I have a family that has been coming to me since the very beginning. And I mean the very beginning. Twin girls, fresh and tiny, just days old. That first session was full of the kind of magic that only newborns can bring, two little humans brand new to the world, curled up and perfect.
That was years ago. Last month, the same family came back. The reason? The girls got kittens.
Some of my favorite sessions are the ones where three generations show up, someone’s toddler refuses to cooperate, and by the end everyone is laughing so hard the candids basically take themselves. Extended family sessions at the Seal Beach Pier are exactly that kind of magic, and if you’ve been searching for extended family photoshoot ideas, you’re in the right place.
There is something incredibly meaningful about photographing multiple generations together. Grandparents, parents, and children all gathered in one place creates a collection of images that becomes even more valuable over time. These extended family beach photos at Crystal Cove were a wonderful example of how special it is to capture a family’s story across generations.
One of the most common things parents tell me before their photo session is, “We want our photos to feel natural.” They don’t want stiff poses or forced smiles. Instead, they want images that capture their family as they really are, laughing together, playing with their kids, and enjoying time at the beach.
That’s exactly what candid family photography in Orange County is all about.
Dogs are part of the family, so it only makes sense to include them in your family photos. One of the first questions many clients ask is whether they can bring their dog to a session—and the answer is usually yes! The key is choosing a location that is both beautiful for photos and dog-friendly.
Booking a family photo session is exciting, but many parents have questions before they schedule their session. From wondering how their kids will behave to figuring out what everyone should wear, these are all very common concerns.
As a family photographer, I hear many of the same questions from parents, so I’ve gathered some of the most common ones here to help make the process feel simple and stress-free.
One of my favorite things about family photo sessions is when families bring their dogs along. For many families, pets are just as much a part of the family as the kids, so including them in photos makes the session feel even more meaningful.
Beach sessions are especially perfect for this. With open space, beautiful light, and room for kids and dogs to play, the beach creates a relaxed environment where everyone can simply enjoy time together.
This session was a great example of how fun and natural family beach photos with dogs in Orange County can be.
Planning outfits for a large group can feel overwhelming, but choosing what to wear for extended family photos at Crystal Cove doesn’t have to be stressful. With its soft sandy beach, natural rock formations, and beautiful ocean views, Crystal Cove provides a timeless backdrop that works wonderfully with soft, neutral color palettes.
You booked the session. You picked the date. And now comes the part that trips up even the most organized parents: actually getting everyone ready for picture day. The good news is that a little preparation goes a long way, especially when you have elementary-aged kids in the mix. Here are the three things I focus on with every family to make sure the session goes smoothly and the photos feel genuinely like you.
As a family photographer serving Los Angeles and Orange County, I spend a lot of time with young families in those early, busy years. Parents of toddlers and preschool-age kids often ask me for recommendations beyond photography. And one topic that comes up again and again is preschool.
Finding the right preschool is one of the most personal decisions a family makes. Every child is different, and every family values something a little different in an early education environment. Some want Waldorf. Some want Montessori. Some want a warm home setting. Others want a program that gets their child ready for kindergarten.
With that in mind, here is a look at five wonderful Los Angeles preschools worth knowing about.