As a Newport Beach baby photographer, a baby’s first time at the beach is an occasion I will always say yes to. This family reached out for a last-minute session during their visit to Newport Beach. My schedule was fully booked. However, after receiving a heartfelt message from the mom (she had always dreamed of having lifestyle family photos taken), I couldn’t say no.
It was a windy spring evening, as most May nights are here in Orange County. The session started cloudy and overcast, which gave the first half of their gallery a beautifully moody feel. Then, as it so often does, the sun broke through and completely transformed the mood and the light.
What I love most about lifestyle family photography is getting to step back and simply observe. This family didn’t need much direction. There were so many snuggles and so much genuine adoration for their baby boy. So, I just let it unfold in front of me, which is exactly what this style of photography is all about.
What to Wear for a Beach Session
The mom did reach out ahead of time for outfit guidance. The only adjustment we made was swapping in a neutral base color for baby’s overalls. He was already wearing the most adorable navy bear-ear hoodie, so we needed something to contrast against her blue denim jacket and her husband’s cream shirt jacket. Their style was effortless and perfectly suited for a casual beach session.
Newport Beach is one of my favorite spots for family photos in Orange County. The wide stretch of coastline gives families plenty of room to move, explore, and just exist naturally in front of the camera. The sand dunes, the iconic palm trees, and the beach houses in the background make for memorable, timeless images, and that open sky is hard to beat.
For this session, we booked for late May, about two hours before golden hour, to work around baby’s sleep schedule. Since this stretch of beach is wide open with no shade, we went in prepared for varying light conditions. As a result, the gallery is all the more beautiful for it.
Book Your Newport Beach Family Session
Thinking about booking a Newport Beach baby photographer for your family session? I’d love to help you capture your family exactly as you are right now. Send me an inquiry online or simply book an open date on my schedule to begin planning your family session.
