Leah and Eric chose Lake Sherwood for their engagement session, and I’m so glad they did. The lake sits in the hills above Thousand Oaks, quietly tucked behind the old ranch land that borders Ventura County. We had cherry blossoms, big boulders, a wooden dock, and late-afternoon light that just kept getting better. Leah and Eric didn’t hold back at all. They danced by the shore, scrambled up the rocks, and at one point jumped straight into the water. Every frame from that afternoon felt like them.
Why Lake Sherwood is the Perfect Engagement Photography Location
Lake Sherwood is one of those locations that does a lot of the heavy lifting for you. The water is calm enough to mirror the hills above it, and there are old oaks and rocky outcrops all around the shoreline that break up the light in interesting ways. It’s close enough to LA that couples don’t need to make a whole production out of getting there, but it feels genuinely removed from the city once you’re in it. That combination is hard to find.
For Leah and Eric, the setting matched their energy perfectly. They’re the kind of couple who are just as happy splashing around in a lake as they are holding hands on a dock. That range makes my job easy. The candid shots from the rock-climbing stretch are some of my favourites from the whole session, partly because neither of them was thinking about the camera at all.
Capturing the Essence of Leah and Eric’s Love Story
I photograph weddings and engagement sessions all across Ventura County and greater Los Angeles, including sessions at spots like the Malibu Creek State Park and Wildwood Park, and what I’m always looking for is the thing that’s specific to this couple. With Leah and Eric it was the laughter. They laughed constantly, at each other, at the situation, at me. That kind of ease doesn’t happen because I asked for it. It’s just who they are together, and the photographs reflect that.
Each set of images from their session tells a chapter of their story, from the quiet moments by the water to the full-speed jump off the rocks. Those pictures will be a real record of who they were at this point in their lives. I’ll be photographing their wedding this October aboard Fantasea Yachts at Marina Del Rey, and I’ve been looking forward to it since the day we wrapped up at the lake.
Planning Your Engagement Session with Lisa Leanne Photography
Thinking about an engagement session at Lake Sherwood? It’s a good call for couples who want something that feels relaxed and a bit adventurous, and if you’d prefer a vineyard setting, our Firestone Vineyard engagement session is worth a look. The location works well in spring when the cherry blossoms are out, and equally well in late summer when the hills go golden. I plan every session around the two of you, so if you’d rather stay dry than jump in the lake, that’s completely fine too.
Outfits matter more than people expect here. Soft neutrals and anything that moves in the breeze photograph well against the water and the rocks. Avoid anything stiff or heavily patterned and you’ll be glad you did. The rest is easy: show up, be yourselves, and I’ll take care of everything else. To see more of my work, have a look at my wedding photography services or get in touch to start planning your session.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should we wear for our Lake Sherwood engagement session?
Choose outfits that make you feel like yourselves. Soft neutrals and pastels sit well against the greens and blues of Lake Sherwood. Skip anything with a loud pattern, since it tends to pull the eye away from the two of you. Bring layers, and wear shoes you’re happy walking in over rocks and uneven ground near the water.
How long does an engagement session typically last?
Most sessions run between one and two hours. That’s enough time to move through a few different spots around the lake and get a good mix of posed portraits and candid moments without anyone feeling worn out. If you’re planning something more active, like Leah and Eric’s session that included climbing and a swim, budget closer to two hours.
Can we bring props or pets to our engagement session?
Absolutely. Props that actually mean something to you are always welcome, and pets come along all the time. Just let me know in advance so I can build a bit of extra time into the plan. The more I know about what you’re bringing, the smoother the session goes for everyone.
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