Montage Laguna Beach Family Session

Montage Laguna Beach Maternity Session | Orange County Maternity Photographer | Cori Kleckner Photography| Laguna Beach Photographer

The Chu Family | Montage Laguna Beach Maternity Session | Orange County Maternity Photographer | Cori Kleckner Photography| Laguna Beach Photographer

This Montage Laguna Beach maternity session was captured on a soft, overcast coastal day and honestly, overcast at Montage is gorgeous because it makes everything feel soft and creamy, and you can actually see the full Laguna Beach coastline and backdrop without harsh contrast. As an Orange County family photographer and Laguna Beach maternity photographer, I love days like this because the muted skies create timeless skin tones while keeping the cliffs, shoreline, and iconic scenery of the Montage Resort Laguna Beach beautifully visible. With mom expecting and her two boys close by, this session felt natural, intimate, and effortlessly coastal , the kind of imagery families hope for when planning Laguna Beach family photos in Orange County.

CORI KLECKNER PHOTOGRAPHY IS AN ORANGE COUNTY CALIFORNIA PHOTOGRAPHER SPECIALIZING IN MATERNITY, NEWBORN, BABY, FAMILY, CHILDREN’S AND LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY

Montage Laguna Beach Family Photos | Orange County Family Photographer | Cori Kleckner Photography

Montage Laguna Beach Family Photos | Orange County Family Photographer | Cori Kleckner Photography

This sweet session at Montage Laguna Beach was a fun one to shoot with the Miller family. We started with soft sunlight breaking through clear skies and eased into pastel purples as the evening settled in, with the coastline stretching behind us. It’s just a really gorgeous beach and one I love photographing for family sessions because it offers so much variety , from rocky areas and cliffs to open sand and water moments.

I first photographed Sophia as a newborn, so coming back to document her again at six months felt especially full-circle. And honestly, this age is one of my absolute favorites , the chubby cheeks, the little rolls, the expressions that change by the second. It’s that in-between stage that often gets skipped when families jump from newborn photos straight to one year, and I’m always a little sad when it’s missed. Six months holds so much sweetness and personality, whether they’re sitting with a bit of support, standing while holding onto mom’s hands, or melted right into her hip , it’s such a special stage worth documenting.

CORI KLECKNER PHOTOGRAPHY IS AN ORANGE COUNTY PHOTOGRAPHER SPECIALIZING IN MATERNITY, NEWBORN, BABY, FAMILY, CHILDREN’S AND LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY

Montage Laguna Beach Motherhood Session | Orange County Family Photographer | Cori Kleckner Photography

Montage Laguna Beach Motherhood Session | Orange County Family Photographer | Cori Kleckner Photography

Most families have no shortage of photos of their children. And usually, dad is in plenty of them. But moms? They’re usually the ones behind the camera.

They tend to be the memory keepers, the ones taking the photos, organizing the albums, and making sure every milestone is preserved. And in doing so, they quietly slip out of the story themselves.

Years from now, your children won’t only want to see what they looked like, they will want to see who loved them. The way you wrapped them up when the wind picked up. The way they leaned into you when they were unsure. The way your body was their safe place.

That’s why I approach motherhood photography in Orange County with a documentary, connection focused style. No stiff posing. No pressure to perform. Just gentle guidance that allows real moments to unfold, the way your child reaches for your face, the way you instinctively brush hair from their eyes, the way they melt into you when they need comfort.

These are the images your children will one day treasure most.

And if you’re searching for an Orange County family photographer or Laguna Beach motherhood photographer who values emotion, presence, and storytelling over perfection, I’m your gal. A motherhood session is a beautiful way to preserve this season, not just for how it looked, but for how it felt.

CORI KLECKNER PHOTOGRAPHY IS AN ORANGE COUNTY PHOTOGRAPHER SPECIALIZING IN MATERNITY, NEWBORN, BABY, FAMILY, CHILDREN’S AND LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY

Orange County family photographer

Laguna Beach family photographer

Montage Laguna Beach family photos

Orange County motherhood photographer

Laguna Beach motherhood session

Southern California family photographer

Orange County beach family photos

Documentary family photographer Orange County

Coastal family photography Laguna Beach

Motherhood photography Orange County

The Gutierrez Family | Garrett + Jordan+ Max+Mercer+ Merritt | Montage Laguna Beach Family Photos | Orange County Family Photographer

The Gutierrez Family | Garrett + Jordan+ Max+Mercer+ Merritt | Montage Laguna Beach Family Photos | Orange County Family Photographer

The stunning coast of Laguna Beach is always a perfect backdrop for family photos, and this session with the Gutierrez family at Montage Resort was no exception. With the waves gently crashing and seagulls flying in the background, it was the perfect setting for creating timeless, lifestyle images. This location in Orange County offers beautiful scenery for family sessions, and it’s always a favorite of mine for its diverse options for stunning coastal shots.

For this family, we opted for a neutral wardrobe, which really brought out the natural colors of the beach while keeping the focus on their loving interactions. These authentic moments make for the best family photography, and it’s always my goal to document families in a way that feels natural and relaxed.

As an Orange County family photographer, I specialize in capturing these genuine connections—whether you’re looking for a beach photoshoot in Laguna Beach, family photos in Palos Verdes, or a session at a nearby Los Angeles or San Diego beach. My focus is on creating images that feel timeless, so families can look back on these memories for years to come.

If you’re looking for a family photographer in Orange County, Los Angeles, or San Diego, or if you’re specifically wanting a beach family photoshoot at iconic locations like Laguna Beach, Palos Verdes, or Newport Beach, reach out! I love working with families to create beautiful memories by the sea.

CORI KLECKNER PHOTOGRAPHY IS AN ORANGE COUNTY PHOTOGRAPHER SPECIALIZING IN MATERNITY, NEWBORN, BABY, FAMILY, CHILDREN’S AND LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY

The Hite Family | Laguna Beach Family Photos | Laguna Beach Family Photographer | Montage Laguna Beach CA | Cori Kleckner Photography

The Hite Family | Laguna Beach Family Photos | Laguna Beach Family Photographer | Cori Kleckner Photography | Montage Laguna Beach CA

It’s always a joy to photograph the Hite family, and this Laguna Beach session was no exception. With the beautiful ocean as our backdrop and a calm overcast day, the setting was perfect for capturing their love and connection. The Hites’ playful, warm energy shines through in each photo, as they enjoy the beach with their little ones. Laguna Beach truly offers some of the most stunning settings for family photography, and the soft light of the day only added to the natural beauty of this session.

As an Orange County family photographer, I’ve had the privilege of documenting many special moments, and I love how beach sessions like this one allow families to feel relaxed and natural in their environment. The Hite family’s session perfectly reflects why I adore being a Laguna Beach family photographer. From the little moments of laughter to the sweet, quiet moments of love, it’s such an honor to freeze these fleeting times in time.

If you’re looking for a family photographer in Laguna Beach or anywhere in Orange County, I’d love to help you capture your family’s memories. Whether it’s a playful session on the sand or a more intimate in-home session, each moment tells a unique story. Let’s capture these beautiful milestones together with natural, timeless photography that you and your family can cherish for years to come.

CORI KLECKNER PHOTOGRAPHY IS AN ORANGE COUNTY PHOTOGRAPHER SPECIALIZING IN MATERNITY, NEWBORN, BABY, FAMILY, CHILDREN’S AND LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY

 

The Tom Family | Laguna Beach Montage Beach Family Photos| Orange County Family Photographer

The Tom Family | Laguna Beach Montage Beach Family Photos| Orange County Family Photographer | Cori Kleckner Photography

I have had the absolute pleasure of photographing the Tom Family for the past seven years, and their joy and connection are beautifully reflected in every session. From the moment I first met Jennifer Tom and her family, I knew their warmth and love would translate effortlessly into timeless family images. This particular session took place at the stunning Laguna Beach Montage Beach, one of my favorite locations for capturing the natural beauty of Orange County family photography. The Tom family’s playful energy, combined with the scenic backdrop of Montage Beach, made for a truly special session that highlights the essence of family connection and joy. Whether it’s through capturing their children laughing together or the tender moments shared between parents and kids, these images tell the story of a family whose bond only grows stronger over time.

If you’re searching for a Laguna Beach family photographer or an Orange County family photographer to capture your family’s memories in a natural and beautiful setting, look no further. Contact me today to book your family photoshoot in one of Orange County’s most iconic locations.

CORI KLECKNER PHOTOGRAPHY IS AN ORANGE COUNTY PHOTOGRAPHER SPECIALIZING IN MATERNITY, NEWBORN, BABY, FAMILY, CHILDREN’S AND LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY

Extended Family Session | The Multi-Generation Family Portrait | The Lee Family | Orange County Family Photographer | Laguna Beach Extended Family Session | Cori Kleckner Photography

Extended Family Session | The Multi-Generation Family Portrait | The Lee Family | Orange County Family Photographer | Laguna Beach Montage Resort Extended Family Session | Cori Kleckner Photography

 

CORI KLECKNER PHOTOGRAPHY IS AN ORANGE COUNTY PHOTOGRAPHER SPECIALIZING IN MATERNITY, NEWBORN, BABY, FAMILY, CHILDREN’S AND LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY

Laguna Beach Family Photos | Orange County Family Session | The Hailey Family | Shane + Leilani + Baby Maverick Hailey | Orange County Family Photographer | Cori Kleckner Photography

Laguna Beach Family Photos | Orange County Family Session | The Hailey Family | Shane + Leilani + Baby Maverick Hailey | Orange County Family Photographer | Cori Kleckner Photography

CORI KLECKNER PHOTOGRAPHY IS AN ORANGE COUNTY PHOTOGRAPHER SPECIALIZING IN MATERNITY, NEWBORN, BABY, FAMILY, CHILDREN’S AND LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY

The Hay Family | L Laguna Beach Family Session | Laguna Beach Family Photographer | Cori Kleckner Photography | Orange County Family Photographer

The Hay Family | L Laguna Beach Family Session | Laguna Beach Family Photographer | Cori Kleckner Photography | Orange County Family Photographer

CORI KLECKNER PHOTOGRAPHY IS AN ORANGE COUNTY PHOTOGRAPHER SPECIALIZING IN MATERNITY, NEWBORN, BABY, FAMILY, CHILDREN’S AND LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY

The McClure Family | Montage Laguna Beach Family Session | Laguna Beach Family Photographer | Cori Kleckner Photography | Orange County Family Photographer |

The McClure Family | Montage Laguna Beach Family Session | Laguna Beach Family Photographer | Cori Kleckner Photography | Orange County Family Photographer |

CORI KLECKNER PHOTOGRAPHY IS AN ORANGE COUNTY PHOTOGRAPHER SPECIALIZING IN MATERNITY, NEWBORN, BABY, FAMILY, CHILDREN’S AND LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY

The Barron’s Family | Orange County Family Photographer | Montage Laguna Family Photos

The Barron’s Family | Orange County Family Photographer | Montage Laguna Family Photos

A few of my recent clients have asked me , “Does the time of day you shoot at the beach make that much of a difference?”

Heres my answer : The golden hour occurs from about half an hour before, until about an hour after sunrise in the morning, and then an hour before sunset, to about 20 to 30 minutes after the sun has gone down in the evening. When you shoot in this soft light the light is golden in colour and often changes colour from yellow, to orange to magenta. 
-The light is soft, i.e. no major contrast such as hard shadows and very bright highlights. 
-Colors are more exaggerated, the color of the light is far more emphasized, much more oranges, reds and magentas are visible in the scene.
It is for these reasons that photographers choose to shoot in the early morning or early evening, these times produce the most dramatic images.

Many of us were taught to shoot under bright sunlight, in the middle of the day, with the sun behind us. Sure, that can work, but you won’t get dramatic results every time, in many cases, your images will look very average. This is because light is harsh at this time of day.

So to many of you who are wondering, yes, the time of day can make a HUGE difference in the outcome of your photos.

The Hersperger Family // Montage Resort Laguna Beach Family Session // Orange County Family Photographer