If your family loves the beach, here’s some behind-the-scenes of family photos taken in Laguna Beach, California. These family photos capture the essence of this stunning beach cove hidden within the community. A quick drive through the Laguna Beach neighborhood reveals this small beach. It only requires a short walk down to the sand.
This sweet family was visiting from out of town. So, we took the time to plan their family photos by deciding on a beach location. I picked this small beach for them based on easy parking and accessibility to the beach for their small kids. With high cliff walls and gentle surf waves, it was a good spot for a young family of four.
Laid-back, easy family photos are part of how I approach family photography. Outfits that reflect this vibe are part of how their family photos look like Laguna Beach locals. When planning outfits for a family, I like to start with the location first. For a beach location like this, scheduled close to golden hour, I suggested the following for each family member:
- Mom: A linen blouse layered over a cream dress (her dusty blue complements her son’s jeans).
- Dad: Soft, comfy neutrals, a striped shirt for variety, layered over a t-shirt for a more casual vibe.
- Baby boy: A darker blue fisherman sweater to contrast against his baby jeans. (beach vibes get it?)
- Baby girl: Kept it simple with a cream, monochromatic set to pull from Mom’s dress.
Laid-Back Family Photos Start with Thoughtful Outfit Planning
Most of the clothes we used came straight from their closet, thoughtfully mixed and matched to create a cohesive look. As a result, their outfits felt both relaxed and effortless, perfect for the laid-back vibe of their family photoshoot.
Laguna Beach, like much of Southern California, is known for its easygoing beach communities. So, if you’re aiming for that iconic SoCal look, the good news is that it doesn’t take much. With a few elevated basics you likely already have at home, you can quickly pull together a look that is natural, timeless, and true to your family’s style.
Over the course of a few days, we spent time messaging back and forth, pulling outfit options, refining choices, and thoughtfully curating a combination. This collection would complement each family member. Rather than defaulting to matching outfits, it’s much more effective to choose colors and clothing that reflect your unique family style. In turn, this approach helps your wardrobe blend seamlessly with the backdrop of your chosen location.
Ultimately, taking the time to plan these details results in photos that feel natural, laid-back, and genuinely reflective of who you are. In the end, these Laguna Beach family photos become more than just images. They’re a beautiful way to remember meaningful, connected moments.
How We Used Their Closet to Create a Relaxed, SoCal Coastal Look
To kick off the planning process, I started by creating a quick moodboard. It included suggested looks and color ideas for a laid-back family beach photoshoot. Considering the family’s skin tones and overall vibe, it was clear they already had many of these colors in their existing wardrobe. From there, we began by pulling options for Mom and Dad first, and then gradually layered in the kids’ outfits. This approach ensured that everyone’s look complemented one another without feeling overly coordinated.
By keeping the overall vibe slightly casual, we were able to create a timeless look that isn’t tied to any one trend. Instead, the photos reflect their true personal style: comfortable, easy, and unmistakably theirs.
Easy Online Booking with a Laguna Beach Family Photographer
Ready to create your laid-back family memories? I’ll help you every step of the way, from suggesting outfit colors that bring out your family’s unique style to guiding you through a simple, stress-free online booking process. Let’s make your Laguna Beach family session effortless and full of real moments.
Click here to visit my online booking page and get on the schedule!
