Summer’s almost here, and I’m so excited to launch my 2025 Beach Family Sessions as your go-to Los Angeles Beach Photographer. Sessions take place at the scenic Leo Carillo Beach in Malibu. The beach features rocky outcrops, grassy bluffs, open sand, and buttery, golden hour light: the perfect setting to capture natural and relaxed portraits of your family.
While we are blessed by the weather gods, beach family photos in Los Angeles are best booked June through November for the most comfortable temperatures. Sessions take place just before sunset and spots are limited to a few each month.
Your family’s Beach Family Session experience includes:
- A relaxed, 90 minute session at golden hour
- A pre-session phone consultation (if you want it!) to ask me all your questions
- A comprehensive session prep guide
- Full access to the studio wardrobe collection and personal help styling your family
- Your choice of photo collection, with a minimum of 30 digital images + a $50 print credit included with your session fee
You may be asking yourself if you’re up for the challenge of preparing your family for photos at the beach. I’m here to tell you it’s less daunting than you think! I have an extensive pre-session prep plan to help you feel confident, prepared and – dare I say – excited about your session.
Don’t believe me yet? That’s okay – I’ll show you, step by step, how to prepare for a smooth session!
What to wear:
- Choose a family ensemble that coordinates with 2-3 colors, but avoid putting everyone in matching outfits.
- Choose shoes that are easy to slip on and off – since they’ll be coming off once we hit the sand – in neutral colors (in case we take some photos on our way to the water).
- Include clothing with texture, subtle patterns, or layers to add interest.
- Both men and boys look great in elevated tees, light sweaters, or henleys. Avoid button downs for kids as they can be a bit too formal for a beach session.
- Moms always look good in a flowy dress that allows for movement with the wind (but if you’re not a dress person, don’t hesitate to tell me and I’ll share other options that are just as fabulous).
What to bring for the kids:
- A change of clothes. Kids love to get wet at the beach, sometimes before we are ready for it. Make sure to have a set of dry clothes so that they aren’t sopping wet in half your photos or cold and cranky.
- Photo-friendly layers. Even on a hot day, the beach can be chilly and windy.
- Water to keep everyone hydrated.
- Snacks that are easy to eat and not too messy. Bring more than you think you need ;).
- If your kids are old enough for bribes, bring a small treat that can doled out one by one and won’t melt or stain. Fruit snacks and gummy bears are great options! Avoid anything that takes too long to eat, like lollipops.
- An extra set of hands (for maternity sessions). While this isn’t as necessary for a traditional beach family session, for a beach maternity session, a sitter, grandparent, or friend can keep your little ones safe and entertained while we photograph you and your partner.
Here’s what else you can expect when you book with me:
- A pre-session phone consultation (if you want one!): After you book your session (you can do that HERE!) you’ll have the option to schedule a pre-session phone consultation with me, so that we can chat personally and I can answer any and all of your questions in real time. No question is off limits – ask it all, so you can feel comfortable and ready. By the way, this is totally optional. If the phone isn’t your thing, we can email to work through anything that may be on your mind.
- A detailed prep-guide: The tips above will get you started, but your guide has everything you need to know from location information, hair and makeup prep, to what to bring for antsy littles. This means you’ll arrive at the session at ease, knowing you’ve planned for any instance and you can relax and enjoy this special time with your family.
- Access to the studio wardrobe guide PLUS my personal help styling your family: Your session includes access to my client wardrobe, stocked with women’s dresses and robes (maternity sizing included!), baby outfits for babies up to 12 months old, and dresses for little girls between the ages of 2 and 6. Whether you’re pulling from the studio collection or from your closet, I’ll help you put together the perfect look for your whole family.
You’ll have me on your speed dial once you book your session, but until then, I hope this helps get you prepped and ready for a memorable session at the beach.
You can see available beach session dates here.
