California Family Beach Bliss
Sometimes you meet someone and you instantly feel a connection! This family was so easy to talk to and play with. They were so loving and affectionate towards each other and I loved being able to capture their special bond. There’s something truly magical about a day at the beach, especially when it involves a bustling family filled with laughter, energy, and a hint of chaos. I had the pleasure of capturing a glowing beach session with a delightful family of seven, including five energetic kiddos, a playful mom and dad, and an adorable baby in a charming bonnet. Here’s a glimpse into our sun-soaked adventure by the shore!
As we arrived, the gentle sound of waves crashing against the shore greeted us. The beach was a picturesque scene, with soft sand that sparkled in the sunlight and lush grass dunes swaying in the breeze. This natural backdrop provided the perfect canvas for our family photoshoot. The kids could hardly contain their excitement! If we would've let them they would have ran straight to the waters edge as soon as they arrived. The baby’s eyes lit up at the sight of the vast beach. Everything seemed fascinating—the seagulls, the water, and of course, the sand. We started with momma and baby in the sand. There was a moment of wonder as she touched the sand and it quickly turned into awe mixed with confusion. She let us know that momma was her refuge and I can't forget that image of her reaching out to her mother for safety.
The kids, ranging in age from toddler to preteen, wasted no time getting their feet sandy. They sprinted ahead, their giggles echoing as they raced towards the dunes. The dunes, dotted with tufts of grass, became an instant playground, perfect for climbing, hiding, and running around. The joy of photographing a large family is the delightful chaos that ensues. Each child brought their own unique personality to the session. The oldest was the natural leader and totally outnumbered by all those girls. The older girls were both so helpful mothering the little ones and carrying them around. The toddler was one adventurous spirit, diving headfirst into the waves, while the baby, snuggled comfortably in her mother’s arms. She looked so cherubic with that delicate bonnet framing her face. Her peaceful expression contrasted beautifully with the whirlwind of activity around her, embodying a calm amidst the joyful storm.
Moments to Remember
Throughout the session, I aimed to capture both candid moments and posed portraits. The family dynamics were a treasure trove of emotions—from the siblings playfully splashing each other in the surf to the quiet moments where the mother lovingly cradled her baby, basking in the warm sun.
My favorite moment was watching mom and dad throw the girls into the air. Their expressions were priceless. As if on cue, a massive flock of seagulls joined the shoot in perfect harmony! I loved capturing the wonder and amazement in their sweet faces. As the sun began its descent, casting a golden glow over the dunes, we ventured to the water's edge and caught some gorgeous moments of blue light as the golden hour passed us by. With more time for the ocean longing in our hearts, we sadly wrapped up our session and headed to the cars to clean up. As the sun dipped below the horizon it got cold and a loving father gifted his shirt to keep the littles warm. It was a day filled with laughter, love, and memories that would surely last a lifetime.
Family beach sessions like this remind us of the beauty in both the chaotic moments and the quiet ones. The sandy grass dunes provided a perfect setting for a family to bond, laugh, and create unforgettable memories together.
If you’re planning your own beach adventure, don’t forget to embrace the beautiful chaos that comes with family time—because those are the moments that make for the best stories and cherished memories!
Chelsee is a Bay Area Portrait and Family Photographer serving the greater San Fransisco Bay Area. She specializes in family, maternity and newborn photography documenting life in a treasured and timeless style creating family heirlooms and precious art for your home. If you are interested in a Bay Area beach family photoshoot, please contact Chelsee.
Film Stock: Kodak Porta 400
Film Processing and Scanning: Photovision Prints
Mom's outfit was provided by the studio wardrobe
