Laguna Beach always delivers at golden hour, but there’s something extra special about it in the fall. The soft warmth, the dramatic cliffs, and the way the shoreline reflects families back in the most flattering light. It all comes together to create the perfect atmosphere for Laguna Beach extended family photos.
A Thoughtful Gift: Bringing the Whole Family Together
For this family session, my client was visiting from out of town just before Thanksgiving week. She wanted to gift her parents something meaningful: an extended family photoshoot with the grandkids and siblings all together. A coastal memory wrapped into one golden hour evening; I simply love it when I get requests like these!
Crescent Bay for Its Iconic Cliffside Views
Her only request? Cliff backdrops. So I suggested Crescent Bay, a south Orange County gem that glows beautifully as the sun dips around the cliffrock formations. This really enhances the setting for a Laguna Beach extended family gathering. The light here becomes soft and golden in the prettiest way, making it an unforgettable setting for family portraits.
And can we talk about their styling? She coordinated everyone so well. I recommended creams combined with soft neutrals instead of bright white to keep the look cohesive, calm, and classic. Those tones photograph beautifully against Laguna’s warm coastal palette.
Laguna Beach is truly a dream location for extended family sessions. Its cove-style beaches create pockets of privacy, giving families an intimate, wide open space for photos. This is especially true at golden hour when everything feels soft and cinematic.
Planning Your Own Laguna Beach Extended Family Session
If you’re planning a visit to Orange County or hoping to gather your people for something meaningful next year, I’d love to help you create photographs that feel relaxed, connected, and beautifully true to your family. And if you’re the kind of crew that adores each other openly—playful, loving, and wonderfully yourselves, then we’re absolutely a match. Reach out to reserve a golden hour session for your extended family in Laguna Beach or anywhere along the South OC coast. Ready to book? Visit my online booking calendar here, find a date, and reserve your spot in advance.
