her to anyone." Montanna + Cameron

  • Engagements in Carmel Was the Best Decision

    Erin is an amazing human and her work falls nothing short of incredible! She has this beautiful energy about her and you can’t help but smile when she’s around. She moves around and isn’t afraid of the uncomfortable to capture moments that take your breath away. Her editing style has a golden, moody tone/feel and it’s just the best! Matthew and I met Erin when she came out to Southern California and she did our engagement shoot. I wish she was based out this way to capture more of our journey! If you ever have the opportunity to work with her, we highly recommend it! Lindsay + Mathew

  • Our Big Sur Elopement Was Everything

    "I loved working with Erin. From engagements to the wedding she made everything so easy and so fun!! Pictures turned out so unique and beautiful. Amazingly different from every other photographer I’ve worked with before. I love everything about her vibe!!!! 10/10 recommend" Brittney + Mark

  • The best wedding photographer!

    "Erin is a MIRACLE WORKER! Her edits are unlike any photographer you’ve ever seen. She knows exactly what she’s doing. I had a wedding with a party of 32 (11 bridesmaids/ 11 groomsman/ 5 house party/ 5 ushers) & I couldn’t believe how amazing each picture she took was. She just blew my mind!! And she got all my pictures back within TWO weeks of my wedding date! 3 of my friends who got married didn’t get theirs back until 3 months after. Pick her as your photographer! You will not regret it!" MK + Nick

  • Erin is absolutely the best wedding photographer!

    She has the ability to make you feel 100% comfortable while capturing some of life’s most amazing moments. Her willingness to go above and beyond is priceless! From pre-wedding thoughtful gifts, popping champagne, laying on the ground to capture the perfect photo, laughs, dancing and more! Erin made our wedding more special in every way possible!" Crystal + Josh

  • Engagement Photos That Truly Captured Us in Big Sur

    "Erin was absolutely wonderful to work with! She took pics of me & my bf for our first photo shoot together & made it super easy & fun! If you’re looking for a photographer with a eye for the perfect picture & a passion to help your memories last a lifetime, give her a call! Extremely happy with our photos and can’t wait to shoot again soon!" Candice + Justin

  • Branding Photography in Monterey

    “I needed updated branding photos for my wellness business and Erin completely delivered. She guided me through outfits, poses, and locations around Monterey that reflected my style. I get compliments on these images all the time — they're clean, emotional, and feel so 'me.'”
    – Lauren A.,

Ready to booke me as your Big Sur & Carmel California Photographer

Ready to Plan Something Beautiful?
Proposals, elopements, couples, maternity, boudoir & branding—tailored, guided, unforgettable.

Signature Experiences

Romantic Carmel engagement session with couple walking on the beach at golden hour

Couples

Natural, editorial-style photography. From Big Sur proposals to dreamy Carmel engagements.

A woman kneeling on a white sheet, wearing floral lingerie and thigh-high stockings, with a neutral expression, against a backdrop of white fabric.

Boudoir

Empowering, cinematic portraits — in my Cannery Row studio or outdoors — designed to make you feel confident and radiant.

Branding

Clean, expressive imagery for creatives, couples, and business owners who want portraits that reflect who they truly are.

Branding portrait of creative entrepreneur in Carmel, captured outdoors with modern, minimal styling
Intimate Big Sur redwood forest elopement with couple exchanging vows under the trees

Elopements

Documenting wildly romantic, soul-filled ceremonies in Big Sur, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Monterey.

Surprise proposal at sunset on a Big Sur cliff, captured by California photographer Erin Venable

Proposals

Natural, editorial-style photography that captures the moment you ask — and they say yes — in the wild beauty of Big Sur, Carmel, and Monterey.

close up belly with flowers carmel maternity photo

Maternity

Celebrate this special chapter with graceful, emotive maternity photos in scenic Carmel locations. Studio or outdoor options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Photography in Big Sur, Carmel & Monterey

  • I specialize in cinematic photography for proposals, elopements, engagements, boudoir, and portraits. Whether you’re planning a surprise proposal in Big Sur or a boudoir session in Monterey, I create timeless images with an editorial edge.

  • My style is a blend of documentary and editorial, capturing authentic moments.. I focus on natural light, moody edits and creating a relaxed atmosphere.

  • Planning a proposal on the coast? I provide location guidance, permit advice, and stealthy coordination to help pull off the perfect surprise. Learn more about Big Sur proposal photography or Carmel proposals.

  • My Big Sur elopement photography packages are custom-tailored and include location scouting, styling, and permit support—so you can focus on your love story, not logistics.

  • Most boudoir shoots take place in my Cannery Row studio, but I also offer select outdoor sessions. Explore my Monterey boudoir packages or Carmel boudoir experience.

  • Spring and fall offer the best light and mild weather, but Big Sur is beautiful year-round. Visit my engagement photography page for tips, inspiration, and available packages.

  • Yes! I offer personal branding sessions that highlight your story, style, and purpose. View my branding and portrait photography services for entrepreneurs, artists, and professionals.

  • Many Big Sur locations require permits, and I help you navigate that with ease. Whether you're eloping or planning an engagement session, I’ll handle the logistics so you can focus on the moment.

  • Yes! I love capturing heartfelt vow renewals along the California coast—whether it's an intimate beach moment in Big Sur or a romantic celebration in Carmel-by-the-Sea. You can learn more about my vow renewal photography.