Laguna Beach Family Photographer | Fitzgerald Family Session
FITZGERALD FAMILY PHOTOS AT MONTAGE LAGUNA BEACH
The Fitzgeralds wanted updated family photos before summer wrapped, and Montage Laguna Beach gave us plenty to work with—clean backgrounds, soft light, and room to shoot without dodging crowds. It’s one of my go-to spots for beach sessions, especially when families want something coastal that still feels low-key. We timed it for golden hour and kept the pacing simple. If you’re looking for something similar near Irvine, here’s more on how I approach family photography in Orange County.
Why Families Book Sessions At Montage Laguna Beach
WORTH THE WALK
You reach Treasure Island Beach by a paved path near the Montage, and while it’s not a short walk, it’s steady and manageable—even with gear, kids, or grandparents. The way down gives you full views of the coast, and once you’re there, the beach opens up with space to shoot and no steep stairs to deal with. It’s tucked below the resort, so it doesn’t feel crowded like Main Beach or Thousand Steps. We timed the Fitzgeralds’ session just before sunset and didn’t have to wait on anyone or fight for a spot.
GORGEOUS VIEWS
This beach has one of the best views in Laguna. The long stretch of sand curves into the cliffs, and there’s a natural arch tucked into the rocks that’s perfect for framing. You’ve got water, bluffs, and sky all in the same shot—without having to move far. On clear days, you can even catch Catalina in the background. The Fitzgeralds didn’t need much direction here. We let the location do the heavy lifting and focused on keeping things simple.
EASY TO GET TO
It’s about a 30-minute drive from Irvine and right off Coast Highway. Parking’s above the beach near Wesley Drive, and the path to the sand is smooth the whole way. Compared to other Laguna beaches with steep steps or no clear entry point, this one’s a lot more forgiving. We met up at the top, walked down together, and were shooting within ten minutes. It works well for families who want to stay local but still get a spot that feels like more of a destination. For full session options, check out my pricing and investment info.
Session Details & Pricing
This session ran just about 2 hours, starting near the trail and working down to the sand. We shot around golden hour on a weekday evening, which helped avoid crowds and gave us better light. The Fitzgeralds kept it simple and moved through each spot without needing to force anything. Most family sessions last between 90 to 120 minutes, depending on location, how many people are involved, and how quickly we move.
I. TIMELINE AND FLOW
Final galleries include 40 to 80 images, delivered in a private online gallery where you can download everything or order prints. The mix usually includes group shots, individual moments, and anything that happened in between. You don’t need to overthink posing—I’ll guide you when needed, but most of what we capture will come from letting things unfold as we move through the session.
II. WHAT YOU’LL GET
Family sessions start at $600. That covers any beach, trail, or park location in Orange County, a full digital gallery, and planning support if you need help choosing a spot. To reserve your date, I require a signed contract and a 50% retainer. You can get full pricing info on the investment page, or reach out directly if you already know where you want to shoot.
III. PRICING & BOOKING
Frequently Asked Questions
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Weekday evenings, especially an hour before sunset. That’s when the light hits right and the beach is less crowded. Weekends tend to fill up fast, both for parking and foot traffic.
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Yes. The path to the beach is paved and not too steep, which makes it doable for strollers or anyone who might need a slower pace. We take our time getting down there.
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Most families book 4–6 weeks out, especially during spring and fall. If you already have a date in mind, it’s best to reach out early. A signed contract and 50% retainer secures the spot.