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.  You will also find tips on how to make the most of the 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! Its for this very reason why so many people travel down to come here. 

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 beauty of a quiet morning at this stunning location. 

Newport Beach Family Photography:

The iconic Newport Pier and its surrounding long beaches and sandy shores offer a great atmosphere for your family photoshoot. Balboa Peninsula provides a fun, vintage vibe with its charming boardwalk and boutique shops. The image shown above was taken in Newport Beach on a beautiful spring evening. 

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. This makes for a fun evening and some beautiful memories to remember it by. 

Tips for beach family photography sessions:

• Schedule your photoshoot during the golden hour, despite the weather cooling down, the best lighting is usually 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.

I have a blog post on destination sessions where I share ‘Tips for a Successful Family Travel Session”, you can read about it here. 

Family Photography Locations in Orange County’s Lush Parks and Gardens

In comparison to a beach location, there’s something magical about being surrounded by nature in a quiet park and the beauty of the stillness it provides. For that reason, park locations are some of my most popular. 

Irvine Regional Park:

This park has a variety of hidden gems for us to choose from. Beginning with picturesque walking trails and a charming historic boathouse.  It makes for a unique location for your family photos and looks unique depending on what time of the year you chose. 

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.
• Choose outfits that have a neutral palette to provide a good balance to the colors and scenery of parks. We will discuss all those details in your planning appointment with me. 
• Be prepared for changing weather conditions, especially during transitional seasons.

For a full list of all the OC parks, you can visit the official website here. 

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 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.
• Despite it usually being pretty consistent, I recommend keeping an eye on the weather, as conditions can change quickly changing the overall look of some of these locations.

Unique 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. For example, this location makes for a great place for updated headshots.

The Great Park (Irvine):

This 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, 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. During our time together not only will we find the perfect location and work in detail to create a memorable experience for your family. 

At the same time, if an outdoor location is not exactly what you are looking for, I often travel to my clients homes or occasionally work in a studio setting if that is better suited for you. I work with variety of locations and spaces depending on the style of work you want to create. From time to time, I love sharing the work from other fellow artists. My friend Cake Smash Photographer in Phoenix Jasmyn Sambac, captured the cutest milestone session in a studio! I always love the simplicity of a studio session.