About Helen
Owner & Lead Photographer
I'm Helen Lin, a San Diego-based photographer, filmmaker, and outdoor enthusiast with over 13+ years of experience capturing authentic moments in some of the world's most stunning landscapes.
Anchor & Pine Collective was born from a simple belief: that the best photographs happen when people find joy, are connected, and are fully themselves. My work spans elopements, weddings, portraits, branding, and events, anchored in natural light and genuine moments.
5% of every Anchor & Pine booking goes directly to public land conservation and local non-profits in San Diego. Public lands are more than beautiful backdrops; they're sanctuaries where we play, heal, and reconnect. Protecting them ensures future generations can keep exploring.
My path here has been anything but linear. I studied Radio-TV-Film at The University of Texas at Austin, and later earned a Master of Public Health degree researching how the environment impacts human health. I also spent two years traveling full-time across 21 countries. I've called Dallas, Austin, Los Angeles, Portland, and now San Diego home.
That curiosity for people, places, and stories is what I bring to every photography session. When I'm not behind a camera, you'll find me surfing, hiking, skiing, or planning my next adventure with my husband. In 2025, I founded Waves of Color, a nonprofit supporting women in surfing, because community and access to the outdoors matter deeply to me.
I'm based in San Diego and travel throughout the U.S. and beyond for photography. I'd love to tell your story and help create something both beautiful and meaningful!