Olive Grove Square Park Family Photographer – Multi-Generational Session

THREE GENERATIONS AT OLIVE GROVE SQUARE

Joyful Chinese grandparents embrace during a family photoshoot at Jeffrey Open Space Trail in Irvine, California.

For families who want the beauty of the Jeffrey Open Space Trail without the crowds, Olive Grove Square is the perfect starting point. Located at the northern end of the trail in Irvine, it offers manicured olive trees and open lawns that are perfect for multi-generational sessions. For the Li family, who recently relocated to Irvine from China, this quiet park gave the grandparents space to relax and the grandkids room to run, creating a gallery that celebrates their new life together in California. If you’re after relaxed, outdoor family photos in Orange County, this spot is tough to beat.

Father giving son piggyback ride at Olive Grove Square Park, Irvine.

Why Olive Grove Square is Perfect for Extended Families

THE OLIVE TREE GROVES

Olive Grove Square is defined by its neat rows of manicured olive trees. This structured layout creates clean, symmetrical lines that frame large group photos perfectly. Unlike wilder trails where people can get lost in the brush, the clear sightlines here keep everyone together and the background distraction-free.

Multi-generational Chinese family portrait session at Olive Grove Square park in Irvine, CA.

EASY FOR GRANDPARENTS

When including three generations, accessibility is key. This park is flat, paved, and has parking right next to the shooting spots. The grandparents could join us effortlessly without hiking, which meant they had plenty of energy left to play with the grandkids. It’s the most senior-friendly spot on the Jeffrey Trail loop.

Chinese grandma smiling for a portrait with her husband.

SEATING FOR GROUPS

Posing a large family can feel stiff if everyone is just standing in a line. Olive Grove has low stone walls and benches built into the landscape. We used these to create layers—kids sitting, parents standing, grandparents on the bench—which makes the group portraits look relaxed, natural, and balanced.

Chinese grandparents holding hands at Olive Grove Square Park.
Chinese grandma in a blue vest posing for a portrait in Irvine.
Joyful family portrait in Irvine with laughing grandkids and their grandma at Jeffrey Open Space Trail.
Two sisters messing with their younger brother.
Young Chinese boy poses for a portrait while standing on a pillar at Olive Grove Square Park in Irvine.
Chinese parents kissing their young son who is missing his front teeth.
Chinese boy posing for a portrait while sitting inside a play house.
Happy multigenerational Chinese family enjoys a portrait session at Olive Grove Square Park in Irvine, California.
Chinese couple posing for a portrait in Irvine.
Chinese family of 5 posing for a portrait at Olive Grove park in Irvine.
Father and daughter smile at Jeffrey Trail in Irvine, CA. Family photography by Venya Manzyuk.
Mother and son sitting on a picnic table looking at each other smiling.
Happy father and daughter portrait. Family photoshoot at Jeffrey Trail, Orange County.
Chinese woman hugging her son at a park in Irvine.
Joyful Chinese sisters embrace in golden sunlight at Jeffrey Open Space Trail, Irvine.
Family photo - Mom and daughters hug on a tree branch in Irvine, California.
Chinese girl in a checkered shirt and blue jeans posing for a portrait on a rock.
Two sisters sitting on a tree branch at Jeffrey Trail Open Space.
Chinese girl in a checkered top and jeans walking down a sunlit path at Jeffrey Trail.
Chinese family sitting down in a grass field at Jeffrey Trail posing for a group portrait.
Chinese high school student posing for a portrait next to a tree in Irvine, Ca.
Chinese family smiling on a grass field in Irvine, CA.
Chinese grandparents sitting together on a rock at Jeffrey Trail smiling for a portrait.
Young Chinese boy in a blue vest with his hands crossed posing for a portrait.
2 sisters helping their brother jump off a rock at a park in Irvine.
Chinese man smiling with his two daughters in Irvine, Ca.
Chinese grandparents and their 3 grandkids posing for a portrait on a big rock at Jeffrey Open Space Trail.
Chinese man and his wife standing close together smiling for a portrait.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes. Unlike the deeper parts of Jeffrey Trail which require walking, Olive Grove Square has parking right next to the shooting spots. It is flat, paved, and has benches, making it very comfortable for older family members.

  • I focus on "connection" rather than stiff lines. We use the large rocks or benches at Olive Grove to create levels (some sitting, some standing). This keeps the group looking natural and relaxed, rather than like a class photo.

  • Absolutely. I always make time to photograph the grandparents alone together. It is a way to honor their legacy and give the family beautiful portraits of the people who started it all.