Laguna Beach Ice Cream Shop Motherhood Session | SoCal Summer Photo Magic | South Swell Ice Cream | Cori Kleckner Photography |

Laguna Beach Ice Cream Shop Motherhood Session | SoCal Summer Photo Magic | South Swell Ice Cream | Cori Kleckner Photography


More ice cream shop shoots in summer please 🍦☀️ There’s something undeniably nostalgic about the sticky fingers, salty air, and the slow joy of doing absolutely nothing but soaking it all in. That’s the magic I wanted to bottle up during this Laguna Beach motherhood photo session and let me tell you, this mama and her little one truly brought it to life.

This dreamy lifestyle shoot took place at South Swell Ice Cream in downtown Laguna Beach, one of my favorite hidden gems for authentic, documentary style photo sessions. I had a vision: mama in flowy linen, baby in tow, melting cones in hand, strolling along the charming sidewalks of Laguna just doing simple summer things. No stiff posing, no forced smiles — just real, sun drenched moments.

As a Laguna Beach family photographer, I’m always looking for ways to blend natural light with candid emotion, and this session delivered everything I love most: melting cones, sandy toes, sun kissed baby cheeks, and that golden hour glow that feels like pure California magic. 🌊

We wandered around downtown, popped into the ice cream shop, and captured the kind of images that tell a story. The soft forehead kisses, giggles between bites, the quiet pauses where mama just soaked it all in. These are the moments that matter. These are the moments I live to photograph.

So if you’ve been dreaming of a Southern California motherhood session, especially one with a little ice cream and a lot of heart, let this be your sign. These fleeting seasons deserve to be frozen in time just like that first lick of a melting cone on a hot summer day.

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

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

Lorissa Violet Smith | Welcoming Her Baby Girl | Orange County Lifestyle Newborn Session | Cori Kleckner Photography

Lorissa Violet Smith | Welcoming Her Baby Girl | Orange County Lifestyle Newborn Session | Cori Kleckner Photography


I had the sweetest opportunity to document Lorissa as she welcomed her baby girl into the world. Her backyard felt like a hidden little oasis, full of lush greenery, a backdrop of that gorgeous bougainvillea, and just this calm, grounded energy that matched her perfectly.

For this session I wanted to lean into a more editorial and film-inspired style, playing with some edits, letting light and texture lead, and pulling out the kind of raw beauty that’s impossible to stage. What I envisioned going in really came to life, and Lorissa was the perfect muse.


Forever grateful for clients like Lorissa who let me get creative and trust the process.

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

The Jared Family | Logan, Alisha, Ella, Axe, Tuff, & Smoke | Newport Beach Crystal Cove Family Photos | Orange County Family Photographer | Film Aesthetic Family Photos

The Jared Family | Logan, Alisha, Ella, Axe, Tuff, & Smoke | Newport Beach Crystal Cove Family Photos | Orange County Family Photographer | Film Aesthetic Family Photos |

Cori Kleckner Photography


As an Orange County family photographer, sessions like this one with the Jared family at Crystal Cove are a reminder of why I love what I do. There’s something so timeless about families barefoot in the sand, the golden light spilling over the cliffs, and kids running wild with zero agenda. We wandered along the bluffs and tucked ourselves into little pockets of shade among the greenery, letting the ocean breeze guide the afternoon.

These kinds of sessions aren’t just about getting everyone to look at the camera — they’re about documenting the in-between: the glances, the laughter, the way little ones curl into their parents without thinking. It’s always a privilege to be invited into these moments. Newport Beach is one of my favorite spots for that soft coastal glow, and this day was no exception.

Whether you’re planning an extended family session, maternity session, or just want to capture the beauty of your kids at the stage they’re in — I’m here for it. I serve families across Orange County, Los Angeles, and San Diego, and specialize in natural light photography that reflects your family’s real rhythm.

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.

In-Home Lifestyle Session | Kohnke Motherhood Session |In-Home Lifestyle Session | The Kohnke Family | Motherhood Session | 6 month Milestone In-Home Session | OC Baby Photographer

In-Home Lifestyle Session | The Kohnke Family | Motherhood Session | 6 month Milestone In-Home Session | OC Baby Photographer | Cori Kleckner Photography

One of my absolute favorite ages to photograph is the 5–6-month milestone. Babies at this stage are bursting with personality, full of expression, and starting to sit up—yet still small enough to rest on mama’s hip with those sweet dangling legs and chunky rolls that melt your heart. This in-between age often gets overlooked by families who go straight from newborn to one-year sessions, but I’m here to say: don’t skip it. It’s such a fleeting, beautiful window of time—and one of the most joyful to document.

This in-home baby milestone session with the Kohnke family in Orange County was such a dream. I’ve had the honor of photographing this beautiful mama and her baby girl during their newborn session, and I was so thrilled when she reached out to capture this next chapter of their journey.

There’s something so organic and calming about photographing families in the comfort of their own home. Everything is easily accessible, babies feel at ease, and we can truly focus on the essence of this season—motherhood. This mama wanted to slow down and preserve this sweet stage, especially those big, soulful blue eyes that say so much without a word.

Whether you’re searching for an Orange County baby photographer, family photographer, or hoping to plan a 6-month milestone session, I encourage you not to let this stage slip away. These tiny moments—the belly laughs, the soft snuggles, the baby toes peeking out from mama’s lap—are ones you’ll never regret preserving.

If you’re considering an in-home session in Orange County, reach out. I’d love to help you tell your story.


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

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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

Orange County maternity photographer, Orange County lifestyle photographer, Orange County newborn photographer, motherhood photography, creamy skin tones, soft lighting, film photographer, natural light photography, editorial maternity session, timeless motherhood photography, Southern California maternity photographer, pregnancy photoshoot in Orange County, luxury maternity photography County newborn photographer Newport Beach newborn photography Lifestyle newborn session In-home newborn photography Costa Mesa family photographer Huntington Beach newborn session Southern California newborn photographer Film-inspired newborn photography

The Bliss Family | Baby Ryan 4 months old | In-Home Portrait Session | Light & Airy Film Photography | Cori Kleckner Photography

The Bliss Family | Baby Ryan 4 months old | In-Home Portrait Session | Light & Airy Film Photography | Cori Kleckner Photography | Orange County Baby Photographer


Capturing the Bliss family’s in-home session with their blue-eyed, four-month-old son, Ryan, was a delightful experience that highlighted the unique charm of photographing infants between 4 to 6 months old.

As an Orange County baby photographer specializing in in-home sessions, I find this developmental stage particularly special, as babies begin to exhibit a range of expressions and personalities, making it an ideal time for photography. At this age, infants are often full of smiles and curiosity, responding eagerly to familiar voices and engaging playfully with their surroundings.

In-home sessions offer a comfortable and familiar environment, allowing the baby to feel at ease, which often results in more genuine and relaxed photographs. Additionally, parents can enjoy the convenience of having all necessary items on hand, eliminating the need to travel and ensuring a stress-free experience.

Documenting your baby’s growth during this period not only preserves these fleeting moments but also provides a cherished keepsake that reflects their emerging individuality. Considering an in-home session when your child is between 4 to 6 months old can be a wonderful opportunity to capture the essence of their early development in a setting that holds personal significance.

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

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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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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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The Hughes Family | Sarah & Harry | Irvine Cove Beach Family Session Laguna Beach Family Photographer | Motherhood Photography | Cori Kleckner Photography |

The Hughes Family | Sarah & Harry | Irvine Cove Beach Family Session Laguna Beach Family Photographer | Motherhood Photography | Cori Kleckner Photography |

There’s something incredibly special about watching a little one grow up through my lens, and Harry and his mama, Sarah, are no exception. I have had the privilege of photographing this beautiful mother and son duo since Harry was little, watching their bond deepen with each session. Sarah, a devoted single mom, pours so much love into her son, and it radiates through every frame. As a single mother myself, I know all too well how often we’re the ones behind the camera, capturing life but rarely stepping into it. That’s why, when I get a mama like Sarah in front of my lens, I make sure to create images that feel like timeless keepsakes—photos her son will treasure for a lifetime.

Sarah and Harry just melt into each other, laughing, playing, and embracing without hesitation.Harry made a heart-shaped necklace just for his mom, a sweet little token of love that she’ll undoubtedly treasure. The way he beamed with pride as he held it up and the way Sarah instinctively reached to brush something off his face—those little in-between moments, the ones that often go unnoticed, are the ones I live to capture. Because motherhood is made up of these quiet gestures—the small, fleeting details that may seem ordinary now but will one day mean everything.

Photographing Sarah and Harry at Irvine Cove Beach in Laguna Beach felt extra special, knowing how much history this place holds for them. The soft golden light, the open space for Harry to run free, and the kind of connection between them that speaks volumes without words—these are the moments I hope they’ll look back on for years to come.

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

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