Photographing Laguna Families since 2002

Laguna Beach Family Photography

Golden-hour portraits on the coast — planned around

your family, styled down to the outfits, and printed for

your walls. Not a file dump. Artwork you will still love in

twenty years.



Check Your Date

Holiday Sessions must be photographed by November 20

Holiday Sessions are booking Now

Weekend Golden Hour Dates through Nov 30

24 Years

Photographing OC Families

100's of Families

photographed in Laguna Beach and Throughout Orange County

Permits Handled

We will file the city of Laguna Beach permit for every session

Laguna Beach Studio

A real Laguna beach studio not just a photographer passing through

The Light Here Does Most of the Work

Two ways to work Together

Whether you live here or you are here for the week 

For Laguna & Orange County families 

The full experience. We plan your location together, help you coordinate outfits against your home's colors, photograph at golden hour, then sit down in person to design wall art an album or a portrait box for your home. 

  • Location and wardrobe consultation before your session
  • In person art work design session
  • All art work and albums shipped to you completed

For families visiting Laguna 

You are here for a few days and you want one beautiful thing to take home. We pick the beach, we handle the city permit, and book your zoom review session - before you f1y out. Artwork ships to your door. 

  • Detailed list of the best beaches to photograph on
  • Once the location is selected, we will handle the permits
  • Personalized zoom review session of your images with our studio manager

The Experience

You show up.  We have already thought about the rest.

1. We Plan it with you

We help you choose the location and coordinate everyone’s outfits — taking into account your style and the colors in the room where these will hang. Nobody

arrives wondering what to wear.


2 We photograph at golden hour

Roughly ninety minutes on the sand or the bluffs. We

photograph everyone together, the siblings, and each

person on their own — because in ten years you will

want all three.


3. We design the artwork together

We review the images with you in person and design what actually goes on your wall — framed pieces, an album, a portrait box. Your photographs end up on a wall, not lost on a phone.


What families say afterward

We had such a memorable day working with Kristin. She was really great at making us feel relaxed and comfortable, where we didn’t feel like we were just posing. We had so much fun, and the pictures definitely embodied that. Her assistants Anna and Brittany were very kind and helpful. We would 100% choose this team again for our future celebrations in life.

Diana Yaghmour

Blue Sky’s Studio Photography is absolutely amazing! The pictures were absolutely stunning and had such a great variety of elegant, fun and serious pictures. The whole process from start to finish has been so easy. Communication has been perfect and all questions were answered right away. Brittany was amazing throughout and Kristin is the best photographer and was so much fun to work with. I highly recommend if you want a great experience where you feel like part of the family. I will remember this experience my entire lifetime. Thank you to everyone!

Taylor Lowry

We were honored to have Kristin and Blue Sky Studio Photography do our family photos! She seamlessly captured the joy and personalities of each member of our family. The kids loved having their pictures taken because she made it fun and easy. Once we got our pictures, we had a hard time choosing our favorites because there were so many! I smiled and laughed at my kids' personalities shining through each photo. Thank you for the wonderful memories and gorgeous photos.

Laura Severino

check your date

Tell me about your family


Send this and I will reply personally within one business day with available

dates and everything you need to know. No obligation, no automated sequence.


  • Holiday card sessions: photograph by Nov 20
  • 462 Bent Street, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
  • Prefer to talk? (949) 510-3862


Contact Us

Collections begin at $899. Most families invest in framed wall art or an album designed with you after the session.


Capturing your family naturally and authentically

Questions Families Ask

At Blue Sky's Studio Photography, we understand that you may have questions about our services. Here are some common inquiries from families and professionals alike.

  • Do we need a permit for professional photography on the beach?

    Yes, a permit is required for professional sessions on city beaches and in parks in Laguna Beach. We handle the permit application for you as part of every session, but please provide at least two business days' notice.
  • When is golden hour in the fall?

    Golden hour shifts quickly in the fall. In September, we typically photograph from 5:40 to 7:00 PM. After the clocks change on November 1, sunset occurs around 4:45 PM, so sessions will be scheduled from 3:30 to 4:45 PM. This is why October is a popular month for local families.
  • What if the weather turns?

    Coastal overcast can provide some of the most flattering light for photography. We usually proceed with the session unless conditions are truly unworkable. In such cases, we will reschedule to the next available golden-hour date at no extra charge.
  • How long until we see the photographs?

    Local families typically come in for their artwork design session about 1-2 weeks after the shoot.  Visiting families can schedule their in person zoom purchasing appointment 7-10 days after the session. All artwork shipped directly to you.

  • Where do you photograph?

    We photograph at stunning locations such as Picnic beach,  Victoria Beach, Treasure Island Park, Crescent Bay Point, and more. Together, we will choose the best spot based on your family and the lighting conditions on the day of your session.

  • Can you photograph our extended family?

    Absolutely! Thanksgiving week is a popular time for extended family sessions, as everyone is usually in town. These sessions are longer, and each household will receive their own gallery access. Be sure to book early, as dates fill up quickly.
  • What should we wear for our session?

    Choosing the right outfits can enhance your photos. We recommend coordinating colors without being overly matchy. Soft, neutral tones often work best, and layers can add depth to your images.
  • How do we prepare for our session?

    Preparation is key! Make sure everyone is well-rested and fed before the session. Discuss poses and ideas with your family to ensure everyone feels comfortable and excited.
  • What if we need to reschedule?

    We understand that life happens! If you need to reschedule, please let us know as soon as possible. We will work with you to find a new date that fits your schedule.
  • Do you offer digital files?

    Yes, we provide digital files along with print options. You can choose to purchase digital images for easy sharing and archiving.
A woman is sitting at a table with a cup of coffee.

Hi, I am Kristin Karkoska

Head Photographer and kid wrangler!

I have over 20 years of experience working with Orange County families. My aaward-winning photo studio specializes in magazine-quality family photography sessions. Known for our expertise and dedication to capturing timeless moments, we bring a level of professionalism and creativity that ensures your family photos will be cherished for years to come.


Book Now

Family photography for everyone

Your Child will not be this age again!


Weekend and weekday golden hour sessions available through November 30

Check Your Date