Orange County Family Photographer


Celebrate your family with a stress free Orange County family photography session with absolutely NO Cheesy smiles!   So fun and action packed that even Dad will have a great time! 

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Creating Authentic Family Memories Through Photography

Every family has a unique story—and we’re here to capture yours. Whether you're celebrating a special milestone or simply want to freeze a moment in time, our custom family portrait sessions are tailored to reflect your family’s style, energy, and love.

Why I became a family photographer?

Growing up, I used to lose myself in my grandparents’ photo albums—flipping through generations of smiling faces, beach days, and birthday cakes. Those photos were more than just images; they were stories, connections, and reminders of where I came from. That feeling of nostalgia and belonging is what I bring into every family portrait session at Blue Sky’s Studio. My goal is to help you create meaningful, heirloom-quality images that your family will cherish for generations.

Learn how we can Capture Your Family memories

"What I love about photographs is that they capture a moment that's gone forever, and impossible to reproduce." - Karl Lagerfeld

Creating Family Heirlooms

That Last a Lifetime

Your family portraits are so much more than a snapshot in time. They’re a way to preserve your family’s story—one that your kids and future grandkids will look back on with joy. I know it can feel stressful to coordinate outfits, schedules, and little ones' moods, but trust me: it’s worth it. These portraits are an investment in your legacy.

NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT TO BOOK YOUR SESSION

Best Time to Schedule Your Orange County Family Photography Session

While fall is the most popular season for family portraits—especially with holiday cards in mind—there’s magic in every season here in Orange County. Our sun-soaked climate means you can schedule beautiful photo sessions year-round. In fact, spring and summer offer longer daylight hours, fewer crowds, and more flexibility for sunset sessions, especially helpful for families with younger children or busy weekend schedules.

Picture-perfect locations for every style

No matter your family’s vibe—coastal chic, woodsy and whimsical, or modern and urban—we’ll help you find the perfect spot to bring your vision to life. As a trusted Orange County family photographer, we know the area’s most beautiful and photo-worthy backdrops.

Laguna Beach – Coastal Charm and Golden Light

Laguna Beach family photography is all about timeless beauty and relaxed elegance. Think dramatic cliffs, sun-kissed sand, and breathtaking ocean views. Locations like Heisler Park, Victoria Beach, and Treasure Island offer variety, from tide pools to rocky coves to colorful gardens. It’s ideal for barefoot, sunset sessions with a natural vibe.

Newport Beach – Polished and Picture-Perfect

If you’re drawn to clean lines and a touch of luxury, Newport Beach delivers. From Balboa Island’s charming streets to the Newport Back Bay’s natural wetlands, this area blends coastal style with a classic aesthetic. It's a favorite for clients who want family portraits that feel both modern and timeless.

Irvine – Natural Parks and Scenic Trails

For families who prefer lush greenery and wide-open spaces, Irvine’s parks offer beautifully maintained settings with trees, bridges, and walking paths. Locations like Quail Hill, Mason Regional Park, and Shady Canyon Trail are great for relaxed, lifestyle-inspired portraits.

Dana Point – Cliffside Views and Harbor Magic

Dana Point offers a mix of oceanfront beauty and harbor charm. Heritage Park and Dana Strand Beach provide panoramic coastal views, making it a top pick for extended family sessions and dramatic portrait compositions.

San Juan Capistrano – Rustic Elegance

If you love a rustic, Old California look, San Juan Capistrano is your dream spot. From historic adobes and train stations to lush gardens and mission-style architecture, this setting offers a warm, earthy backdrop that photographs beautifully.

Laguna Beach and Coastal Spots

f your heart is at the beach, you’re in the right place. Our coastline is stunning, and sessions here often end with toes in the sand and kids giggling in the waves. I’ll guide you in choosing the right location—Laguna Beach, Crescent Bay, or Crystal Cove—based on the vibe you want.

See More Beach Locations

Parks and Nature Trails

For a lush, green backdrop, parks like Laguna Niguel Regional, Aliso & Wood Canyons, or Irvine Regional Park offer open spaces, golden light, and room for playful moments.

Nature trails and parks

Urban and architectural settings

Looking for a modern feel? Downtown Laguna, San Juan Capistrano’s historic district, or even a sleek architectural space can create striking, stylized portraits.

Urban settings

What to Expect from your session

Once you book your session, I’ll send you a personalized prep guide to help your family feel photo-ready—especially helpful if you have small kids (and yes, snacks and bribes are welcome!). During our session, I keep things light and fun. I spend time building a connection with your children so they feel comfortable being themselves—because that’s when the magic happens. I’ll direct when needed, but I also let the natural interactions unfold, capturing genuine laughter, hugs, and yes—even those pouty moments that make everyone smile later.

Extended Family Sessions



I love photographing big families. Whether you're bringing together siblings, cousins, or three generations, extended family sessions are a wonderful way to celebrate togetherness. These sessions run a little longer to accommodate different groupings and combinations—but they also create priceless opportunities for grandparent portraits and those all-too-rare full family images. 



What to Wear for your Family Photos


Wardrobe can feel overwhelming, but I’m here to help. The key is coordination, not matching. Gone are the days of white shirts and denim. Start with a color palette that complements your home décor or the vibe you want, and then layer in texture and subtle patterns. I’m always happy to help with outfit suggestions or connect you with one of my favorite stylists if you’d like extra guidance.


What is the Process for booking your family photoshoot?

GIVE US A CALL
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Step One

Schedule a Call with Kristin


To go over exactly what you want from the session and to make sure I am photographing for the products you LOVE.  This is an investment of both time and money and I want to be sure all of the decision makers are involved in setting it up the session!


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Step Two

Reserve Your Spot


Choose a date and time from our online calendar that works for you and your family.  Don’t worry about the time of day.  We use professional lighting equipment to make sure all times of the day look picture perfect! 


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Step Three

Review Tips and Clothing Guide


Follow our tips and clothing suggestions for a smooth and successful session.  Preparation is the key, let’s keep this stress free!  Click on the link to check it out.


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Step 4

Photo Session


At the location of your choice around Laguna Beach.  We will have fun together and get both poses and candid shots from your session.  If there are any unique groupings you want at the session, just let us know!

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Step 5

Purchasing Appointment at Studio


One week after your photo session we will schedule a purchasing appointment in our Laguna Beach studio to view your images and select a package.  All decision makers should be present.

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Step 6

We ship your order directly to your home


All products are custom made and take 3-4 weeks to create.  We will provide you with a proof to approve before we ship your final product to you.  Once you approve your proof, all products will be sent directly to your home by FEDEX or UPS.

Can We Include Pets at our Family Photography Session?

Including your pet in a family photography session is essential for capturing the complete essence of your family dynamic and creating lasting memories. Pets are cherished members of the family, and their presence adds an extra layer of love, joy, and personality to your photoshoot.


In Orange County, where the natural beauty of the coastline provides a stunning backdrop, incorporating your pet into the session adds a sense of playfulness and spontaneity, resulting in genuine and heartwarming images.


Whether it's a playful romp along the sandy shores or a tender moment shared between you, your family, and your furry friend against the backdrop of the ocean, including your pet ensures that your family portraits reflect the true spirit of your household and the bond you share with your beloved companion.

FAQs

Got a question? We’re here to help.

  • What should we wear to the photo shoot?

    The outfits for your family photography session should be in coordinating colors that work well in the location you choose for your session.  For example, at a beach session, you should opt for colors that are in the environment including ocean blue, sea green, sandy tan, black, white and pops of sunset colors.  We have a complete clothing guide available with more information.

  • How long does an average family photo shoot last?

    The duration of a family photography session depends of the age of the children involved.  Typically a session takes from 1-2 hours.  Within a session we will do 3-4 family groupings, sibling groupings, mom and dad together and all the kids individually. We take the time to create an environment where all the subjects involved are relaxed and having fun.  

  • Can we bring props or include specific locations in the session?

     A favorite childhood toy, a gorgeous blanket, a vintage car are all examples of props that can enhance your session and make it meaningful to your family. We encourage you to bring anything that helps define your family or that is special to your child.  We also encourage you to select a special location for your session.  This could include photographing in your home, at a favorite park or in a seaside resort.  As long as it is within 1-2 hours of Laguna Beach we will be happy to accomodate.

  • What can we expect during the session?

    When you book a Blue Sky's photography session, we will take care of everything.  From recommending the location, to helping you coordinate outfits, to guiding you through posing and prompts to get you comfortable in front of the camera.  In every session we provide lots of fun poses, as well as a lot of candid shots.  About a week after your photography session, we will invite you into our Laguna Beach studio for your purchasing appointment.  We will go through all of our favorites from the session and help you create art for your walls and beautiful keepsake albums.

  • Can we include pets in our photoshoot?

    We highly encourage you to include pets in your family photography session.  Please be aware that some locations have restricted access for pets so it is best to let us know before the session. 

  • What happens if the weather is bad on our scheduled photoshoot date?

    If the weather doesn't cooperate on your scheduled photography session day, we have two options for you. You can either reschedule on a day with better weather or you can opt to come into our Laguna Beach photography studio.

  • Do you offer retouching or editing services?

    At Blue Sky's studio we are retouching experts.  All wall art and album images are fully retouched to a beautiful finish.  Our retouching is natural so you look like the best version of yourself.  For large families, we also offer headswapping to ensure every group image looks picture perfect.

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