Newport beach California vacation spot

Crystal Cove Multi-Generational Session | Extended Family Photos in Newport Beach, CA | Cori Kleckner Photography | OC Family Photographer

The Pontius Family | Crystal Cove Multi-Generational Session | Extended Family Photos in Newport Beach, CA | Cori Kleckner Photography | OC Family Photographer| Newport Beach Family Vacation Photographer

Extended Family Photos at Crystal Cove State Beach

When families book extended family photos at Crystal Cove, my goal is always the same: to create a full gallery that feels complete, not rushed.

We capture the classic full-group portraits, but we also take the time to document all the smaller groupings that matter just as much. Because years from now, you won’t just want the photo where everyone is standing in a line.

You’ll want Grandma hugging the grandkids. Cousins running together on the sand. Adult siblings laughing like they’re kids again. And each individual family unit having their own portraits, without needing to book a separate session.

One of the biggest concerns families have when booking an extended family session is whether they’ll still get enough photos of their own family. And that concern makes total sense. When you’re coordinating schedules, travel, outfits, and the effort of getting everyone there, you want it to feel worth it.

That’s why I always break the session down intentionally, so nothing gets missed. We photograph the full group, each individual family unit, each set of grandparents with the grandkids, the grandparents together, adult siblings together both with and without their kids, couples together, cousin photos of just the kids, sibling photos, parent and child portraits, individual portraits of each child, and a mix of candid moments throughout.

And while I always do my best to get everyone looking for the more “classic” portraits, my favorite images almost always end up being the candid ones. The in-between moments are the ones that bring the most joy later. I love when clients get their photos back and realize those are the images they cannot stop looking at, because they feel the most like them.

You’re not just getting one big group shot. You’re getting a full story.

Because the truth is, these are the photos your kids and grandkids will keep forever. And I want you to have them beautifully, fully, and in a way that feels like you.

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

The Hite Family | Family Photos at Crystal Cove State Beach | Newport Beach Family Photographer |Cori Kleckner Photography

The Hite Family | Family Photos at Crystal Cove State Beach | Newport Beach Family Photographer | Cori Kleckner Photography

What to Expect During a Beach Family Session

If you’ve ever worried your kids won’t “behave” for photos, I promise you’re not alone. Most families feel that way going into their session. The truth is, the best family photos don’t come from perfect behavior. They come from movement, laughter, snuggles, and little moments that happen in between.

During this session, we kept things simple. We started with a few classic family images, then moved into more natural prompts so the kids could relax. Some of the sweetest photos came from the moments where the kids were exploring the shoreline, holding hands, or running back to their parents.

That’s the beauty of photographing families at the beach. It naturally creates a session that feels like a memory.

Wardrobe Tips for Beach Family Photos in Orange County

One of the biggest things that impacts how your photos look is wardrobe. As an Orange County family photographer, I always recommend keeping outfits soft, neutral, and cohesive without being overly matchy.

Here are a few wardrobe tips that photograph beautifully in Newport Beach and Laguna Beach:

  • Cream, beige, tan, soft browns

  • Soft blues, muted sage, dusty rose

  • Linen textures and flowy fabrics

  • Barefoot or neutral sandals

  • Avoiding bright neon, heavy logos, or bold patterns

The goal is to keep the focus on your family, not the clothing. Neutrals also reflect the beach light beautifully and help keep skin tones looking warm and natural.


Book Your Newport Beach Family Photographer

If you’ve been searching for a Newport Beach family photographer, a Newport photographer, or a Laguna Beach family photographer, I would love to photograph your family.

I offer family sessions throughout Orange County, including Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, and surrounding coastal areas. I also offer maternity and newborn photography, but I do only take on a limited number of newborn clients each month to ensure flexibility on the calendar when babies make their debut.

To inquire about availability, you can reach out through my contact page, and I’ll help you choose the best location, timing, and wardrobe for your session.

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

The Chang Family | Crystal Cove Family Photos | Newport Beach Family Session | Orange County Family Photographer

The Chang Family | Crystal Cove Family Photos | Newport Beach Family Photographer | Orange County Family Photographer


Crystal Cove Family Photos with a One-Year-Old | Newport Beach Family Photographer

This Crystal Cove family session with the Chang family was such a sweet reminder of how quickly the first year goes by. Their baby girl just turned one, and this stage is one of my favorites to photograph. If you’re looking for a Newport Beach family photographer or Newport Beach baby photographer, this is such a perfect age to document because your baby is full of personality, curiosity, and those little expressions you never want to forget.

Crystal Cove State Beach in Newport Beach is one of the best locations in Orange County for family photos, especially for families with young kids. The open space, soft coastal light, and natural scenery make sessions feel relaxed and effortless, without needing stiff posing. It’s also a great spot for one-year-old milestone photos because there’s room to move, cuddle, and let your little one explore while I capture the real moments in between.

For this session, we focused on a mix of classic family portraits and candid connection. We captured sweet snuggles, walking along the shoreline, and playful moments with their one-year-old as she took in everything around her. These are the kinds of family photos that become more meaningful as time passes because they don’t just show what your family looked like, they capture what this season felt like.

If you’re searching for Crystal Cove family photos in Newport Beach and you want a session that feels natural, timeless, and full of connection, I’d love to photograph your family. This is such a special stage of life, and it deserves to be documented in a way that feels beautiful and true to you.

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

The Boutelier Family | Newport Beach Family Photography | Beach Family Session | Sunset Beach Session | Newport Beach Family Photographer | Cori Kleckner Photography

The Boutelier Family | Newport Beach Family Photography Session | Beach Family Session | Sunset Beach Session | Newport Beach Family Photographer | Cori Kleckner Photography

As an Orange County family photographer, few experiences are as rewarding as building lasting relationships with families like the Bouteliers. Our journey began when their firstborn was just six months old, and it’s been a privilege to document their growth over the years.

After relocating from Los Angeles to Newport Beach, Jenna and Nick sought to capture their family memories in a setting that truly feels like home—the very beaches where their daughters, Dillon and Sydney, are growing up. This locale, cherished by many seeking family photography in Newport Beach, provides an authentic backdrop that resonates with their everyday experiences.

This year’s session was a quintessential example of Newport Beach family photography, featuring the enchanting golden hour light that bathed the family in a warm, honeyed glow. We commenced near the iconic lifeguard towers, allowing the girls to play freely as the sun cast its soft, diffused light, creating elongated shadows and a magical ambiance. As dusk approached, the sky transformed into a canvas of pastel hues—soft pinks, purples, and blues—enabling us to capture stunning sunset shots that added depth and variety to their gallery.

Including their beloved dog, Bodhi, added an extra layer of joy and spontaneity to the session. Incorporating pets is a delightful aspect of family photography in Orange County, reflecting the complete family dynamic. 

These images encapsulate a session filled with love, laughter, and the everyday moments that evolve into treasured memories. As a dedicated Newport Beach family photographer, I aim to provide families with photographs that genuinely reflect their unique stories.

To the Boutelier family—Jenna, Nick, Dillon, Sydney, and Bodhi—thank you for entrusting me with capturing these fleeting moments year after year. It’s an honor to be part of your journey and to document your beautiful family’s growth.

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

 

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