Irvine Family Photographer – Deppe Family Photos Jeffrey Open Space Trail
JEFFREY OPEN SPACE TRAIL FAMILY PHOTOS WITH THE DEPPE FAMILY
I met the Deppe family at Jeffrey Open Space Trail on a Sunday afternoon when the light was just perfect—clear sky, warm golden sun, everything working in our favor. Mark Deppe reached out after hearing about me through the Pfeiffer family, who I’ve photographed for years, and the whole session carried that same easy, familiar energy. The Deppes settled into the camera right away, which made the hour move fast and naturally. Nothing forced, nothing over-posed—just a relaxed walk through the trail with a family that’s comfortable being themselves. Honestly, it couldn’t have gone smoother.
Why Jeffrey Open Space Trail Works So Well for Family Photos
Late afternoon at Jeffrey is almost a cheat code. The open meadow areas and scattered trees let the sun fall in soft, clean layers, which is exactly what we had during the Deppe session. You get that warm golden look without fighting harsh shadows or busy backgrounds.
RELIABLE GOLDEN LIGHT
This trail gives families room to move without feeling like they’re “on display.” The Deppes were able to walk, talk, and settle in naturally, which is when the best expressions show up. Kids aren’t boxed in, and the adults can relax into it instead of posing stiffly.
PLENTY OF SPACE
Parking is simple, the path is wide, and you can get a full gallery without hiking all over the place. For sessions like this one, it keeps everything calm and unhurried. You’re not dragging kids across a huge park — you’re just moving through one clean, open stretch of trail and letting the session unfold.
EASY LOCATION
Session Highlights
CANDID PHOTOS
The best part of this session was how naturally the Deppes fell into things. No forced posing, no over-directing — just a family being themselves. Mark and the kids were quick to warm up, and that easy energy showed up right away. Most of the shots happened in between the “actual” moments, which always end up being the strongest ones.
GENUINE EXPRESSIONS
Their son was great — curious, comfortable, and willing to explore a bit as we moved along the trail. A few simple prompts gave us variety, but the best photos were the ones where he was just being himself. His expressions were genuine, not forced, which always makes the gallery feel more personal.
TIMELESS PORTRAITS
We also grabbed a handful of classic portraits — relaxed, connected, and not overly posed. Just the three of them in good light with no distractions. These are the types of images that age well and stay meaningful years from now.
Session Details & Pricing
Family sessions typically run 90 to 120 minutes. That gives us time to settle in, move around, and shoot without rushing. You’ll get at least 40 edited, high-resolution images in a private online gallery — ready to download, share, or print.
I. WHAT’S INCLUDED
Family sessions start at $600. That covers one household or a simple setup like this Deppe shoot. If you're planning something bigger — like extended family or multiple locations — just reach out for a custom quote.
II. STARTING PRICE
To reserve a session, head to the investment page for more info, or contact me directly to talk through dates and locations. I shoot all over Orange County — Jeffrey Trail is just one of many solid options.
III. HOW TO BOOK
Frequently Asked Questions
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Keep it simple and comfortable. Neutrals and earthy tones always work well at places like Jeffrey Trail. Once you book, I’ll send over a full style guide to help you plan.
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They won’t — and that’s the point. I don’t expect perfect behavior. We’ll let them move, explore, and play. That’s where the real photos come from.
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Yes. Once your gallery is delivered, I can walk you through print options or help design a clean, no-frills album that actually gets opened.