Family Photography FAQ for Irvine & Orange County Sessions

 FAQ

Everything You Need To Know, All In One Place.

If you're planning a family session, this FAQ covers the stuff parents ask most—how to prep, what to wear, how long it’ll take, and when you’ll get your photos. Whether we’re shooting in Irvine or somewhere else around Orange County, this should give you a clearer picture of how it all works.

I. GENERAL

II. WEDDINGS

III. (Family)

FAMILY

  • Yes. Most sessions happen around Irvine, but I regularly shoot in Laguna Beach, San Clemente, Newport, and other parts of Orange County. If you’ve got a location in mind outside of that, just reach out—travel’s easy to work out if it makes sense for the shoot.

  • Plan on 90 to 120 minutes. That gives us time to warm up, explore a location or two, and keep things relaxed—especially with kids. I shoot fast when the energy’s high and slow things down when needed, but we always wrap once we’ve got the good stuff.

  • Not right now. I focus on full-length sessions because they allow time for genuine moments to unfold. If I ever run a seasonal mini-session event, I’ll announce it on Instagram and email my mailing list first.

  • Stick to neutral tones, layered textures, and things you feel good in. Avoid loud logos or overly matchy outfits. Once you’re booked, I’ll send a prep guide with outfit tips and visual examples—especially helpful if you’re dressing multiple kids.

  • That’s totally normal. I’ve shot enough family sessions to know we’re not aiming for perfect—we’re aiming for real. I’ll pivot quickly, keep things light, and follow their lead. Some of the best images come out of the chaos.

  • Yes. If you’re planning a session that includes extended family, just let me know up front. We’ll build in extra time for groupings and transitions so no one feels rushed, and I’ll guide the flow so everyone knows what to expect.

  • You’ll get 40 to 80 fully edited, high-resolution images in an online gallery. Everything is downloadable, printable, and shareable—and if it’s good, it makes the final cut.

  • Yes. If you don’t already have a spot in mind, I’ll help you narrow it down. Once you’re booked, I’ll send over a short list of places that photograph well and work for the vibe you’re going for—beachy, woodsy, open fields, whatever fits your crew. Some go-to spots include Crystal Cove, Victoria Beach, and Newport Back Bay if you want ocean. Irvine Regional Park, Quail Hill, and Laguna Niguel Regional Park offer more variety if you’re leaning more natural or shaded. We’ll land on something that fits the time of year, lighting, and the kind of session you want—no guesswork on your end.

Russian man giving a pine cone to his young son at a Laguna Niguel park.