Viewing entries in
Family

A Vibrant Tapestry of Moments: Capturing Family Memories at Capitola Beach

A Vibrant Tapestry of Moments: Capturing Family Memories at Capitola Beach

As I arrived at Capitola Beach, the day seemed to promise a session brimming with color, emotion, and scenic beauty. It was going to be a somewhat atypical family shoot - centered mostly around the verge-of-adulthood teenager, almost echoing the essence of a senior portrait session, yet intertwined with moments that encapsulated the family's close-knit bond. The anticipation in the air was palpable, as the family eagerly awaited to explore the picturesque corners of the beach, creating a vibrant tapestry of memories that would be cherished forever.

The beach was more than just a setting; it was a character in their story, adding layers of texture and color to each photograph. We ventured to moss-covered rocks that bore witness to the passage of time, each mossy nook holding secrets of the ocean. Under the sheltered tranquility of the shaded wharf, the family found moments of connection, where candid smiles and spontaneous laughter were captured, becoming the precious tokens of their bond. The colored buildings that stand as iconic witnesses at Capitola Beach added a whimsical and vibrant backdrop, harmonizing perfectly with the joyous spirit of the session.

As the shoot unfolded, it became a beautiful blend of individual portraits and group shots, a dance between posed elegance and candid charm. Each frame encapsulated the personality of the individuals, as well as the special synergy that they radiated as a group. The session transformed into a series of memorable snapshots, a melange of singular moments that, together, painted a vivid portrait of love, unity, and the vibrant hues of familial bonds. As the day drew to a close, we left with not just photographs, but a rich narrative of a family, beautifully etched against the colorful canvas that is Capitola Beach.

Family Portrait Photo Session @ Capitola Beach, CA

Family Portrait Photo Session @ Capitola Beach, CA

Sometimes I’ll have a family that is applying for adoption or want to show their family interaction to a prospective private school. The reasons don’t really matter to me, but I take pride in really bringing out the true personalities of everyone I photograph. Sometimes it takes a little while for people to warm up, but once they are comfortable, the real them starts to show through. Capturing that is always one of my goals, and is very satisfying. This family of three was photographed at Capitola Beach, one of my favorite photography destinations.

Family Photo Shoot @ Panther Beach, Santa Cruz, CA

Family Photo Shoot @ Panther Beach, Santa Cruz, CA

Finding a moment between winter storms, this family of three were open to shooting at a new location (for them) in Santa Cruz. Panther Beach, while difficult to access, is well worth the effort. From the iconic hole-in-the-wall to the amazing rock formations found throughout, it’s as much a landscape photographer’s destination as it is a great family portrait spot!

Family photos at Shadowbrook Restaurant in Capitola, CA

Family photos at Shadowbrook Restaurant in Capitola, CA

Not every family shoot involves little kiddos, sometimes the kids are all grown up! But that’s no guarantee there won’t be tantrums… I met this client at the top of the stairs of Shadowbrook restaurant in Capitola and we made our way down the winding path, taking photos along the way. We were in-between storms so the light was naturally soft from the overcast sky.

Multi-Generation Family Portraits @ Stanford Campus near Palo Alto, CA

Multi-Generation Family Portraits @ Stanford Campus near Palo Alto, CA

The toughest shot to get is always the one with the “most eyeballs.” So when we have multiple families coming together, I try to get that most difficult photo done as early as possible in the session. Especially if there are little ones that may end up in tears or just not having it – at some point during the shoot. I met this family near The Oval on the Stanford campus – a great location as it is photographer-friendly and has lots of interesting architectural elements / settings to use. When you have a group this big, though, you aren’t exploring a bunch of different settings all over the place. You pick one central location you can do most of the photos at, and have nearby locations within easy walking distance for when you break the shoot down to the individual families. It’s also hard with these large shoots to include a bunch of candid photos since there’s so many permutations of different groups we want to accomplish – but I still managed to get a few in-the-moment shots in-between the more formal posed groups.

Christmas Card Photo Shoot in Santa Cruz Home

Christmas Card Photo Shoot in Santa Cruz Home

Sometimes a client just needs a couple formal Christmas Card photos taken in their living room. The challenge is the space needs to be clutter free without any elements that will distract from the portrait itself. Luckily my client’s kids are grown so the house was pretty clutter-free. We went outside to get a few photos from the back yard as well. Also, even though our goal was the xmas card photos, I always try to take individual photos for potential headshot or otherwise professional (or personal) use.

Forest and Beach Family Photos @ Natural Bridges in Santa Cruz, CA

Forest and Beach Family Photos @ Natural Bridges in Santa Cruz, CA

Natural Bridges is a great spot as you can start in the forest/field setting at the rear entrance, and end at the beach. The beach is often crowded, especially the money-shot angle that has the natural bridge in the background, so I always start with the more private forested region off Delaware Ave.

This family I swear could all be models, and I had such a fun time capturing how much they adore each other. They even pulled off some pretty well-matched outfits, which is always risky. I think they nailed in, and I’m pretty sure they think I did too!

Multi-Generation Family Photography @ Private Residence in Aptos, CA

Multi-Generation Family Photography @ Private Residence in Aptos, CA

This is the second time I’ve photographed this multi-generation family at and around their home in Aptos – it’s so great to see clients’ families grow over time, and satisfying to capture who they are at that moment. I captured a few photos of the whole clan in different settings, as well as the separate families and of course the kids running around being kids.

Maternity / Family Photo Session @ Nisene Marks Redwood Forest in Aptos, CA

Maternity / Family Photo Session @ Nisene Marks Redwood Forest in Aptos, CA

I love the color and vibe from this young family’s maternity / family session in the lush, dark redwoods of Nisene Marks in Aptos. Their young daughter stole the show with her cuteness and kept us all on our collective toes as we explored the forest together. It was hard to pick my favorites, and I’m sure it was even tougher for them! Enjoy my selection below:

Capitola Beach Family Photography Session

Capitola Beach Family Photography Session

I love this family, I’ve had the opportunity to photograph them many times, since before there were kids – I feel a photography relationship often starts with the engagement/wedding, and if we can keep in touch, it just grows over the years. Kaelin is a successful real estate agent in the Santa Cruz area, and I have really enjoyed seeing her grow professionally along with the creation and growth of their family. Here’s a few of my favorite photos from their most recent family portrait session at Capitola Beach:

Family Portrait Photography @ Lover's Point Park in Monterey

Family Portrait Photography @ Lover's Point Park in Monterey

Usually when I have photo shoots at Lover’s Point Park, it’s an engagement or couples session of some kind. This young family was staying in town and wanted photos near their hotel, so I suggested the location. It was a sunny, but chilly morning, and my primary focus was their toddler son. Little kids can be tough as they’re constantly on a roller-coaster ride of emotions in-between bouts of falling down and getting hurt. So I know that my time is often limited, so I have to be quick – both metaphorically and literally, as I’m running around with my camera held low to the ground for the most interesting vantage point of a 2 year old. Anyways, here’s a few good ones from their family portrait session…

Santa Cruz Family Photo Session @ Wilder Ranch

Santa Cruz Family Photo Session @ Wilder Ranch

I’ve photographed this family every year for over a decade and it brings me so much joy to document their lives, it’s truly an honor to be their go-to family photographer for so long. We’ve historically always shot at Seacliff Beach, so it was nice to change things up this year and explore Wilder Ranch in Santa Cruz. Enjoy a few of my faves below:

Wilder Ranch Family Portraits in Santa Cruz, CA

Wilder Ranch Family Portraits in Santa Cruz, CA

After a while, families in the Santa Cruz area have done the beach shoot, done the forest shoot, and are looking for something a little different. Enter the rustic farm-y destination of Wilder Ranch, just north of Santa Cruz off Highway 1. I last photographed this family about 10 years earlier, so it was a bit of a shock to see the kids all grown up, but so great to reconnect with this lovely family. We explored the old buildings and pastures and had a great time making new family memories in a unique Santa Cruz spot.

Hidden Beach, Aptos Family Photography

Hidden Beach, Aptos Family Photography

It’s always an honor and great responsibility to be a client’s first ever family photographer. I mean, their experience will literally set the tone and frequency for their next 18 years of shoots. If it goes horribly wrong, they may not do it again, with ANYONE, for years. But if you make the experience fun and easy, they’ll come back to you every couple of years and refer you to boot. I’m pretty sure this lovely family falls in the latter category, but for now let’s just enjoy a few precious gems from this shoot – especially the keepers of their first furbaby, who’s getting on in age.

Twin Lakes Beach Santa Cruz Newborn / Family Photography

Twin Lakes Beach Santa Cruz Newborn / Family Photography

Okay, so most newborn sessions happen at home, but lately I’ve been doing newborn(ish) family sessions on-location, in a redwood forest, or in this case, on the beach! Working with little kids means I don’t go into a session with a preset idea of exactly where it’s going to go. I may have some loose ideas, but it’s all about interacting with my subjects and deciding on the fly the best path to take at that moment. Maybe kids are in a “pay attention” mode and I’ll take advantage with some posed (directed), well-lit shots. Maybe that falls apart quickly and we transition to fun, candid playtime. Flexibility and a good attitude is essential to a successful portrait session with kids! The gallery below is the perfect example of the pace and random nature of a typical family session. For the baby, I made sure the parents brought along a blanket, and I was able to find a shaded spot behind a large piece of driftwood; dad held my light-source low so I could control the light for those shots (thanks dad!). Anyways, enough words, enjoy the pics:

Beer Can Beach / Aptos Muti-Generation Family Portrait Photography Session

Beer Can Beach / Aptos Muti-Generation Family Portrait Photography Session

This adorable central-California family rented a house near Seascape in Aptos, CA to celebrate their mom’s 70th birthday, and even though it was windy, chilly, and occasionally very rainy, they wanted to capture this special 3-generation get-together with some professional photos. I knew we had some little ones in the mix, so I made sure I worked quick and with all my skills on hand to make it a fun experience for everyone. Here’s a few of my faves from the session…

Shaina, Sam and Kids (Family Photography) @ Seabright Beach, Santa Cruz, California

Shaina, Sam and Kids (Family Photography) @ Seabright Beach, Santa Cruz, California

I love repeat family portrait clients – it means I am continuing to serve my community well, and clients are excited about what I can produce for them. It's not easy having family photos taken (I know, I've got three kids myself), so I appreciate the effort made by small families like Sam and Shaina here to get dressed up, take time off from work, and meet me at the beach to take some photos, regardless of how crazy their day/week/year is going. I pride myself in being quick, efficient, and getting the best side of peoples' personalities without being forced or awkward. It's just a matter of patience and experience, I think. It was great having Shaina's parents and sibling's family out for this year's family portrait session – a greater challenge, for sure, but worth it!

Below are some of my favorite photos from the family photography session. Thanks for checking it out!