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Why OC Families Should Book Christmas Photos in July

🎄 Why OC Families Should Book Christmas Photos in July

Yes, Christmas in July is a thing—and for Orange County families, it’s the smartest way to get ahead of the holiday chaos.

At Blue Skys Studio, we believe the best time to plan your family’s holiday portraits is now—while the sun is shining, the kids are out of school, and your calendar isn’t already packed with holiday parties, gift shopping, and school events.

Here’s why savvy OC families are getting their portraits done early—and how our Christmas in July Special makes it fun, easy, and stress-free.

Smiling family of four during Christmas in July photo session in Laguna Beach, Orange County”

☀️ 1. Avoid the Holiday Rush

Fall and winter get busy fast. Between back-to-school, sports, travel, and the holidays, scheduling anything for your family becomes nearly impossible.

Booking your session in July gives you the flexibility to choose the perfect day, time, and location—before our calendar fills up with last-minute bookings.

Family holiday portrait taken outdoors in Laguna Beach during Christmas in July session

🌤️ 2. Take Advantage of Perfect Weather

Let’s face it—July in Orange County is gorgeous. Golden sunlight, warm evenings, and vibrant greenery make it the ideal time for glowing, natural family portraits.

Unlike December, you don’t have to deal with chilly winds, rain delays, or gloomy skies.

 

🌿 3. Nature Looks Its Best

From Laguna Canyon’s wildflowers to golden hour light along the Newport Beach coast, summer showcases the best of OC’s natural beauty.

Whether you want ocean views, a tree-lined park, or a rustic field, we’ll help you choose the perfect backdrop.

Orange County family smiling during a summer holiday photo session with Blue Skys Studio

4. Take Advantage of Our Christmas in July Special

We’re making it easy—and irresistible—for your family to get ahead this year with our Christmas in July Special. Each session includes everything you need to knock “holiday photos” off your to-do list in style:

✅ A full-length, customized portrait session tailored to your family’s needs
✅ 25 custom-designed holiday cards using your favorite images
✅ A full gallery of posed and candid photos, including family portraits, sibling shots, parent combos, and individual portraits
✅ Wardrobe consultation and location guidance so you look and feel your best
✅ Options to add on custom albums and wall art to showcase your favorite images at home

But don’t wait—we only have limited time slots available, and this package is an amazing deal that families return for year after year.

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Christmas In July Family Portraits

Christmas In July Family Portraits

“Where Summer Meets the Season of Joy: Christmas in July Portraits”

Celebrate the spirit of the season before the holiday rush begins. Blue Skys Studio invites you to take part in our exclusive Christmas in July family portraits event—a luxurious opportunity to create heirloom artwork while the sun is still shining.a luxurious opportunity to create meaningful family portraits and heirloom artwork while the sun is still shining.

With just 12 private sessions available, this is a limited-time offer designed for families who value beauty, connection, and timeless imagery.

Casual family photo capturing genuine expressions and laughter.

 A Signature Holiday Portrait Experience – Only $249

This summer, treat your family to a one-of-a-kind session that blends elegance with ease. For just $249, you’ll receive:

  • A full-length family portrait session at a stunning outdoor location of your choice

  • 25 custom-designed holiday cards featuring your favorite image(s)

  • A beautifully curated gallery of candid and posed portraits, including family groupings, siblings, and individual moments

  • Personalized wardrobe guidance and location styling

  • Optional upgrades for custom albums, gallery wall installations, and fine-art prints

📸 Book Your Family’s Session Now →

Family of four embracing in a loving hug with the scenic San Clemente Beach behind them.

Why Choose Us for Your Christmas in July Family Portraits

At Blue Skys Studio, we believe that portraiture is more than photography—it’s a chance to tell your family’s story through sophisticated, soulful images. For over 20 years, we’ve worked with Orange County’s most discerning families to create portraits that are:

  • Luxuriously styled and expertly lit

  • Warm, candid, and full of joy

  • Tailored to your personality and home decor aesthetic

Whether you dream of a serene beach backdrop, a lush garden, or a modern cityscape, we’ll guide you through every detail—from outfit styling to natural posing—so you feel confident and cared for throughout your entire experience.

Candid shot of the Brooke Smith family walking together.

📍 Choose Your Perfect Backdrop

🌊 Scenic Beach Portraits
The ultimate SoCal experience. Let the ocean breeze and golden-hour glow set the scene for timeless family portraits.

🌳 Lush Park Portraits
Enjoy nature’s beauty with vibrant greens, floral backdrops, and serene paths—perfect for families seeking a classic, romantic feel.

🏙️ Stylish Urban Portraits
Chic, modern, and full of energy—urban locations bring a contemporary edge to your holiday portraits, ideal for families with bold style.

📅 Secure Your Spot – Only 12 Sessions Available

Family photo session at Picnic beach at sunset in Laguna Beach.

What Our Clients Are Saying

“Our session with Blue Skys Studio was magical. The experience was effortless, and the portraits truly reflect who we are.”
– Emily R., Laguna Beach

“I didn’t think a photo session could feel this relaxed and fun. The results are absolutely stunning.”
– Michael T., Newport Beach

“From start to finish, everything felt personalized and luxurious. We finally have portraits worthy of our home.”
– Sarah L., Irvine

Family photos with teenage kids in Orange County CAFrequently Asked Questions

What’s the best time of day for portraits?
We recommend scheduling during golden hour—the hour before sunset—when the light is soft and flattering.

What should we wear?
Don’t worry—we provide tailored wardrobe suggestions to match your location and personal style.

Will you help with posing?
Absolutely. With decades of experience, we’ll gently guide you through posing to create natural, joyful images.

What about lighting?
We use a mix of natural light and off-camera flash to ensure every image looks stunning—no matter the setting.

How do I book?
It’s easy! Click the button below to choose your session date and secure your spot.

🎁 Reserve Your Holiday Portrait Experience Now →

A family portrait session with what to wear when you want to incorporate fun prints and patterned clothing in your session.

A Gift You’ll Treasure for Years

The best memories aren’t made in a rush. This is your chance to slow down, connect, and preserve your family’s story in artful, authentic imagery. With limited availability, we encourage you to act fast—because these 12 sessions will go quickly.

🎄 Secure Your Spot Today →

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My recent trip to the Hospital

Some of you may have heard, I recently spent some time in the hospital.  While I was at my sickest, my brother asked me, “aren’t you totally stressed out about your photography business?”  My answer actually surprised even me. I said no.  

Why?

  1.  I felt so sick, my priority was recovering my health.  If I had to have forced downtime, I was going to focus on getting better (after spending time in Mexico, I got Sepsis from an bad intestinal infection.  By the time I actually went to the hospital, I was extremely sick).
  2. I have surrounded myself with an amazing team.   Brittany, my studio manager, and Lily, my second photographer and editor, stepped up and took over my sessions.  I am eternally grateful to both of these wonderful women!

orange county portrait photographer

3.  Being sick puts everything into perspective.  You know, don’t sweat the small stuff! Everyone was so understanding and supportive about their orders and having Lily be their photographer that I just felt well taken care of.

I am grateful to report I am feeling much better and so excited to get back behind the camera.  To celebrate my “come back” I am bringing back “Model for a Day” Sessions.  These sessions are perfect for Professional headshots/ business headshots sessions or for high school senior pics.

Headshot/ senior session promotion includes:

professional headshot promotion

Session fee: $249 (regular price $548)

  • Professional Makeup and Hair styling
  • 3-4 looks during the session (outfit or locations changes)
  • Matted fine art print ($249 value)
  • 1-2 hour session
  • Personalized reveal session 7-10 days after your photo shoot
  • Great for professional headshots or senior portraits

We only have 10 of these sessions available.  The sessions need to be booked by March 31 and shot by April 30.  To book your session now or to get more information click the link button.book it button

I wish all of you good health and happiness!

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Personal Branding Sessions

January Personal Branding session Promotion: New Year, New You–

Are you ready to feel absolutely amazing in front of the camera? Do you want the world (and potential clients) to see the very best version of you and connect with you on a whole new level? Then book your personal branding session with me and let me teach you how to look and feel your very best in front of a camera! The end result will be an entire library of images that you can use over the next month or even year, to help promote your personal brand and your business. Increase your visibility by posting personal brand images of you and telling stories with these images that help you connect with your ideal client. It is the best way to help your brand stand out in a crowded market.

Personal Branding Phography_ 1 Personal Brand photography 2 Personal Brand Photography 3 Personal Brand Photography 4

LA personal branding session

A library of personal branding images

To use across all of your marketing material, shows who you are to your clients, beyond what you actually do for a living.  Let’s face it, people do business with people they feel most connected to.  If you are ready to update your look and book a personal branding session, click here

Sessions include the following:

  • 3-4 clothing looks
  • Location of your choice (Best Laguna Locations)
  • Professional hair and makeup for the ladies
  • & (1) Matted 11×14 print

Promotion price: $279.00, regular pricing $548

**Space will be limited to 15 sessions, so if you are ready for an amazing experience and gorgeous photographs, book now.  Offer expires Jan 31 and must be shoot before Feb 28. To book, click here.

Are you a blogger, influencer or corporate leader that needs enough magazine quality content to post daily?

Blue Sky’s is now offering a full day collection that include 6 hours of photography, multiple wardrobe changes professional hair and makeup for women and 150 fully retouched images.  Need even more content?  We are also offering a annual membership program that includes 3 full day sessions a year.  The membership is paid monthly, to help make it easier to include in the corporate budget.  To get more information on either of these sessions, please call us at 949-510-3862.

I am excited about creating lots of different brand images that help my clients build the business of their dreams.

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The Five best spots to photograph around Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach has the very best spots for unique family and senior photography.  Since I not only work in Laguna Beach, but also live in the downtown area, I am always keeping my eyes open for the most unique spots to photograph high school seniors and families.  Here are just a few of my favorite spots in the downtown area to get amazing, unique shots of your senior or family. And if you book and shoot before the end of September, you will receive 50% off of the session fee.

Heisler Park/ Picnic Beach Area

From beautiful vistas, to unique art pieces, to garden spots and yes even a sandy beach, if you are looking for a lot of variety in your portrait session, Heisler Park is my top choice. Check out a few of my favorite recent images shot in this location.

Downtown Laguna Beach

In just a three or four block area, there are so many great backdrop choices in downtown Laguna Beach. Some of my favorite spots include the red phone booth, the alley behind the Presbyterian Church, the area around the library, the flower stand on Forest Avenue and the rose garden on Forest.

Laguna Beach Neighborhoods

Around the Laguna Beach High School area is a perfect location to shoot a senior portrait session or even a family session. There are some really cool green areas, lots of trees, two small parks and lots of hardscaping with texture and character. Even more important to me and my clients, there is a lot of parking. Here are some of my favorite spots in the neighborhoods surrounding Laguna Beach High School.

Main Beach Laguna Beach

Try to avoid main beach on the weekends, but during the week, especially in the Fall, this is an amazing backdrop for a session. You have the iconic Lifeguard tower, the fun boardwalk, the rocks at the north end of the beach and the open sandy views of the south end of the beach.

Portrait by Brianna Caster and Co of my kids

Alta Laguna Beach and Laguna Canyon Areas

For a more organic background, Laguna Beach has Alta Laguna Park and the open canyon space. This year, with the super bloom, we have been so fortunate to not only get tall grass and open fields, but lots and lots of yellow flowers. Here are just a few examples of the variety of locations in the canyon and at Alta Laguna Park.

Now is the perfect time to book your session. We are office 50% off of the session fee in September as our early bird special. To book your session or to get more information, click here.