About Blue Sky's Studio
hi, i'm kristin — laguna beach family & senior photographer
Photographing Orange County families, seniors and professionals since 2002.
I opened Blue Sky's Studio in Laguna Beach in 2002 with a simple goal: to create portraits families actually want to hang on their walls — relaxed, genuine and full of personality. More than two decades later, I still get goosebumps at a shy grin, a real belly laugh, or that wide-eyed look of wonder I'm always waiting for.
Today our all-women team photographs Orange County family portraits, high school senior portraits and professional headshots — on the beaches and coves of Laguna, in open fields and parks across the county, and in our natural-light studio in Laguna Canyon.
Every session is guided from start to finish: we help plan your location and wardrobe, make it fun for everyone in front of the camera, and walk you through your images in person so you leave with heirloom wall art and albums — not just files on a phone.
When I'm not behind the camera, you'll find me walking Laguna Beach with my husband of 25+ years, laughing with my kids, grabbing coffee at Zinc, or volunteering for children's charities.
— Kristin Karkoska
- 2002Studio founded
- 35+Years combined experience
- LagunaNatural-light studio
- All-womenPhotography team
Meet the team
the women behind the camera
Kristin Karkoska
Founder & Lead Photographer
Founded Blue Sky's Studio in 2002. Photographs families, seniors and executives across Orange County and beyond.
Courtney
Photographer
Our second California photographer, shooting family, senior and headshot sessions throughout Orange County.
Brittany Norton
Studio Manager
Your first point of contact — she plans your session, answers every question and makes sure the experience is seamless.
Anna Vacca
Partner · New York
Leads our New York corporate headshot studio, photographing executives and teams across Manhattan and the East Coast.
Visit the studio
our laguna beach studio
Blue Sky's Studio Photography
462 Bent Street, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 510-3862
· kristin@blueskysstudio.com
Sessions take place at the beach, on location anywhere in Orange County, or in our natural-light studio — where you can also add hair and makeup before your session.
Book your sessionWhere we photograph
Laguna Beach · Newport Beach · Corona del Mar · Dana Point · San Clemente · Irvine · Huntington Beach · San Juan Capistrano · and throughout Orange County.
Planning your shoot? See our guide to the best photoshoot locations in Orange County.
Beyond the session
heirloom wall art & albums
Your portraits deserve more than a phone screen. Every piece is professionally printed, finished by hand and designed with you at your ordering appointment — so your family's story is on the wall, not lost in a camera roll.
Gallery walls
A curated collection of framed portraits, designed to fit your hallway, stairway or living room.
Fine art canvas & metal
Statement pieces for above the sofa or fireplace — built to last for generations.
Custom albums
Thick, lay-flat pages telling the whole story of your session. Albums start at $999.
Matted fine art prints
Archival prints in hand-cut mats — ready to frame, gift to grandparents or display in a keepsake box.
Keepsake display boxes
A beautiful box of matted portraits — a favorite for high school seniors and grandparents.
Holiday cards & announcements
Custom-designed holiday cards and graduation announcements from your session.
Most families invest between $899 and $5,000 in their portraits, and every session includes an in-person ordering appointment. See family portraits or senior portraits for details.
Good to know
frequently asked questions
How much does a family or senior session cost?
The session fee is $300. It covers planning your location and wardrobe, styling help, and your time with the photographer. Prints, albums and wall art are purchased separately at your ordering appointment. Most families invest between $899 and $5,000, depending on the wall art and albums they choose.
Where will my session take place?
Anywhere in Orange County. Favorites include the beaches and coves of Laguna Beach, Crystal Cove, Dana Point, open fields, Mission San Juan Capistrano and local parks — or your own home. We also have a natural-light studio in Laguna Beach. We'll send you our location guide and help you choose.
Can I add hair and makeup?
Yes. Professional hair and makeup is $199 and takes place at our Laguna Beach studio before your session. It's included with our Model for a Day senior experience.
How many outfits should we bring?
- Families: two looks, or layers you can change quickly.
- Seniors: three to four complete looks, including shoes and accessories.
We'll help you plan outfits that suit your location before the session.
What happens after I book?
There are three steps:
- Consultation — by phone, we plan your style, location and wardrobe.
- Your session — relaxed, guided and fun for everyone.
- Ordering appointment — one to two weeks later, you'll see your images and choose your prints, albums and wall art. Please bring every decision-maker.
When will I receive my order?
Matted portraits are often ready to take home at your ordering appointment. Custom wall art ships within about six weeks, and albums take six to eight weeks.
What if I need to reschedule?
Life happens. If you need to reschedule for illness, weather, travel or an emergency, email us at least 48 hours before your session and we'll move it once at no charge. Additional reschedules are $200 and depend on availability.
Do you photograph corporate headshots too?
Yes — individual headshots in our Laguna Beach studio and on-site team headshots for companies across Southern California. See headshots & branding.
Family session tips
how to get kids to cooperate for photos
Every child has an off day — and we've photographed them all. These four simple tips make the biggest difference.
Give them time
Shy kids usually warm up within 20–30 minutes. Let us build the bond at their pace — they relax once they see they don't have to perform.
Let them answer
When we ask your child a question, let them answer. That little conversation is how we earn their trust.
Skip "say cheese"
"Smile!" gets a forced grin. Silly faces, funny stories and talking about what they love get the real one — that's our job.
Keep it simple
Bring a favorite hat, toy or prop, but limit outfit changes for little ones. Every change can change their mood too.