Tag Archive for: Laguna Beach photography

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Alta Laguna Park Family and High School photo session

Alta Laguna Park Family and High School photo session

The perfect Location for a Blue Sky’s senior and family photography session in Laguna Beach

Combining family photography with high school senior portraits, the Cooperrider Family created a session brimming with joy and heartfelt moments. As a seasoned Laguna Beach photographer, I had the privilege of capturing these special memories against the breathtaking backdrop of Alta Laguna Park. This location’s natural beauty provided the perfect setting to document the unique bond between family members while celebrating a milestone in their lives. If you’re looking to create timeless portraits that capture both the essence of your family and the excitement of a senior’s final year, Alta Laguna Park offers the ideal canvas.

a family of four posing together for their family photoshoot outdoor at alta laguna

Combining Family Photography with High School Senior Portraits

When the Cooperrider family reached out for a photography session, they had a unique idea in mind: to blend a family photography session with high school senior portraits for their eldest child. This combination allowed for a seamless experience, capturing both family togetherness and the special milestone of graduating high school. Alta Laguna Park provided a beautiful backdrop, with its scenic vistas and lush greenery enhancing each shot.

High school senior daughter posing with a natural, relaxed expression.Wind blowing through the hair of a high school senior during outdoor portraits.

Casual and Comfortable Clothing Choices

The Cooperrider family chose casual outfits for their session, which added a relaxed and authentic feel to the photos. Casual clothing allows families to move comfortably and naturally, making it easier to capture candid moments and genuine expressions. The simple yet coordinated outfits ensured that the family looked cohesive without appearing overly formal, perfectly reflecting their everyday charm.

Mom with two daughters at a family photography session at Alta Laguna Park in Laguna Beach

How we Handle a Windy Weather on the day of Photoshoot

Weather can be unpredictable, and on the day of the Cooperrider family session, it was quite windy. However, this challenge turned into an advantage. The wind added a dynamic element to the photos, giving movement to hair and clothing that added to the natural, spontaneous feel of the images. As a photographer, it’s crucial to embrace the elements and use them creatively to enhance the storytelling aspect of the session.

Casual family photo capturing genuine expressions and laughter.Family dressed in casual outfits, enjoying their time together outdoors.

Just Mom and Dad Moments

One essential aspect of any family photography session is taking time to capture images of just mom and dad. The Cooperrider family session was no different. These moments are incredibly important as they highlight the foundation of the family. The love and connection between parents serve as the bedrock for the family’s strength and unity. These intimate shots of just the couple provide a beautiful narrative of their relationship and add depth to the overall family album.

Mom and dad sharing a moment alone during the family photoshoot.

Capturing both family moments and senior portraits together made this session truly special. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate your family’s connection and your child’s achievements all at once. If you’re thinking about doing something similar, or just want to capture your family’s unique story, I’d love to help. Let’s make some beautiful memories together—reach out to book your session with Blue Sky’s Studio!

For more locations we love for family and senior session, check out this post: https://www.clickingwithkristin.com/san-clemente-state-beach-session-family-and-senior-portraits/

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 FAQ: Combining Senior and Family Photo Sessions

1. Can you combine a senior photo session with a family photo shoot?

Yes, absolutely! Combining a senior session with a family shoot is not only possible, but also a great way to capture multiple milestones in one go—especially when everyone’s schedule is hectic.

2. Why combine senior and family portraits?

Combining sessions:

  • Saves time and money

  • Takes advantage of rare family togetherness

  • Gives your senior portraits more emotional depth

  • Captures multi-generational memories in one shoot

It’s a win-win for busy families juggling school, work, and distance.

3. How do we plan a combined photo session with a busy family schedule?

Plan 4–6 weeks in advance and:

  • Use a group scheduling app like Doodle or Google Calendar

  • Choose a weekend or holiday when everyone’s home

  • Book your photographer early—they fill up fast during graduation season!

Bonus tip: Have a rain plan or indoor location backup.

4. How long should a combined senior + family session last?

Set aside 1 to 1.5 hours. A typical flow looks like:

  • 30–45 minutes for senior portraits (solo)

  • 30–45 minutes for family portraits (groupings and candids)

Photographers can alternate between shots to keep things moving and fun.

5. What should we wear for a combined family and senior photo shoot?

Choose coordinated but not matching outfits:

  • Stick to a color palette (neutrals with a pop of one or two colors)

  • Seniors should wear a standout outfit (cap and gown, letterman jacket, dressy look)

  • Comfort is key—avoid clashing patterns or logos

Pro tip: Plan one outfit change if time allows.

6. What are some photo ideas for a combined senior and family session?

Popular ideas include:

  • Senior with parents (close-up + walking together)

  • Candid group hug or laughter shot

  • Then-and-now recreations (childhood pose redone)

  • Grandparents and seniors together

  • Senior with siblings (fun, silly, or sentimental)

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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.

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LAGUNA BEACH STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHY – VALENTINE’S LOVE

Kristin captured one of our favorite models, Miss Brooklyn, in a fun array of super cute Valentine’s Day looks in the studio for Valentine’s Day cards. It’s the season of love and we love how cute Miss Brooklyn’s photos turned out! A big hank you to Brooklyn and her equally beautiful mom for such a fun session and for the the adorable clothing!

xoxo
Sriti

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Laguna Beach Photography – Shoe La La

So it’s upon us……the Christmas/Holiday Card season.  Yes, we have been busy putting together and designing Holiday Cards already (so if you haven’t booked your photo session for Holiday Cards, contact us to do so!!).  But last week, Kristin and I took a break from the “‘Tis the Season” chaos to have some fun in her Laguna Beach Studio with my daughter.  For the past 2 years, my 7 year old daughter has been begging me to allow her to try on my shoes….”just once Mom, please?”.  After saying “ummm….no” countless times, I finally agreed to let her do it and get it out of her system.  Kristin was there to document it.  Now at least I have proof that indeed, she did get to do it once.  Enjoy!

xo
Sriti
(Blue Sky’s Studio Graphic Designer)

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Laguna Beach portraits: A Soft Foggy Evening

What a fun, crazy, busy summer it has been so far.  We have been photography families from all over the US on holiday, photographing lots of weddings with Bliss by Blue Sky’s, photographing Blue Sky’s seniors and enjoying time with our family and friends.

I know it has been a while since I shared!   The beaches have been challenging this summer, but we managed to slip in a few sessions.

While fog isn’t the ideal condition for family photography, in the Hardie girls case I think it added a soft, romantic quality to the session!   I love how soft and almost monochromatic these images are!  And these gals are gorgeous!  Enjoy!