Some locations just make sense the moment you walk into them. Noguchi Garden in Costa Mesa is one of those places: sculptural, quietly dramatic, a beautiful reminder of Southern California landscape. It’s where I bring families who want something different.
Discovering Noguchi Garden in Costa Mesa
I first wandered through it with my son in the spring and immediately started mentally casting families throughout the space. When this mom reached out for updated photos with her two older kids, I offered her two options: the beach or Noguchi Garden. She chose the garden without hesitating. It fit their style perfectly.
A Family Session Styled for the Space
After sending her a custom mood board with outfit suggestions, we landed on soft, neutral tones and clean shapes that let the garden do the work. With older kids, I find the session works best when we keep things loose. Light movement, easy conversation, minimal posing. The images that come out of that approach always feel more like them than anything staged ever could.
What I love about this location for Orange County family photography is how different it feels from the typical beach session, and how that difference shows up in the photos. If your family is drawn to design, art, or anything that doesn’t look like everyone else’s, this garden is worth considering.
Noguchi Garden is open to the public and sits right in the heart of Costa Mesa, walkable to coffee and lunch spots if you want to make an afternoon of it. Fall and winter light here is especially beautiful.
Plan Your Family Photos at Noguchi Garden
If you’re looking for a Laguna Beach or Orange County family photographer who shoots in locations like this, I’d love to work with you.
