There’s something extra special about photographing a fellow photographer’s family. When we met for their Bay Area beach photos, it felt less like work and more like reconnecting with old friends whose story I’ve had the privilege of documenting for years.
I first photographed this beautiful family when their daughter was just a tiny baby. Since then, I’ve watched their family grow into a lively crew of five—two adventurous boys, their sweet sister, and parents who clearly adore every moment of this busy season of life. Returning to capture another chapter through Bay Area beach photos felt incredibly meaningful.
We met at one of their favorite beaches in Santa Cruz, a place known for its soft white sand and dramatic cliffs rising above the shoreline. We had hoped for a sunny afternoon, but the fog rolled in ahead of us, wrapping the coast in that soft, dreamy light Northern California does so well. Thankfully, the kids didn’t mind one bit.
They ran freely across the sand, splashing in the waves and dragging giant strands of seaweed like treasures from the ocean. The kind of joyful chaos that makes beach sessions so magical.
Their outfits were inspired by mom’s favorite color: blue. The family wore a beautiful mix of textured linen shirts paired with neutral pants, while mom and daughter wore delicate floral dresses. The palette felt cohesive without being overly coordinated—perfect for timeless Bay Area beach photos that focus on connection rather than perfection.
One of my favorite parts of this session was photographing it on professional film. Film has a way of preserving moments with timeless colors, true-to-life skin tones, and a quiet sense of nostalgia that feels just right for documenting growing families.
It was truly an honor to capture yet another season in their story—windswept, joyful, and beautifully real.
Film Processed by Photovision.
