Tustin Family Photographer – Citrus Ranch Park Session

LEMON GROVES & HOLIDAY PORTRAITS IN TUSTIN

A handful of ripe lemons at Citrus Ranch Park, Tustin, CA.

Finding a rustic orchard setting in Orange County can be tough, but Citrus Ranch Park in Tustin delivers exactly that. With its rows of lemon trees, vintage-style stone walls, and hilltop views of the city, it offers a texture that feels completely different from the beach or typical manicured parks. For Ashley and her boys, it was the perfect backdrop for a relaxed holiday session that felt like a quiet escape.

Family portrait with a mother and her two sons at the scenic Citrus Ranch Park in Tustin, California.

Why Citrus Ranch Park is a Tustin Gem

THE LEMON GROVE

The main draw of Citrus Ranch is the working lemon grove. The rows of citrus trees create natural leading lines and add a pop of color that you don’t get at standard green parks. It provides a rustic, agricultural feel that looks amazing in photos—especially during the winter months when the fruit is bright yellow.

A mom and her two sons enjoy a sunny day at the park.
Happy young boy with a large afro hairstyle smiling.
Two young brothers shake hands and smile, posing for a Christmas photo at Citrus Ranch Park in Tustin, California.
Stylish teen boy with braided hair poses for a portrait.
Stylish young boy with a cool afro sitting on a stone wall.

STONE STAIRCASE & GAZEBO

Unlike the modern parks in Irvine, Citrus Ranch has a bit of old-world charm with its stone staircases and hilltop gazebo. We used these architectural elements to give the boys something to sit on and interact with, adding structure and texture to the gallery that balances out the greenery.

Two young brothers pose for a Christmas portrait at Citrus Ranch Park in Tustin, California.
Portrait of a serious preteen boy with a cool afro, sitting on a low stone wall.
Serious young brothers pose for a Christmas portrait at Citrus Ranch Park in Tustin, California.
Teenage boy in casual clothes poses by a stone pillar at Citrus Ranch Park in Tustin, California.
Stylish teen boy with braids poses by a stone pillar at Citrus Ranch Park in Tustin, California.
Mom hugs her sons in a family photo at Citrus Ranch Park. Venya Manzyuk, family photographer.

HILLTOP SUNSET VIEWS

Because the park is built on a hill, the sunset views are incredible. We timed the session to end at the top of the ridge, capturing the golden light spilling over the Tustin hills. This elevation gives us a clean horizon line and that warm, backlit glow that defines California golden hour photography.

Heartwarming photo of mom hugging her two sons at Citrus Ranch Park. Family photography by Venya Manzyuk.
Playful young boy with a cool afro having fun at Citrus Ranch Park in Tustin, CA.
Two young boys playfully wrestling in a sunny park.
Athletic teenage boy leaping high and touching a light pole.
Boy with afro smiling at camera.
Stylish woman in green leather pants posing for a fashion portrait.
Boy with braids looking into the camera.
Two young brothers in casual outfits pose back-to-back for a Christmas portrait at Citrus Ranch Park in Tustin, California.

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PFEIFFER FAMILY

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TODD FAMILY

TREASURE ISLAND BEACH

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes! Citrus Ranch is a working lemon grove. The fruit adds a beautiful pop of yellow color to the photos, especially in winter and spring. (Note: We don't pick them, but they make for a great background!).

  • There is a short but somewhat steep walk from the parking lot up to the main gazebo and hilltop. It’s paved and stroller-friendly, but be prepared for a 5-minute uphill walk to get to the best views.

  • This is one of the easiest parks for parking in Tustin. There is a dedicated lot right off Portola Parkway that rarely fills up, making it a stress-free meeting spot.