Laguna Beach Family Photographer – Treasure Island

Laguna Beach coastline from Treasure Island Beach.

TODD FAMILY PHOTOS AT TREASURE ISLAND, LAGUNA BEACH, CA.

As a family photographer based in Southern California, there’s nothing better than a word-of-mouth referral. Kathy Todd reached out after seeing the Holt Family’s photos. Shortly after, we booked a Laguna Beach family portrait session at one of my favorite places: Treasure Island Beach near the Montage.

If you're in Irvine, looking for an Orange County family photographer, or planning beach portraits in Laguna, this spot delivers every time. It’s quiet, scenic, and ideal for family photos that feel relaxed and personal. (For more technical tips on this location, view my Treasure Island Session Guide.) You can find session details and pricing here.

Brothers hugging at Laguna Beach family photoshoot.

Why Treasure Island Is One of My Favorite Places to Photograph Families

GOLDEN LIGHT

That evening with the Todds, the light couldn’t have been better—soft, warm, and low. It wrapped around them as they explored the shoreline and settled into the bluff. We didn’t rush or over-direct. The light did what it does best: revealed connection without needing much else.

Family of six posing for a portrait on Treasure Island Beach, Laguna Beach.

LOCATION

Treasure Island is only a short drive from Irvine, but it feels far removed from everything. The Todds found their rhythm quickly—there was room for the kids to roam and places for everyone to pause and take it in. Between the tide pools, the bluffs, and the soft sand, it offered more variety than we could’ve asked for.

Brother and sister playfully interacting during a family photoshoot on the beach in Laguna Beach, California.

QUIET MOMENTS

Late December gave us the gift of a nearly empty beach. No crowds, no distractions—just space to breathe. One of my favorite parts of the session was when the four kids climbed the bluff together. That moment—simple, spontaneous, and totally unscripted—set the tone for the rest of the evening.

Happy family of six enjoying a beach walk during their family photoshoot at Treasure Island.
Siblings laughing together during a photoshoot at Treasure Island Beach.
A husband and wife enjoying a beach photoshoot in Laguna Beach, walking hand-in-hand along the shoreline.
Two brothers climbing a hill at Treasure Island Beach, Laguna Beach, during a family photo session.
Three siblings gazing at the Pacific Ocean from a hillside overlooking Laguna Beach.
Close-up portrait of a young man in a knit sweater.
Four siblings smiling for a portrait with the scenic Laguna Beach coastline as a backdrop.
Smiling 14-year-old boy with braces portrait.
Portrait of a smiling 14-year-old boy wearing braces.
Close-up portrait of a 21-year-old man with vibrant red hair.
College student portrait with the iconic cliffs of Treasure Island Beach in Laguna Beach as a backdrop.
Portrait of a smiling 22-year-old college student on Treasure Island Beach, Laguna Beach.
Laguna Beach coastline in December, featuring a serene winter beach scene with gentle waves and clear skies.
A family of four siblings enjoying a walk on the beach at Treasure Island, Laguna.
Smiling older woman in a beige sweater posing for a portrait on the rocks at Treasure Island Beach.
Romantic portrait of an older couple on the rocks at Laguna Beach.
Portrait of a smiling 21-year-old man in Laguna Beach, California.
Family of six enjoying a portrait session on the rocks at Treasure Island Beach, Laguna Beach, California.
Father and son bonding on Treasure Island Beach, Laguna Beach, California.
Family of six posing in a beach cave at Treasure Island, Laguna Beach.
Two young brothers standing together on the rocky cliffs overlooking the ocean at Treasure Island Beach in Laguna.
Three siblings at sunset, Treasure Island Beach.
Three siblings smiling together on Treasure Island Beach in Laguna.
Three siblings laughing together on the beach at Treasure Island, Laguna Beach, during a family photoshoot.
A joyful moment captured during a family photoshoot: three siblings sharing a laugh at Treasure Island Beach.
A young man runs from a crashing wave on Treasure Island Beach in Laguna.
Four siblings smiling for a family portrait at Laguna Beach, California, with the Pacific Ocean in the background.
14-year-old boy's close-up portrait at sunset, golden hour lighting.
Portrait of a happy 14-year-old boy squatting on the beach in Laguna.
Sunset view of the Pacific Ocean from Laguna Beach, with a young man silhouetted against the colorful sky.
Flock of geese migrating at sunset, flying across a vibrant orange and pink sky.

Related Sessions

A toddler walking on the sand towards the camera with parents watching in the background during a family session at Treasure Island Beach.

MOTT FAMILY

TREASURE ISLAND BEACH

A mother walking barefoot on the sand with her children near the waves during a candid, bright family session at Treasure Island Beach.

VELEZ FAMILY

TREASURE ISLAND BEACH

A black and white close-up of a mother embracing her children during a candid family photography session at Treasure Island Beach.

SOLOVYEV FAMILY

TREASURE ISLAND BEACH

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Golden hour—about 60–90 minutes before sunset—is when Treasure Island looks its best. That’s when the light hits the cliffs just right and the beach starts to empty out. If you want softer, more cinematic images, that’s the time to go.

  • Definitely. The beach has easy paths, soft sand, and lots of space to move. Whether it’s a family of three or a bigger crew like the Todds, there’s room to explore without feeling cramped or overly posed.

  • Keep it simple and comfortable—neutrals or soft colors work best with the landscape. For this session, the Todds wore casual layers that moved well and didn’t distract from the setting or their connection. I’m happy to help you plan looks that photograph well.