Monastery Beach hasn't been shot for portraits yet — most clients come here for couples work. Switch to "All" to see everything.
Where we shoot, on a map
A steep golden-sand beach just south of Carmel-by-the-Sea, framed by cypress-covered hills and dramatic surf.
A steep golden-sand beach just south of Carmel-by-the-Sea, framed by cypress-covered hills and dramatic surf. Locals call it 'Mortuary Beach' for its powerful rip currents — admire the water, don't swim it. Quieter than Carmel Beach proper, with the same dramatic Point Lobos backdrop to the south. For sessions, the setting works best when there's a clear plan: which light, which path in, what the weather is doing. Chris's note on this location is in the field below — every destination here gets a real, photographer-tested read rather than a glossy travel description.
The lay of the land
Getting here
A few things about Monastery Beach
Paid or free lot adjacent to the sand; can fill up on weekends.
Dog-friendly in most areas; leash rules vary by season.
West-facing — chase the golden hour through blue hour, especially clear winter evenings.
Exposed — wind picks up in the afternoon. Bring layers + a hair-tie if it's a coast cliff.