Family Photography Archives

Christmas in July Portrait Special

It is that time of year again! Time to get a jump start on your family portraits. The kids are come for the summer, the days are longer, everyone looks rested and tan, now is the perfect time to book your family portrait session. Our Christmas in July special includes a full length portrait session in the location of your choice, 25 holiday cards or (1) 4×6 digital file and an 8×10 art print all for $299 (a value of $400).

This summer is busy, busy, busy for me, so I will have a more limited schedule. In fact, the studio will be closed from August 18 through September 2. All appointments will be first come, first serve, so book early. To get a better idea of all of the wonderful locations we shoot in around orange county, take a moment to look through our location guide at the bottom of this blog post.

To book your session, please send an email to kristin@blueskysstudio.com. We look forward to photographing your family!

At the Beach, At the Park, Family Photography, In a field, In home, Orange County Photography

The Best Orange County Locations for Photos (Part 2)

In my years as an Orange County photographer I have more than a handful of amazing locations up my sleeve. So here’s part two of my best Orange County Photography Locations. (The first 10 locations are here.)

Rancho Las Lomas

This resort and zoological garden is a little known Orange County setting for great photography. Located in Silvarado Canyon, it’s lush setting is perfect for family photos.

San Clemente State Beach

Traveling a little further down the coast San Clemente State Beach is a less crowded, more varied seaside backdrop for a stunning photography session.

Nellie Gail Trails

Nestled in south Orange County are the 26 miles of trails of the Nellie Gail Ranch. The native California greenery gives way to beautiful grasses and trees, making this an especially unique photography location.

Your Home

Sometimes you don’t need to travel at all to find the perfect setting for your family photos. Sometimes you need only stay at home. At home photo shoots can be especially fun as they not only show your family’s story, but your home as well, adding an especially unique element to look back on.

Downtown Laguna Beach

I’m lucky enough to live in one of the most beautiful beach communities in Southern California and my studio, in Laguna Canyon is just minutes from one of the best “downtowns” in the county as well. This location is a treasure trove for a variety of shooting possibilities. (Read even more in this recent post about Laguna Beach Photography)

Los Rios Historic District

San Juan Capistrano boast several great photography locations, but one of the most fun is the Los Rios District, just across the train tracks from the Capistrano Depot. You can even stop for a bite to eat or tea time after your shoot.

Kids Photography, Kids Photography, Newborn Photography, Studio photo session

Baby Portrait Plan

I am a storyteller at heart. Maybe that is why I love to get lost in a book or a great movie. I feel like photography has allowed me to tell the story of my clients year after year. When does the story actually begin? I guess that depends on when we begin to work together.

I met many of my clients when working with them on their wedding day. The biggest compliment to me is when those brides and grooms later become family photography clients. I think the family story best begins with a maternity session. To show your child how much you adored them, even before they were born. That is why we put together a Baby Photography plan, so you can get your maternity, newborn, six months and one year sessions in one complete collection. To learn more about these baby plans you can click here: baby plan. It is easy in the craziness of the first year of your child’s life, to put off a photo session, but believe me, it is so worth it. They change so fast that first year, from sleeping, to smiling for the first time, lifting their head, to sitting up and finally to taking their first steps. This time is flies by, but the baby plan keeps you informed and reminds you to book your session and capture all of these moments forever.

Here is a recent newborn session with a beautiful little girl and her new baby brother. While I did not photograph their wedding, I did photograph her cousin’s wedding (who is also our very talented makeup artist Brittany Norton). Enjoy!

At the Beach, At the Park, Family Photography, In a field, Kids Photography, Orange County Photography, Studio photo session

10 of the Best Orange County Photography Locations

The right photography location sets the tone for your photos. Here are just a few of the best Orange County locations I use.

Let’s start with these fun family photos at the Balboa Fun Zone in Newport Beach.

1. The Balboa Fun Zone

Since it’s opening in 1936 the FunZone has been a popular place to have some old fashioned fun. This is a great Orange County photography location for family photos because there are some many fun spots to take photos, plus you can entice the kids to cooperate with games, treats and rides! Win, Win, Win!

2. The Studio (Blue Sky’s, that is)

If the weather is rainy, or maybe too hot, or if you just want that polished look, Blue Sky’s Studio “studio” is a perfect location for a photoshoot. Clean white backgrounds, props and different furniture options can give your photos a clean, classic look. Plus it’s located in the heart of Laguna Canyon, our next photo shoot location.

3. Laguna Canyon

Just a hop, skip and a jump from our studio is the beatific countryside of Laguna Canyon. It’s hard to believe this photo location is in Orange County, but it’s the perfect little break from the hustle and bustle. And it makes for lovely natural photos.

4. The Newport Pier

This quintessential Orange County photography spot is perfect for family portraits with a casual, fun feel. The wooden pier reminds me an older time when surfers shot the curl and woodies dotted the coast. Check out this brother and sister photo at Newport Pier.

5. Upper Newport Back Bay

An oasis between the ocean and the wilds of Newport Beach, Irvine and Costa Mesa, this swath of nature is a great spot for outdoor photography. The smell of sagebrush welcomes you to this beautiful Orange County photography location.

6. SOCO

The South Coast Collection (& The OC Mix) is no just a great place to shop. It’s blend of clean industrial meets trendy water-friendly succulents and greenery makes this photography location the perfect ciy/nature mix.

7. Mission San Juan Capistrano

Step back in time to Old California. This unique photography location gives your photos a rustic charm of an original mission.

8. San Onofre State Beach

What could be more Orange County than a surf inspired family photo location. If your family loves the beach this photography location is a perfect vintage-inspired location.

9. The Red Horse Barn

This Orange County photography location is an unlikely dose of western culture right in Huntington Beach. This rustic, elegant setting has beautiful landscaping and as you can see is a great format for stunning family portraits or children’s portraits.

10. Table Rock Beach

This Laguna Beach location is a gem, unlike many beaches, it offers so much more than the typical sand and seascape. It has lovely rushes, a nice staircase and interesting sandstone cliffs. It’s a great place for a family photo session.

If you are looking to book a family portrait or a senior portrait session, we would love to work with you! Just click here to fill out your information and we will contact you as soon as possible: More Info Please

Blue Sky’s Studio is a family, high School senior and branding photography studio that specializes in magazine quality photography in Orange County, California. Kristin loves photographing Orange County families, high School seniors and Orange County businesses including corporate headshots. To schedule a session with Blue Sky’s Studio, in Laguna Beach or other Orange County surrounding areas, you can send an email to Kristin@blueskysstudio.com. We are now booking for the Fall Portrait session 2020. We are taking special precautions because of Covid-19 to ensure that you are safe and healthy.

Blue Sky’s Studio specializes in photographing on location in the following areas, Laguna Beach, Irvine, Newport Coast, Newport Beach, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Niguel, San Clemente, Coto De Caza, Dana Point, The Ritz Carlton, The Montage Resort, the Surf and Sand resort and the Monarch Beach Resort.

Family Photography, Fashion, Orange County Photography, Portrait Photography

What to Wear: Family Photos

What to wear in a family photo–this seemingly simple question grows complex when you realize whatever you and your family wear will be on display for years to come. Here are a few tips to help you choose the right family ensemble.

Nix the matching white shirts and jeans. The days of matching outfits for family portraits are gone. As an alternative incorporate a color palette like this family photo (colors: white, denim, beige, gray, brown):

: from OneGoodThingbyJillee.com

Consider your home. These photos will hopefully be on display in your home, picking colors and styles that go well with your home’s aesthetic will tie everything together. In fact, we can even shoot in your home, like this family: