huntington beach family photographer

Reeva & Mark Mincer | Huntington Beach Maternity Session | Orange County Maternity Photographer | Cori Kleckner Photography

Reeva & Mark Mincer | Huntington Beach Maternity Session | Orange County Maternity Photographer | Cori Kleckner Photography

One of the things that made this Huntington Beach maternity session with Reeva and Mark especially fun to create was how much variety we were able to capture within one evening, which is one of the reasons I love photographing maternity sessions along the Orange County coast.

We began up on the cliffs, where the ocean stretched endlessly behind them and gave us that wide, open coastal backdrop so many families are drawn to when booking a Huntington Beach maternity photographer. From there, we moved down toward the sand, incorporating one of Huntington Beach’s iconic lifeguard towers for a classic Southern California feel, then finished along a quiet trail lined with green foliage and seasonal blooms that gave their gallery an entirely different mood and texture.

That shift in scenery within one location is what adds so much depth to a maternity gallery. It allows for images that feel layered, intentional, and diverse without ever needing to travel far.

The light also kept evolving in the best way throughout the evening, which always pushes me creatively as an artist. We had soft coastal sunset light, a few moments where the sun broke through just enough to create beautiful sunbeams, and later that dreamy diffused glow that Huntington Beach often gives right before sunset.

Being able to work through different backdrops, angles, and changing light like this is one of the reasons Orange County maternity sessions can feel so rich and full, and it made this gallery especially fun to create.

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

Huntington Beach Sunset Session | Huntington Beach Family Photographer | Orange County Family Photographer | Cori Kleckner Photography

Huntington Beach Sunset Session | Huntington Beach Family Photographer | Orange County Family Photographer | Cori Kleckner Photography

If you’re planning family photos in Huntington Beach, sunset is one of my favorite times to photograph here. Those pastel skies, sometimes with the moon peeking through, always get me. I feel genuinely inspired every time. I also love how the light translates on skin tones, keeping everything creamy and soft while avoiding the harsh shadows that come with bright sun. I photograph Huntington Beach at all different times, including morning, midday, and even full afternoon sun, but sunset will probably always be my preference. It is the most consistent, the most flattering, and it gives me the freedom to shoot almost anywhere without fighting the light.

A lot of times clients assume you cannot make something beautiful from a flatter beach like Huntington without cliffs or rocks, but I actually see Huntington Beach as an open canvas. Families are usually pleasantly surprised when they get their gallery back and realize Huntington Beach is an incredible backdrop for family photos. It is one of the beaches in Orange County that gets overlooked, and it often stays less crowded than Laguna Beach or Newport Beach. It also gives kids so much more space to spread out, run, play, and explore, and with toddlers, we all know how helpful that openness can be. If you’ve been overlooking Huntington Beach for your family photos, this is your sign.

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

In-Home Newborn Session in Huntington Beach| Orange County Newborn Photographer | Welcoming Baby Duke | Cori Kleckner Photography

In-Home Newborn Session in Huntington Beach | Orange County Newborn Photographer | Welcoming Baby Duke | Cori Kleckner Photography


There’s something truly sacred about being welcomed into a family’s home during the first days of newborn life. This in-home newborn session with the Dillon family in Huntington Beach was everything I love about this work, soft light, quiet pauses, and the tender beginning of baby Duke’s story. As an Orange County newborn photographer, I feel especially grateful when sessions like these happen close to home, but I also regularly serve families looking for a Los Angeles newborn photographer or San Diego newborn photographer, bringing my lens to wherever these fleeting moments unfold. In-home sessions allow for an honest kind of storytelling…no rushing, no posing, just a family wrapped up in newness, letting love take the lead.

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

San Clemente Family Session at Calafia State Beach | Cloudy Beach Session | Cori Kleckner Photography

San Clemente Family Session at Calafia State Beach | Cloudy Beach Session | Cori Kleckner Photography | Orange County Family Photographer

This family session with the Seghal crew felt especially meaningful because it brought us back to San Clemente, a place that holds so much history for them from when they lived here in California. We photographed their session on a cloudy day at Calafia State Beach and between the soft, diffused light and neutral rocks, it couldn’t have been more perfect. Letting the kids run in and out of the water, climb the rocks, and watch the train go by, added alot of diversity and fun layers to their session. Their youngest was completely fascinated by the trains passing behind us, and some of my favorite frames from the session came from mom or dad simply holding him while letting him soak in the magic. Documenting them here, while they were back in California visiting a place that holds so much meaning for their family, made the session even more special. It’s always an honor when families come back and reach out again , getting to see how much their family has grown since the last time I photographed them is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do, and I feel incredibly lucky to call this my work.

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

Nostalgic Backyard Family Session with Chickens | Orange County Lifestyle Photographer | Michelle+Landon+Liam | Lifestyle Session with Chickens and Baby Chicks | Cori Kleckner Photography

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Nostalgic Backyard Family Session with Chickens | Orange County Lifestyle Photographer | Michelle+Landon+Liam | Lifestyle Session with Chickens and Baby Chicks | Cori Kleckner Photography

I’ve had the honor of photographing both of these boys since they were newborns, and watching them grow, watching the way they move through their world now, feels like flipping through the pages of a story I’ve been lucky enough to document from the beginning.

We let the morning unfold outdoors in their yard, under trees, alongside free-roaming chickens and laughter. Liam rode his little John Deere tractor like a pro, scooping up baby chicks and hauling them around like old friends. Landon climbed trees barefoot, wild and free, with that kind of ease that only childhood allows.

We photographed the baby chicks separately, since they were still too little to safely be around the older hens.

The vision for this session was rooted in nostalgia. I drew inspiration from vintage motherhood imagery, something timeless, like 1940s farm life but modernized in a soft, documentary way. Michelle wore a classic Doen blouse. Liam in denim Zara overalls and, not to be dramatic, but I’m pretty sure Zara Kids owes him a check. Somebody call them. He’s ready.

Climbing trees, chasing chickens, barefoot in the grass—this is the kind of childhood I love to photograph. The kind that doesn’t need posing or prompts. The kind that exists whether I’m there or not.

Why these sessions matter: legacy, honest childhood, storytelling that lives on long after the perfect poses fade.

This is the work I want to make more space for.

The kind that’s quiet.

The kind that holds.

The kind that says, this is what our life looked like.

Warning: I will be oversharing this session unapologetically.

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

Sunny Days in Huntington Beach | Creamy Film-Style Photos of the Pier & Surf Culture | Huntington Beach | Duke's Huntington Beach | Huntington Beach Pier | Orange County Beaches

Sunny Days in Huntington Beach | Creamy Film-Style Photos of the Pier & Surf Culture | Huntington Beach | Duke's Huntington Beach | Huntington Beach Pier | Cori Kleckner Photography | Orange County Beaches

It’s been a while since I’ve shared anything personal here. Most of the time, this blog is where I feature the families I have the honor of photographing. But every now and then, I think it’s just as important to share the work I create purely for myself—the places, light, and moments that inspire me when no one’s in front of the lens.

Even though I’ve grown up here in Huntington Beach, I still like playing tourist every now and then. I’m always mesmerized by the surf culture—the way it lingers in the air, the sound of boards hitting the pavement, the light over the pier at the end of the day. There’s something about it that feels timeless. I think that’s what draws me to photographing it—trying to capture pieces of it in a way that might feel nostalgic someday, like flipping through old film photos and remembering how things felt, not just how they looked.

I hope this post feels like a visual walk through Huntington Beach in all its sun-drenched, surf-soaked charm—captured in a soft, film-inspired style. You’ll see the iconic pier, Duke’s Restaurant, and the everyday rhythm of Surf City USA.

I created this for travelers, vacationers, or anyone searching for a Huntington Beach photographer—whether you’re planning a visit or just love the feel of coastal California.

If any of these images speak to you, feel free to email me or drop a comment below—I’d be happy to add select prints to my shop.

A Golden Hour Beach Session with the Dufreche Family | Huntington Beach Family Photographer | Huntington Beach Vacation Photography | Cori Kleckner Photography | Orange County Family Photographer

A Golden Hour Beach Session with the Dufreche Family | Huntington Beach Family Photographer | Huntington Beach Vacation Photography | Cori Kleckner Photography | Orange County Family Photographer | Huntington Beach Family Photos at Sunser

If you’re visiting Southern California and looking for a Huntington Beach family photographer to capture your vacation memories, you’re in the right place! The Dufreche family did just that, and I had the absolute honor of documenting their beautiful evening by the coast.

As a fellow creative and photographer, Ana Dufreche knew the value of preserving this special time with her family while visiting California. They traveled here for a getaway, and what better way to remember it than with a sunset family session at Huntington Beach? For many families, vacations are a rare opportunity to slow down, soak in the moment, and spend uninterrupted time together. Capturing these fleeting memories ensures they’ll have them to look back on long after the trip ends. Whether you’re visiting from out of state or just taking a break from everyday life, having professional vacation photos lets you relive those golden moments.

We planned their session right at golden hour, when the California sun is low in the sky, casting the softest, warmest light. The Dufreche family started their session playing together in the sand, laughing and cuddling in that dreamy glow. As the sun dipped lower, we moved closer to the water, letting the ocean waves add a little magic to the session. The result? A collection of timeless, sun-kissed family portraits that truly reflect their joy, love, and connection.

If you’re planning a family vacation in Southern California or just want to capture your time in Huntington Beach, I’d love to document your family’s story. Whether you’re looking for a sunset beach session, a Southern California vacation photographer, or candid, natural family photography that feels like YOU, I’d be honored to capture those moments for you. Reach out to book your session today and let’s create something beautiful together.

📍 Now booking family sessions in Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, and beyond!

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

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The DeYoung Family | Huntington Beach Family Photography with Grandparents | Beach Family Session | Huntington Beach Family Photographer | Cori Kleckner Photography

The DeYoung Family | Beach Family Session

Huntington Beach Family Photographer

Cori Kleckner Photography


The DeYoung Family | Huntington Beach Family Photography with Grandparents | Beach Family Session | Huntington Beach Family Photographer | Cori Kleckner Photography

There’s something truly special about capturing generations together—the laughter, the love, and the unspoken bonds that span decades. The DeYoung family’s session on the sands of Huntington Beach, California, was a beautiful testament to the importance of family legacy.

With soft golden light reflecting off the open coastline, we documented their growing family in a setting that felt both timeless and personal. Including grandparents in family sessions brings a warmth that can’t be replicated. It’s a reminder that these moments—tiny hands grasping larger ones, knowing smiles exchanged between generations—are fleeting but profoundly meaningful.

I love photographing extended family sessions because they allow space for genuine connection. It’s not about stiff posing; it’s about celebrating the little moments—grandparents doting on their grandchildren, parents soaking in this chapter of life, and toddlers exploring the sand between their toes.

If you’re looking for a Huntington Beach family photographer or thinking about capturing your family’s story, I’d love to document it in a way that feels real, effortless, and uniquely yours. Whether it’s the open expanse of Huntington Beach’s sandy shores or another meaningful location, let’s create something that lasts for generations.

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

 

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McClerney Family Beach Session | Huntington Beach Family Photographer | Cori Kleckner Photography |

McClerney Family Beach Session | Huntington Beach Family Photographer | Cori Kleckner Photography

Many families think the best beach backdrops come with rocky cliffs or turquoise waters, but Huntington Beach offers something just as stunning—a wide, open canvas. With soft dunes, golden light, and plenty of space for kids to run free, it’s one of my favorite locations for family sessions. It also tends to be less crowded, making it the perfect setting for families who want a relaxed, intimate experience. And for locals who grew up visiting these shores, a session here is a beautiful way to document a place that holds special memories.

The McClerney family of five embraced this space beautifully. Their session was filled with movement, connection, and even a special guest—their sweet pup, who joined for a few frames, adding to the perfectly imperfect moments that make family photography so special.

When I delivered this gallery to this mama, she told me all of her friends were asking if these images were from a magazine—which is just about the best compliment a photographer can receive. And honestly? That’s what I love most about these sessions. Not stiff poses or forced smiles, but the kind of images that feel like a page torn straight from a memory.

Looking for a Huntington Beach Family Photographer?

If you’re dreaming of a Huntington Beach family session that feels natural and effortless, I’d love to help. Whether it’s running through the sand dunes, soaking in golden hour, or bringing along your four-legged family member, let’s create something timeless together.

Now booking for spring and summer sessions! Let’s capture your family in a way that feels like home—reach out :

Corikleckner_photography@yahoo.com

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

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The Socci Family Motherhood Session | Orange County Maternity & Lifestyle Photographer

The Socci Family Motherhood Session | Orange County Maternity & Lifestyle Photographer| Cori Kleckner Photography

Capturing the beauty of motherhood is one of my greatest joys as an Orange County maternity and lifestyle photographer, and this intimate session with the Socci family was no exception. With creamy, soft skin tones and a timeless film-inspired aesthetic, this session perfectly highlights the warmth and connection between a mother and her little ones.

This beautiful lifestyle maternity session took place in a bright, naturally lit space, allowing for a soft, organic feel that complements my signature style as an Orange County newborn photographer. The focus was on authentic moments the quiet embraces, and the tender anticipation of welcoming a third baby into the family.

Dressed in light, neutral tones, the mom and her two toddlers moved effortlessly through the session, creating a dreamy, elegant aesthetic that feels both intimate and editorial. These soft, candid moments captured the essence of what makes motherhood photography so special the love, the connection, and the quiet in-between moments that tell a story all on their own.

As an Orange County maternity photographer, I aim to create images that feel as if they belong in a timeless film collection, with natural light, creamy textures, and an effortless glow that enhances every detail. My approach is to document the moments as they unfold, capturing raw, unscripted emotions in a way that feels authentic and heartfelt.

For this session, we focused on a soft, natural lighting to enhance the glow of pregnancy. A minimalist, organic backdrop that keeps the focus on emotion. Neutral and light tones to create a classic, editorial feel . A mix of posed and candid moments to capture the family’s dynamic with variety.

Whether you’re expecting your first baby or celebrating the journey of motherhood with your little ones, I’d love to create a session that reflects the beauty of your story. My approach to Orange County lifestyle photography is all about capturing genuine connection, soft details, and an effortless, film-inspired look that you’ll cherish for years to come.

Now booking maternity, newborn, and motherhood sessions in Orange County and surrounding areas.

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

 
 

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Huntington Beach Family Session | The Knight Family | Orange County Family Photographer | Timeless Golden Hour Photo

Huntington Beach Family Session | The Knight Family | Orange County Family Photographer | Timeless Golden Hour Photo

I recently had the joy of photographing the Knight family on the flat sands of Huntington Beach, and I have to say, this session is one of my favorites. The beach offers such a simple yet stunning backdrop for family photography, and as an Orange County family photographer, I’m always drawn to the soft, golden light that Huntington Beach provides. It’s perfect for creating timeless, heartfelt images.

What made this session even more special was the Knight family’s thoughtful wardrobe choice. Their neutral tones worked perfectly with the natural surroundings, giving all the photos that creamy, light, and airy feel that’s ideal for beach sessions. I always encourage my clients to invest a little time in planning their outfits, or even letting me offer suggestions. The right wardrobe can really elevate the overall aesthetic of a session, making the photos feel cohesive and timeless.

The best part of this session was the way the family interacted. The kids ran around freely while mom and dad joined in, creating real, authentic moments that are so much fun to capture. Huntington Beach is such a great location for this—it’s wide open, giving families plenty of space to play and connect. As a family photographer in Orange County, I love finding locations that allow for both intimate moments and joyful, playful interactions.

If you’re considering booking a family photography session in Orange County, I highly recommend Huntington Beach as one of the top locations. The light, the open space, and the peaceful atmosphere make it an ideal spot for capturing memories that last a lifetime. Whether you’re looking for candid moments or more traditional portraits, we can create something beautiful together.

As a Huntington Beach native, I’ve spent my entire life soaking up the sun and salty air along these shores. Growing up here, I developed a deep connection with the beach and its natural beauty. Huntington Beach isn’t just a location for me—it’s home. That love and familiarity with the area helps me capture the true essence of this stunning beach, allowing me to create images that feel authentic and timeless for families who share this beautiful space.

Ready to book your family session? Contact me buy clicking here to schedule your session and start planning! You can also explore my family photography portfolio here for more inspiration. As an experienced Orange County family photographer, I’m here to guide you through every step—from choosing the right location to planning your session. Let’s capture some unforgettable moments!

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

The Vandine Family | Newport Beach Family Photos | State Beach Family Session | Neutral Family Wardrobe Ideas | Cori Kleckner Photography

Capturing the Vandine Family on the serene shores of Newport Beach was such a joy. The soft, golden light paired perfectly with their neutral-toned wardrobe, creating timeless family portraits that truly reflect their bond. This session was filled with candid moments, as they embraced the natural beauty of the beach and simply enjoyed being together. There’s something so peaceful about beach family sessions, where the ocean breeze and calm waves create a setting that feels both grounding and magical.

As an Orange County family photographer, I find that beach sessions like this one bring out the most genuine interactions between family members. From the little ones running barefoot in the sand to the tender moments of parents holding their children, every frame tells a story of connection and love. The Vandine Family radiated such warmth, and it was a privilege to document this special time in their lives.

When planning a beach family session, neutral-toned wardrobes work wonderfully, as they allow the natural surroundings to shine while keeping the focus on the family’s expressions and interactions. Whether you’re looking for a Newport Beach family photographer or are interested in a beach session elsewhere in Orange County, I’m here to help capture those beautiful, fleeting moments.

If you’re interested in booking your own family session, whether it’s by the beach or in another scenic location, I’d love to help create timeless portraits that you and your family will treasure forever. Reach out to schedule your session and let’s make memories together.

The Vandine Family | Newport Beach Family Photos | Beach Family Photos | Neutral Family Wardrobe Ideas | Orange County Family Photographer | Cori Kleckner Photography