san clemente photographer

San Clemente Family Session | Surfside Strolls an Golf Cart Rides | Honest, Playful Storytelling on the Coast | Cori Kleckner Photography

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San Clemente Family Session | Honest, Playful Storytelling on the Coast | The Burge Family | Cori Kleckner Photography |

This session felt like summer in motion. The family hopped into their golf cart and we started with a few shots right in their neighborhood, which already set the tone for how relaxed and connected this session would feel. From there, we made our way down to Riviera Beach in San Clemente, one of my favorite spots in South Orange County. It has everything I love; open sand, rocks to climb, a view of the San Clemente Pier, and the kind of laid back energy that lets kids just be kids.

They showed up barefoot in cozy knits and denim, already laughing and fully in the moment. We wandered, explored, and let things unfold naturally. The whole session felt like an extension of their everyday rhythm, which is exactly what I hope to capture.

I have always had a soft spot for those ethereal, golden hour portraits, and I still do. But lately I have been leaning into something more grounded, more colorful, and more reflective of what life actually feels like. Think surf culture, slow beach mornings, backyard chickens, scooters to the coffee shop , all the little things that make up a family’s rhythm.

As a photographer, I’m drawn to documenting the in-between moments, the barefoot adventures, the spontaneous play, the slice-of-life scenes that feel specific to your family. If you are dreaming of a session that captures your family’s unique vibe, whether that is soaking in your everyday SoCal life or chasing the tide at your favorite beach, I would love to create something honest and lasting for you.

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

The Brown Family | San Clemente Family Photos | Calafia State Beach Family Session |Neutral Family Wardrobe Ideas | Cori Kleckner Photography

The Brown Family | San Clemente Family Photos | Calafia State Beach Family Session |Neutral Family Wardrobe Ideas | Cori Kleckner Photography

The Brown Family’s San Clemente family photos were simply stunning, capturing the natural beauty of Calafia State Beach. The warm, earthy tones of their neutral wardrobe perfectly complemented the sandy cliffs and rugged boulders of the beach, creating a timeless and serene look. This location, with its large canyons and open spaces, offered the perfect backdrop for a relaxed family photo session.

As an Orange County family photographer, I love photographing families at Calafia State Beach because of its versatility. From the majestic cliffs to the tranquil shoreline, and even the charming train tracks that overlook the ocean, this location offers a variety of beautiful settings that keep kids entertained and engaged throughout the session. The natural scenery here never disappoints, providing the perfect mix of adventure and calm, which is ideal for family photos.

The Browns were dressed in a palette of soft, neutral colors, which blended seamlessly with the warm tones of the landscape. This choice of wardrobe is one I often recommend to my clients, as it brings out the natural beauty of the location without overpowering it. For anyone looking to achieve a cohesive, organic feel for their family photos, neutral tones like these are always a winning choice.

Whether you’re located in Orange County or anywhere along the Southern California coast, I would love to help capture these special moments for your family. San Clemente offers a variety of settings, from the iconic pier to the breathtaking beaches, making it an ideal spot for family sessions.

If you’re searching for a photographer in Orange County, Los Angeles, or San Diego, specializing in lifestyle family photography, reach out today to book your session. I’m here to help you create beautiful, lasting memories of your family in the most breathtaking locations.

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

The Socci Family | San Clemente Beach Family Photos | Orange County Family Photographer | Cori Kleckner Photography

The Socci Family | San Clemente Beach Family Photos | Orange County Family Photographer | Cori Kleckner Photography

Photographing the Socci Family at San Clemente Beach was an absolute delight. I’ve had the pleasure of capturing their family’s growth and love over the years, and every session is filled with energy, laughter, and the most heartwarming moments. This San Clemente beach session was no exception, as their playful little ones brought so much joy to the shoot. The gorgeous rock formations and soft golden light provided the perfect backdrop for this fun-filled family session.

As an Orange County family photographer, I strive to capture the unique dynamic of each family I work with. The Socci family’s connection and love for each other radiate in every shot. Whether it’s their sweet kisses, playful moments, or quiet snuggles, their session is a true reflection of their bond.

If you’re looking for a family photographer in Orange County, San Clemente, or beyond, I’d love to help you capture these fleeting moments with your loved ones. Whether you’re at the beach or in the comfort of your own home, I aim to create timeless, authentic portraits that you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

 

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

The Bandak Family | Twin Boys Blake + Ryan | Orange County Family Photos | Newport Beach Family Photographer | Cori Kleckner Photography | Newport Beach Family Photos

The Bandak Family | Twin Boys Blake & Ryan | Orange County Family Photos | Newport Beach Family Photographer | Cori Kleckner Photography | Newport Beach Family Photos | OC Family Photographer |

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

Alessia & Jeff Citro San Clemente Maternity Session | Orange County Maternity Photographer | Newport Beach Maternity Photographer | Calafia State Beach San Clemente, CA Maternity Session

Alessia & Jeff Citro San Clemente Maternity Session | Orange County Maternity Photographer | Newport Beach Maternity Photographer | Calafia State Beach San Clemente, CA Maternity Session

 

These two were a gem to photograph. When I had first arrived to their session, my settings on my camera felt different, and my camera was not focusing , it was shooting blurry shots so I knew it had something to do with calibration or focus. They were full of grace and understanding, and I could feel their trust in me as I problem solved . Even though on the inside I panicked, wondering if my camera was malfunctioning or broken perhaps- I then remembered I handed my camera to a guy at a wedding to jump in a photo this past weekend - and he changed my settings to manual focus 🤦🏽‍♀️😂 Long story short, I’ve had some tough days since my husband’s been gone for work for 6 months- juggling the business and my little ones at home alone, most days I feel like I’m running around like a chicken with its head cut off... but meeting clients who were patient/understanding showing me so much grace in a moment where things didn’t go as planned , made me feel so grateful, made me eager to capture magical shots for them as we connected with eachother even more during our session . Show some grace to someone you love today, I promise it will mean the world to them.

Also, how awesome is Calafia State beach in San Clemente with its diversity of scenery? Alessia & Jeff wanted a beach that offered different scenery for their maternity session aside from just the open sand, so we utilized the rocky boulder areas, lifeguard tower and walked down to the water at sunset. It was a gorgeous evening with that soft diffused light we photogs always love ;)

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

San Clemente Family Session | Motherhood Session | Orange County Family Photographer | Cori Kleckner Photography | San Clemente Family Photographer

San Clemente Family Session | Motherhood Session | Orange County Family Photographer | Cori Kleckner Photography | San Clemente Family Photographer | Fine Art Motherhood Session

The Levins Family | Dana Point Newborn Session | Orange County Newborn Photographer | In-home Family Lifestyle Session | Cori Kleckner Photography

The Levins Family | Dana Point Newborn Session | Orange County Newborn Photographer | In-home Family Lifestyle Session | Cori Kleckner Photography

Loved this modern natural light in-home session with The Levins Family! Their home was a dream to photograph as it was full of bright whites and touches of mid-century style,  and lots and lots of love! I cannot tell you guys enough how much I adore getting the opportunity to document family sessions in the space where their love grows! 

The Wiekamp Family Session // San Clemente State Beach // Orange County Family Photographer

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The Hatch Family // Calafia Beach Family Session// San Clemente Photographer

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The Rich’s Family Session // Orange County Family Photographer // Calafia State Beach Family Session

I met this sweet little family about 6 months ago when they asked me to document their first little boy arriving to this world. Baby Bolton is one of the most handsome little newborns I have ever seen and here he is, 6 months later, still as handsome as ever! This family session was so much fun to shoot because of all his little expressions, not to mention the location was killer! This is Calafia State Beach in San Clemente, CA. I love this spot because of its versatility , it has a train that goes by that my kids love watching  and it has these gorgeous huge boulders that overlook the ocean .  One of the sweetest families ever, a location like this + a baby boy with all smiles -  I mean seriously, what more can you ask for in a session?  
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