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Sun, Sand & Senior Year: The Magic of Spring Beach Photos

Sun, Sand & Senior Year: The Magic of Spring Beach Photos

Caldwell sitting on a rocky beach at sunset, glowing in golden hour light wearing a white dress, with soft waves in the background.

Spring at the beach is nothing short of magical and there’s no better example than Corey’s dreamy senior session in Laguna Beach. As the days stretch a little longer and the sun dips low, it brings with it that warm, golden light that photographers dream of. And trust me, we made the most of it.

Why Spring Is the Sweet Spot for Senior Photos

Spring is when the world feels brand new. The ocean breeze is soft, flowers begin to bloom, and the skies take on this golden haze that makes every shot glow. That soft, golden light, especially just before sunset adds a romantic, ethereal quality to every photo. It’s flattering, natural, and gives skin a warm, sun-kissed tone that’s just impossible to replicate any other time of year.

Caldwell standing on the beach in a white dress at golden hour, with soft curls and bracelets catching the warm sunlight.

For Corey’s session, the light wrapped around her like a warm hug. Whether she was sitting on the rocks, twirling by the shoreline, or lounging in the sand, every frame felt like a piece of art. Her white dress caught the light just perfectly, making her look like she stepped straight out of a daydream.

The Magic of Laguna Beach: Flowers + Ocean = Perfection

Caldwell smiling in a floral jacket and denim shorts, standing on a staircase overlooking the calm ocean and palm trees in Laguna Beach.

Laguna Beach isn’t just known for its crystal-clear water and stunning coves—it’s also bursting with vibrant spring flowers. That combo? Total perfection.  Corey’s look, with her soft waves and sweet, natural style, was the perfect match for Laguna’s blend of wild nature and coastal charm.

From lush greenery to soft sandy beaches and sun-drenched cliffs, every backdrop told a different story. It’s the kind of location that makes a photographer’s job easy and a senior’s memories unforgettable.

Caldwell walking along the shoreline in a flowing floral dress, smiling joyfully with gentle waves rolling in behind her.

Let Your Personality Shine

What made Caldwell’s session extra special was how she brought herself into the shoot. Whether in her light floral jacket and denim shorts or flowing dresses, she radiated confidence, calm, and a genuine joy that’s contagious. These sessions are about more than just pretty pictures—they’re about freezing a moment in time before stepping into something new.

Caldwell lying on the sand in a white dress, looking directly at the camera with a serene ocean horizon behind her.

If you’re dreaming of a senior session with that dreamy, golden glow and natural beauty, spring is your season, and Laguna Beach is your place. Corey’s session was the perfect example of why I love this time of year the light is soft and golden, the flowers are blooming, and there’s a natural energy in the air that makes every photo feel alive.

From her effortless style to the stunning beach backdrops, everything came together in that magical spring way.

Want to know why spring works so perfectly for senior photos? Be sure to check out our blog: Five Reasons Spring is the Perfect Time for Your Senior Photos! — it’s the perfect companion to Corey’s magical beach session.

If you’re enjoying these tips, I dive even deeper over on my main site @blueskysstudio where I share exclusive resources, templates, and behind-the-scenes content you won’t find anywhere else.

💬 Frequently Asked Questions: Senior Beach Photos in Laguna Beach, CA

What should I wear for a senior photo session at the beach in Laguna Beach?

We recommend choosing flowy dresses, light layers, or soft neutral tones that complement the natural beach surroundings. Soft pastels, whites, creams, or coastal blues look amazing against the ocean and sand. Think effortless and breezy — spring vibes all the way!

Can I take my senior photos at the beach during spring in Laguna Beach?

Yes! Spring is a perfect time for senior pictures at the beach in Laguna Beach, California. The lighting is soft, the weather is mild, and the beaches are less crowded. Just bring a light sweater or jacket in case there’s a cool breeze.

What time of day is best for senior beach photos in Laguna Beach?

We typically schedule beach sessions during golden hour — about an hour before sunset. This time offers soft, flattering light and those dreamy golden tones that look stunning in senior portraits.

Should I wear shoes for my beach senior session?

You can go barefoot for a natural, relaxed look, especially near the shoreline. If you’d like to wear shoes, consider flat sandals or wedges that are easy to walk in on the sand and won’t sink.

Can I bring outfit changes for my senior beach session?

Absolutely! We encourage bringing 2–3 outfit options to add variety to your gallery. Think flowy dresses, a cute casual jeans-and-top combo, and something more personal to your style. A changing tent or nearby restrooms make quick changes easy.

Will you help pose me during the session?

Yes! We’ll guide you every step of the way — from natural poses to candid moments — so you feel confident and comfortable. Our goal is to capture authentic, joyful, and elegant senior portraits that reflect who you are.

Can I bring props or personal items to my beach senior session?

Definitely! You can bring things like:

  • A graduation cap and gown

  • A senior sign or letterboard

  • Your surfboard, favorite book, or musical instrument These personal touches make your session truly unique.

What if the weather is bad on the day of my beach session?

We always keep an eye on the forecast. If it looks like rain, strong winds, or heavy clouds, we’ll reschedule to make sure you get the perfect lighting and beach experience.

Where do you take senior photos in Laguna Beach?

We photograph at some of the most scenic and photo-friendly beaches in Laguna Beach, including Treasure Island, Victoria Beach, and Crescent Bay. We’ll help you pick a location that suits your style and gives you a mix of ocean, rocks, and sandy shots.

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Stand Out and Attract Your Ideal Clients

Branding Sessions for Creative Professionals in Orange County: Stand Out and Attract Your Ideal Clients

For creative professionals in Orange County, one of the most powerful tools to elevate your business is branding photography. A tailored, professional branding session showcases your unique style, boosts your online presence, and helps build credibility. Here’s how a branding session can help you shine in Orange County’s competitive creative market:

fun personal branding images in the studio

Enhance Your Online Presence

In Orange County, a strong online presence is essential for attracting the right clients. Your website, social media profiles, and portfolio often serve as the first point of contact with potential clients. Professional branding photos can enhance your digital presence, making your online profiles more engaging and memorable.

executive coach juggling lemons for branding

Attract Your Ideal Clients

People connect with people. Branding photography allows you to showcase authentic images of yourself and your work, creating a deeper connection with your audience. The more relatable and authentic your photos are, the more likely you are to attract clients who align with your vision and values.

Build Trust and Credibility

In a competitive Orange County market, trust is key. Clients want to work with professionals they trust, and branding photos help establish that trust. High-quality images make you appear polished and professional, elevating your credibility in the eyes of potential clients.

candid lifestyle image at the beach

Versatility for Marketing Materials

The high-quality images you receive from a branding session can be used across various marketing platforms—website, social media, email newsletters, and even press kits. Having a library of branded images ensures you have the visual content you need for consistent and effective marketing.

Laguna Beach branding portraits on the beach

First Impressions Matter:

In today’s fast-paced world, first impressions are crucial. Branding photography is one of the most impactful ways for creative professionals in Orange County to elevate their brand, attract ideal clients, and stand out from the competition. The right images can be the key to unlocking your business’s full potential and achieving long-term success in the creative industry.

Blue Sky’s Branding Collections:

  • Half Day Session
  • Full Day Session
  • Annual Membership

Ready to take your brand to the next level? Book a personal branding session with Blue Sky’s Studio today!

Click here to learn more and book your session!

 

 

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2019 High School Senior Portrait Giveaway

I hope during this high school portrait season you are staying warm and dry. I have a confession to make, I love the rain… well at least sometimes (when it doesn’t interfere with shooting) . During the cold winter days, I love to put on a big, warm sweater and some snuggly socks and cuddle up with my laptop.

2019 Senior Styled Session Giveaway

This year I am planning something epic! The high school senior portrait styled session will be at Salvation Mountain in Joshua Tree. We are randomly selecting 2 high school senior girls and 1 guy to spend the day with my team including, a professional stylist (yes we will provide most of the clothes), a makeup artist, a videographer and me taking amazing portraits. Blue Sky’s Studio will provide transportation, lunch and snacks.

Click to Enter to Win

High school senior portrait at Salvation Mountain

What is included with the High School Senior Session giveaway?

  • Professional makeup for the gals
  • Hair styling
  • Clothing Consultation
  • Shooting wardrobe and props
  • The full day photo session
  • (2) Fine art matted prints
  • A personalize reveal session 7 days after the shoot
  • The chance to order more product from the session at the review

Value of the session is $999.00

We will be shoot Sunday, March 17 and we will leave really early in the morning to make the most of the day.

The winners will be announced on March 7. Make sure you tell your friends! (maybe you and your bestie will win!). To see more of our work, visit our website by clicking here.

I love the freedom of these styled sessions and I really feel this location will result in some of my best high school senior portraits to date. I have visions of boho dresses in turquoise with lots of fun jewelry and accessories. For the guys, I love the idea of keeping it kind of Indie with worn jeans, t-shirts and maybe even a leather jacket. I can’t wait to create the style boards with my team.

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Colorful OC Senior Portrait Session

When I help plan an Orange County Senior portrait session, I always consider color! I love a high school senior portrait that includes a fun prop or a bright color. I focus on 1 or 2 colors and use clothing, props and backgrounds that make these colors come to life. Adding color works both for shoots in studio or in an outdoor location!

Color can accentuate an already great image and can help tell the story of the session. For example colored smoke is a great prop that adds whimsy and personality to the images. Creative props, such as flowers or balloons, can add both color and texture to an image. Check out some of my recent shoots using props and color.

A graduate of any age can participate in these photoshoots to have as a memory to commemorate your special day! Whether you are a middle school graduate, a high school graduate or even a college graduate, there is no better way to freeze this special moment in time! Visit Blue Sky’s Studio‘s website to book a session now.

If you are interested in booking your own personalize session click on the button!


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Styled Photography Sessions Throughout Orange County

I love people photography!  In fact, if I won the lottery, I would be one of those people who continued to do my job, because it is really what I love to do (oh and I would travel all over the world between shoots).  But uncovering how my clients want to be photographed, and always being focused on providing the most amazing portraits that fulfill my clients requirements, can sometimes leave me wanting to do a “just because” photo session.  

That is where styled commercial photography sessions come into play and why they are so important for me to continue to stretch my creativity and develop my photography skills. It also allows me to take a different perspective during the photography session.

For example, last year we decided to do a fun, collaboration styled session with Breathe Autumn Rain jewelry (click on her link to see her amazing jewelry), with makeup by Brittany Norton (brittanynortonartistry) and myself all contributing to a photography session.

We were extremely lucky to get several beautiful girls to volunteer their time to model for us in exchange for providing professional headshots for them.  We all consulted together on wardrobe, overall style and also how to best give everyone involved an opportunity to do something a little different and creative.

For the location we decided to photograph around Laguna Beach and Newport Beach.  The results were that everyone had an opportunity to play, be creative and produce gorgeous images that everyone would be able to use in their portfolio.  Enjoy!