Tag Archive for: Orange County Family 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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Orange County Family Photography Huntington Beach Central Park

Orange County Family photography Huntington Beach Central Park

If you’re searching for the ideal location for your family photoshoot, look no further than Huntington Beach Central Park. In this blog post, we’ll explore why this scenic haven is the perfect backdrop for your family’s lifestyle photography needs.

Orange County family photography at Huntington Beach Central park photographing three sisters for their families holiday card

Why Choose Huntington Beach Central Park for family photos?

As an Orange County family photographer, I understand the importance of selecting a unique location for your family pictures. A location that not only complements your family’s unique style but also provides a stunning setting for your session. Huntington Beach Central Park ticks all the boxes, offering a picturesque blend of natural beauty and versatile landscapes.

Family portraits with dog at Huntington Beach Central Park in Orange County.

Scenic Beauty and Diversity:

Huntington Beach Central Park has wide open fields of grass, serene lakes, and charming bridges. In addition, there are wooded areas that provide the perfect shade for a photography session. For natural light portrait photography, the open shade is ideal. All these elements provides a diverse range of backgrounds for your family portraits.

Natural light family portrait in Huntington Beach Central park, the perfect Orange County location for a family photo shoot.

Lifestyle Family Photography at its Best

At Blue Sky’s Studio we love to capture images that portray the essence of your family’s lifestyle. Huntington Beach Central Park is a peaceful location. Here, we can capture your family’s genuine moments. These moments may include laughter, playfulness, or just bonding in nature.

Husband and Wife portraits during a family photography session in Huntington Beach Central park

Proximity to Orange County:

Convenience matters, and Huntington Beach Central Park is ideally situated in Orange County. Easily accessible, this location minimizes travel time, ensuring an stress-free experience for your family. When searching for “family photography near me,” this beautiful park is a top choice for Orange County residents.

Family of four getting portraits done in front of the lake in Huntington Beach Central Park

A variety of unique backgrounds all in one location

As a Laguna Beach photographer, I am often asked about the best local locations for a family photo session. I love the beaches in Laguna and the surrounding areas, but often times clients want someplace a little different. Huntington Beach Central Park offers a perfect organic location for a session. The park is beautiful and the way light and shadows interact is amazing. Each one of your family members can have a unique portrait without having to change locations.

All the siblings portraits in Huntington Beach Central park.

At Blue Sky’s Studio Photography, our commitment is to turn your family photoshoot into a magical experience. Huntington Beach Central Park, with its scenic beauty and diverse landscapes, sets the stage for timeless memories. Trust us to transform your family’s moments into cherished works of art, celebrating the beauty of your unique story against the backdrop of this remarkable location.

Ready to schedule your family photoshoot at Huntington Beach Central Park? Contact Blue Sky’s Studio Photography today and let us capture the beauty of your family’s journey.  Click here to get more information.

For more information on our favorite Orange County locations for a family photography session, visit this post:

10 of the Best Orange County Photography Locations

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Orange County Family Photographer | When you look back in 20 years, what will be the most valuable thing you own.

Why should you book your Orange County Family portraits now?

At this time of year when your schedule is overflowing with activities, the last thing you may want to schedule is your OC family portrait session. Yes, you want gorgeous images of your children for gifts and for your holiday card, but the thought of getting everything together, let alone fitting the session into your schedule may seem daunting. 

Siblings in Huntington beach doing a photo session with their vintage VW bus van

I want to challenge you to slow down and ask yourself, when I look back in 20 years, what will be the most valuable thing I own? When your children look for pictures of you, what will they find? When they think about family experiences and memories, will there be beautiful portraits filled with laughter, love and lots of silliness? Exist in photographs for your children, for yourself, and for the people who love you.

Styled professional photography session with a VW bus in Huntington Beach in Orange County

Listen, I get really busy as the holiday season approaches. For me, as a portrait photographer, it was always really tough to get my kids together and schedule my own photography session during my busiest time of year. But I made a promise to my family, that I would create a beautiful family album to give to my husband, every year of my kids’ childhoods. Now that they are grown and in college, the first thing they gravitate to when they are home for the holidays with their friends, are the family albums. They laugh at the outfits, at how silly they acted, the naked butt cheeks when they were babies, and they just enjoy looking back over our family history.

Sibling sisters at a professional photoshoot in Orange County, CA

Take the time to capture your family annually and make sure you incorporate a place, an outfit or a special prop that helps to capture your own family’s story year after year. Incorporate your kids favorite toy or activity to make sure you look back on those images and they create stories and history for you and your kids. And then pull it all together with a beautiful wall display, a custom designed album or framed gift prints for your home.

Orange County Family portrait session in Huntington beach with a vintage VW bus

We still have a limited number of sessions available through the end of the year. I would love to tell your story!

Click here to book your session.  Here are a few more image from this adorable session.

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Vintage Van Rental available at: Rabbitrentals HB www.rabbitrentalhb.com

Blue Sky’s Studio is a family, high School senior and branding photography studio that specializes in magazine quality photography in Orange County, California.  Kristin loves photographing Orange County families, high School seniors and Orange County businesses including corporate headshots.   To schedule a session with Blue Sky’s Studio, in Laguna Beach or other Orange County surrounding areas, you can send an email to Kristin@blueskysstudio.com.  We are now booking for the Fall Portrait session 2020.  We are taking special precautions because of Covid-19 to ensure that you are safe and healthy.

Blue Sky’s Studio specializes in photographing on location in the following areas, Laguna Beach, Irvine, Newport Coast, Newport Beach, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Niguel, San Clemente, Coto De Caza, Dana Point, The Ritz Carlton, The Montage Resort, the Surf and Sand resort and the Monarch Beach Resort.

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Orange County Photographer | Highlighting Nellie Gail Horse Trails

Orange County Photographer

Best Location for a family session in Orange County- For rustic family portraits

After nearly 20 years of being a professional photographer in Orange County, I have discovered lots of amazing places to photograph families.  So many of my Orange County photography clients come back year after year.  Each time they return for a session, they want to make it unique.

If my clients are looking for something rustic, that has a great Fall feel to it, I always suggestion the Nellie Gail trails in Laguna Hills.  This location has a great old fence, meandering paths and lots of open shade.  One of my favorite spots on the trails is a grove of pepper trees.   These trees have red berries and fluffy red flowers that are the perfect accent to a Christmas outfits.

This location works with Fall colors, monochromatic type colors (such as grey and black) and with holiday colors.  Here is a beautiful family portrait session.  The old metal tunnel gives a great urban feel to this otherwise rustic backdrop.

Orange County Family photographed in the field surrounding Laguna Hills. This family when with a black and grey color scheme for their family photographs.

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If you are ready to document your family and experience a fun Fall family portrait session, you can get more information by clicking here.

Blue Sky’s Studio is a family, high School senior and branding photography studio that specializes in magazine quality photography in Orange County, California.  Kristin loves photographing Orange County families, high School seniors and Orange County businesses including corporate headshots.   To schedule a session with Blue Sky’s Studio, in Laguna Beach or other Orange County surrounding areas, you can send an email to Kristin@blueskysstudio.com.  We are now booking for the Fall Portrait session 2020.  We are taking special precautions because of Covid-19 to ensure that you are safe and healthy.

Blue Sky’s Studio specializes in photographing on location in the following areas, Laguna Beach, Irvine, Newport Coast, Newport Beach, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Niguel, San Clemente, Coto De Caza, Dana Point, The Ritz Carlton, The Montage Resort, the Surf and Sand resort and the Monarch Beach Resort.

Orange County Family Photography | What to wear to a Fall Photo Shoot

OC Family Photography | What to wear to your Fall family portrait session

For Orange County Families, planning the outfits each year for your portrait session can be stressful.  I know that lots of my Orange County families want each portrait session to look unique.  Of course, we do this by changing the location of their session each year.  But clothing also plays a roll in making each year’s session look different the last.

Does your mind go blank when you try to figure out what to wear to your family portrait session?  Have you already done white and denim and you are looking for something a little more stylized?  I love the idea of layering up clothing to give your session a Fall vibe.

Orange County family portraits in the Mission at San Juan Capistrano. These clients are dressed for Fall in layers and rustic colors.

While it doesn’t quite feel like sweater weather yet, sweaters make a perfect clothing selection for a family session.   When I think about outfitting an entire family, I always start with one or two base colors and then add another pop of color to give that finished look.  For example, white and navy with a pop of yellow, or navy and white with a little turquoise.  Mixing it up a little with clothing keeps your family session looking different from year to year.  Orange County Family of 5 at the Montage Beach in Laguna Beach for a family portrait session. The family selected all Fall colors for their sunset session and they look great.It is also important to take into account the background for your session.   For the beach, I love a cool, casual vibe, while the Mission is a perfect spot to dress up a little and show off your fancier clothing.  Fields and park backgrounds work great for layered sweater and boots style. 

Orange County Family photographed in the field surrounding Laguna Hills. This family when with a black and grey color scheme for their family photographs.
We love to help you put together a complete look for your session.  To book a session, click here.   

Or if you need the help of a stylist, you can visit the personal stylist we work with, Chantal’s website by clicking here! 

Blue Sky’s Studio is a family, high School senior and branding photography studio that specializes in magazine quality photography in Orange County, California.  Kristin loves photographing Orange County families, high School seniors and Orange County businesses including corporate headshots.   To schedule a session with Blue Sky’s Studio, in Laguna Beach or other Orange County surrounding areas, you can send an email to Kristin@blueskysstudio.com.  We are now booking for the Fall Portrait session 2020.  We are taking special precautions because of Covid-19 to ensure that you are safe and healthy.

Blue Sky’s Studio specializes in photographing on location in the following areas, Laguna Beach, Irvine, Newport Coast, Newport Beach, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Niguel, San Clemente, Coto De Caza, Dana Point, The Ritz Carlton, The Montage Resort, the Surf and Sand resort and the Monarch Beach Resort.