Best Family Photography Locations in Orange County
Picture-Perfect Spots for Your Next Photoshoot
As a photographer, I’ve always believed that the right location can make a big difference when it comes to capturing your family photos. Orange County, with its diverse and picturesque settings, offers a wealth of beautiful spots that can serve as the perfect backdrop for your family’s memories. In this blog post, I’ll be sharing my favorite locations for family photography in Orange County, along with tips on how to make the most of each setting and unique features of each location.
Beautiful Beaches for Family Photos in Orange County
Orange County is blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches in Southern California.
Laguna Beach Family Photography:
Known for its dramatic cliffs and tide pools, Laguna Beach provides a breathtaking setting for family photos as is my most requested beach location. On a clear day, we can capture beautiful sunsets or the serene beauty of a quiet morning at this stunning location.
Newport Beach Family Photography:
The iconic Newport Pier and its surrounding long clear beaches and sandy shores offer a great atmosphere for your family photoshoot. The nearby Balboa Peninsula provides a fun, vintage vibe with its charming boardwalk and boutique shops.
Huntington Beach Family Photography:
Known as Surf City USA, this popular beach is perfect for families who love surf culture and wide-open spaces. The Huntington Beach Pier and surrounding shops and restaurants add a lively touch to your family photos. Families often end their evenings with dinner by the pier after their session with me making for a fun evening.
Tips for beach family photography sessions:
- Schedule your photoshoot during the golden hour for the best lighting, we usually start an hour before the sun goes down.
- I always suggest bringing a change of clothes just in case you get a little wet
- Depending on the time of the year, beach sessions tend to get breezy and cooler after sunset so I always bring a blanket to end your session with
Family Photography Locations in Orange County’s Lush Parks and Gardens
There’s something magical about being surrounded by nature in a quiet park.
Irvine Regional Park:
This park has a variety of hidden gems for us to choose from. With picturesque walking trails and a charming historic boathouse it makes for a unique location for your family photos.
Noguchi Garden:
This hidden gem in Costa Mesa is a unique, sculptural garden designed by the renowned Isamu Noguchi. Its modern design elements and serene atmosphere create an intriguing backdrop for your family portraits.
Fullerton Arboretum:
With 26 acres of lush gardens, the Fullerton Arboretum is a beautiful oasis filled with exotic plants, flowers, and picturesque pathways. It offers a a good variety of options, from the tranquil pond to the enchanting Children’s Garden.
Tips for family photography sessions in parks and gardens:
- Avoid weekends and peak hours to minimize crowds, that’s why I offer weekday sessions to all my clients
- Choose outfits that have a neutral palette to provide a good balance to the colors and scenery of parks
- Be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially during transitional seasons
Family Photography in Historic Landmarks and Cultural Sites
Orange County is home to several historic landmarks and cultural sites that can add a unique touch to your family photos.
Mission San Juan Capistrano:
This historic mission, with its beautiful gardens, charming architecture, and iconic bells, it offers an elegant and timeless setting for your family portraits.
Old Towne Orange:
Step back in time with a photoshoot in the quaint and charming streets of Old Towne Orange. The historic buildings, antique shops, and tree-lined streets provide a nostalgic backdrop for your family photos.
Balboa Pavilion:
Located in Newport Beach, the historic Balboa Pavilion features classic architecture and stunning waterfront views. Its distinctive style and charm make it an excellent choice for a memorable family photoshoot.
Tips for beach family photography sessions at historic landmarks:
- Check in advance for any photography restrictions or permits required, if you choose one of these locations I will provide all the details in regards to this for you.
- Be mindful and respectful of other visitors and the surrounding environment
- Consider coordinating your outfits to complement the location’s style and architecture
Scenic Outdoor Spaces with Stunning Views
Top of the World (Laguna Beach):
This breathtaking viewpoint offers panoramic views of the coastline, mountains, and cityscape, providing a truly awe-inspiring backdrop for your family photos.
Heisler Park:
Located along the cliffs of Laguna Beach, Heisler Park boasts lush gardens, unique sculptures, and stunning ocean views, making it a versatile and picturesque location for your family photoshoot.
Oak Canyon Nature Center:
This peaceful nature reserve in Anaheim Hills features scenic walking trails, a charming creek, and an abundance of native plants and wildlife. Its serene atmosphere and natural beauty make it an ideal spot for a family photography session.
Tips for beach family photography sessions with scenic views:
- Schedule your photoshoot during the golden hour to capture the best lighting and colors
- Be prepared to walk and explore the location to find the perfect spot
- Keep an eye on the weather, as conditions can change quickly in outdoor settings
Unique and Creative Options for Family Photography Locations in Orange County
The Lab Anti-Mall:
For a truly unique family photoshoot, consider the eclectic and artsy setting of The Lab Anti-Mall in Costa Mesa. Its vibrant murals, quirky design elements, and creative atmosphere make for a one-of-a-kind backdrop. This location makes for a great place for updated headshots.
The Great Park (Irvine):
This innovative park features a variety of unique settings, from the iconic Great Park Balloon to the sprawling sports fields and beautiful gardens.
The Packing District (Anaheim):
This revitalized historic district, with its trendy eateries and industrial-chic design, offers a cool and urban setting for your family photos.
Tips for beach family photography sessions in unique settings:
- Embrace the location’s distinctive features and incorporate them into your photos
- Be open to creativity and experimentation during your photoshoot
- Consider coordinating your outfits to match the location’s vibe and aesthetic, as always I usually recommend keeping it simple so it doesn’t compete with the environment
Orange County offers many stunning locations for family photography sessions, each with its own unique charm and character. By working together to choose the perfect location that reflects your family’s personality and story, we can create timeless memories that will be cherished for generations. So go ahead and explore the beautiful landscapes, historic landmarks, and creative spaces that Orange County has to offer – and capture the heart of your family’s story along the way.
Picture-Perfect Spots for Your Next Photoshoot
As a photographer, I’ve always believed that the right location can make a big difference when it comes to capturing your family photos. Orange County, with its diverse and picturesque settings, offers a wealth of beautiful spots that can serve as the perfect backdrop for your family’s memories. In this blog post, I’ll be sharing my favorite locations for family photography in Orange County, along with tips on how to make the most of each setting and unique features of each location.
Beautiful Beaches for Family Photos in Orange County
Orange County is blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches in Southern California.
Laguna Beach Family Photography:
Known for its dramatic cliffs and tide pools, Laguna Beach provides a breathtaking setting for family photos as is my most requested beach location. On a clear day, we can capture beautiful sunsets or the serene beauty of a quiet morning at this stunning location.
Newport Beach Family Photography:
The iconic Newport Pier and its surrounding long clear beaches and sandy shores offer a great atmosphere for your family photoshoot. The nearby Balboa Peninsula provides a fun, vintage vibe with its charming boardwalk and boutique shops.
Huntington Beach Family Photography:
Known as Surf City USA, this popular beach is perfect for families who love surf culture and wide-open spaces. The Huntington Beach Pier and surrounding shops and restaurants add a lively touch to your family photos. Families often end their evenings with dinner by the pier after their session with me making for a fun evening.
Tips for beach family photography sessions:
- Schedule your photoshoot during the golden hour for the best lighting, we usually start an hour before the sun goes down.
- I always suggest bringing a change of clothes just in case you get a little wet
- Depending on the time of the year, beach sessions tend to get breezy and cooler after sunset so I always bring a blanket to end your session with
Family Photography Locations in Orange County’s Lush Parks and Gardens
There’s something magical about being surrounded by nature in a quiet park.
Irvine Regional Park:
This park has a variety of hidden gems for us to choose from. With picturesque walking trails and a charming historic boathouse it makes for a unique location for your family photos.
Noguchi Garden:
This hidden gem in Costa Mesa is a unique, sculptural garden designed by the renowned Isamu Noguchi. Its modern design elements and serene atmosphere create an intriguing backdrop for your family portraits.
Fullerton Arboretum:
With 26 acres of lush gardens, the Fullerton Arboretum is a beautiful oasis filled with exotic plants, flowers, and picturesque pathways. It offers a a good variety of options, from the tranquil pond to the enchanting Children’s Garden.
Tips for family photography sessions in parks and gardens:
- Avoid weekends and peak hours to minimize crowds, that’s why I offer weekday sessions to all my clients
- Choose outfits that have a neutral palette to provide a good balance to the colors and scenery of parks
- Be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially during transitional seasons
Family Photography in Historic Landmarks and Cultural Sites
Orange County is home to several historic landmarks and cultural sites that can add a unique touch to your family photos.
Mission San Juan Capistrano:
This historic mission, with its beautiful gardens, charming architecture, and iconic bells, it offers an elegant and timeless setting for your family portraits.
Old Towne Orange:
Step back in time with a photoshoot in the quaint and charming streets of Old Towne Orange. The historic buildings, antique shops, and tree-lined streets provide a nostalgic backdrop for your family photos.
Balboa Pavilion:
Located in Newport Beach, the historic Balboa Pavilion features classic architecture and stunning waterfront views. Its distinctive style and charm make it an excellent choice for a memorable family photoshoot.
Tips for beach family photography sessions at historic landmarks:
- Check in advance for any photography restrictions or permits required, if you choose one of these locations I will provide all the details in regards to this for you.
- Be mindful and respectful of other visitors and the surrounding environment
- Consider coordinating your outfits to complement the location’s style and architecture
Scenic Outdoor Spaces with Stunning Views
Top of the World (Laguna Beach):
This breathtaking viewpoint offers panoramic views of the coastline, mountains, and cityscape, providing a truly awe-inspiring backdrop for your family photos.
Heisler Park:
Located along the cliffs of Laguna Beach, Heisler Park boasts lush gardens, unique sculptures, and stunning ocean views, making it a versatile and picturesque location for your family photoshoot.
Oak Canyon Nature Center:
This peaceful nature reserve in Anaheim Hills features scenic walking trails, a charming creek, and an abundance of native plants and wildlife. Its serene atmosphere and natural beauty make it an ideal spot for a family photography session.
Tips for beach family photography sessions with scenic views:
- Schedule your photoshoot during the golden hour to capture the best lighting and colors
- Be prepared to walk and explore the location to find the perfect spot
- Keep an eye on the weather, as conditions can change quickly in outdoor settings
Unique and Creative Options for Family Photography Locations in Orange County
The Lab Anti-Mall:
For a truly unique family photoshoot, consider the eclectic and artsy setting of The Lab Anti-Mall in Costa Mesa. Its vibrant murals, quirky design elements, and creative atmosphere make for a one-of-a-kind backdrop. This location makes for a great place for updated headshots.
The Great Park (Irvine):
This innovative park features a variety of unique settings, from the iconic Great Park Balloon to the sprawling sports fields and beautiful gardens.
The Packing District (Anaheim):
This revitalized historic district, with its trendy eateries and industrial-chic design, offers a cool and urban setting for your family photos.
Tips for beach family photography sessions in unique settings:
- Embrace the location’s distinctive features and incorporate them into your photos
- Be open to creativity and experimentation during your photoshoot
- Consider coordinating your outfits to match the location’s vibe and aesthetic, as always I usually recommend keeping it simple so it doesn’t compete with the environment
Orange County offers many stunning locations for family photography sessions, each with its own unique charm and character. By working together to choose the perfect location that reflects your family’s personality and story, we can create timeless memories that will be cherished for generations. So go ahead and explore the beautiful landscapes, historic landmarks, and creative spaces that Orange County has to offer – and capture the heart of your family’s story along the way.
[…] Choosing a location with significance for your family’s legacy photo shoot is vital in encapsulating your family’s unique narrative and history. When working with families, I help them choose locations that reflect their personalities and hold special meaning. For some families, it could be a favorite park, your family home, or a location that holds cherished memories; finding the perfect place helps make these photographs that much more memorable for you. […]