Joyful Family Beach Session in Newport Beach | Orange County Family Photographer

There’s nothing quite like photographing a family at the beach in Newport Beach, California. The golden light, soft ocean breeze, and relaxed atmosphere make it the perfect backdrop for authentic family photos filled with joy and connection. As a family photographer in Orange County, I love capturing those little in-between moments — sandy toes, kids running along the shoreline, and the laughter that naturally happens when families simply enjoy being together.

Why Newport Beach is Perfect for Family Photography

Newport Beach offers everything a family photo session could need — stunning coastal views, wide open spaces for kids to play, and that magical Southern California sunset glow. Whether your family loves the calm of early mornings or the golden light of sunset, this beach is one of the most scenic places in Orange County for timeless family portraits.

During this session, we kept things simple and fun. The family played in the waves, shared a few snuggles on the sand, and let the kids lead the way. I always encourage families to interact naturally — that’s when the most heartfelt and candid moments unfold.

A Relaxed and Candid Approach

My approach to family photography in Newport Beach is all about connection and comfort. You don’t need to worry about posing perfectly or keeping your kids still — in fact, the best photos often come when everyone is simply having fun. I guide families gently, offering direction when needed, but I also step back to let your personalities shine through. The result is a collection of natural, joy-filled images that truly tell your family’s story.

Capturing the Real You

What I love most about beach family sessions in Orange County is how they bring out everyone’s playful side. Whether it’s toddlers collecting seashells, parents walking hand-in-hand, or teens laughing together before the waves roll in, every family has its own rhythm and energy. My goal as your Newport Beach family photographer is to capture that genuine connection — the little moments you’ll want to remember forever.

Planning Your Family Beach Session

If you’re considering family photos in Newport Beach, I recommend choosing a time close to sunset for that dreamy, golden light. Neutral, soft colors always photograph beautifully against the sand and sea. I also suggest bringing a towel and a change of clothes for little ones — most kids can’t resist splashing in the water at the end of the session!

Whether you’re local to Orange County or visiting Southern California on vacation, a Newport Beach family photo session is the perfect way to capture your family’s love and create memories by the ocean that you’ll treasure for years to come.

Book Your Newport Beach Family Photography Session

If you’re looking for a family photographer in Newport Beach or anywhere in Orange County, CA, I’d love to help you create relaxed, timeless images that tell your story. Reach out today to book your family beach session and start planning the perfect experience for your family.

Number One Thing to Do In Orange County: Newport Beach Photographer

When you think of Orange County what’s the first thing to come to mind?? BEACH, right?!?! Seriously, what would this place even be without its cliffs, rocks, and breathtaking blues? A trip to the OC would be a total failure without a trip—or two or ten—to our crazy breathtaking shores. Ok, yes, I may be argued that in fact the number one attraction here is Disney Land. And I won’t complain in the least if that’s your thought process as over half the families who come to me do so during their week long trip to Disney! BUT as many days as they spend with Mickey their mouth always drops just a bit when they step on our Pacific land.

When we first moved to the OC we spent our every last spare minute on the sand. And I every last click of my shutter. My car was perpetually one large sandbox and my trunk filled to stock with shovels, buckets, and extra towels. Because even on the days we were just going to “hang out” one of my kids still did not fail to get soaked. ;)

I come to the beach so often to shoot now that I actually rarely take my own kids here. But still my car is one large sandbox as (little secret) I LOVE to shoot right there in that magical number one salty beauty. And I just love how fitting it all is, how things really do seem to run full circle. I get asked to shoot at the beach almost exclusively these days. The very place where I first learned all the ins and outs of photography. The place that always brought us peace at the end of a long day.

Winter usually means we run more from the water, getting little more than our feet wet. Not the case when it comes to my favorite kind of people though—Canadians. It was 50 degrees with winds 19 miles per hour. For us local OC folks, that is simply polar vortex terms. ;-) But they had just been in negative 40 windchills the week before. “It’s not too bad out!” they told me, and made all my water loving dreams come true.

I’ve been starting to do more and more couples shoots over the past year and YOU GUYS!! This genre I used to be so crazy intimidated by is becoming one of my very favorites! Still though, it doesn’t make me want to do any weddings yet. ;-) Sticking to romantic sunsets for now!