Laguna Beach Senior Portraits at Treasure Island Beach

SENIOR PORTRAITS WITH EMMA & KENZO AT TREASURE ISLAND BEACH

Close-up of Emma’s graduation cap decorated with butterflies and the words “Ready to fly 2025.”

Harumi reached out to book Laguna Beach senior portraits for her daughter Emma while she was home in Orange County for the summer. Emma had just graduated from Cushing Academy in Boston and was preparing to leave for Portugal, making this the perfect time to capture something special. Her brother Kenzo joined the session too, bringing his cello while Emma brought her violin. Emma wanted a beach location, and I suggested Treasure Island Beach — one of my favorite spots in Laguna Beach for portraits thanks to its clean light, dramatic rocks, and natural backdrops.

Black and white photo of Emma passionately playing violin on the rocks by the water.

A Sibling Portrait Session Filled with Style and Soul

WHY TREASURE ISLAND BEACH WORKS EVERYTIME

Treasure Island Beach in Laguna is one of my go-to spots for portraits because it has everything in one place — ocean cliffs, open sand, and tidepool rocks. For Emma and Kenzo, it gave us the kind of variety that makes a session feel natural instead of staged. The north side of the beach had the right balance of light and backdrop, which worked out beautifully without us having to move around too much.

Emma in graduation gown holding decorated cap with butterfly details during senior portraits at Laguna Beach.

ADDING THE VIOLIN AND CELLO TO THE STORY

Emma brought her violin, Kenzo brought his cello, and that instantly added a personal layer to the shoot. Paired with simple outfits that didn’t compete with the instruments, the look stayed clean and timeless. The mix of formal detail with a relaxed beach vibe fit perfectly at this location.

Emma smiling in blue cap and gown with Class of 2025 sash at Treasure Island Beach.

WHAT STOOD OUT THE MOST

This shoot highlighted more than just senior portraits. It showed the bond between siblings, their shared love of music, and their comfort in front of the camera. Emma and Kenzo carried themselves with ease — no over-posing or overthinking — which let me capture their personalities in a natural way. The result was a session that felt relaxed, but still carried meaning that will hold up years from now.

Full-length senior portrait of Emma in blue graduation gown holding butterfly-themed cap.
Emma seated outdoors in her cap and gown during Laguna Beach senior portraits.
Candid black and white photo of Emma laughing with her brother Kenzo at the beach.
Emma in graduation gown posing with her brother Kenzo during senior photo session.
Emma walking in her graduation gown along the palm tree path at Treasure Island Beach.
Emma holding her graduation cap up high while smiling at the camera in Laguna Beach.
Emma in graduation gown standing near the railing with ocean waves in the background.
Close-up portrait of Kenzo in black shirt with natural golden light at the beach.
Kenzo sitting with Emma smiling behind him during a casual sibling portrait on the rocks.
Emma and Kenzo sitting on rocks at Treasure Island Beach during sibling portrait session.
Close-up of Cushing Academy graduation medals draped over Emma’s shoulder.
Close-up of Emma’s lace white dress and jewelry during Laguna Beach portraits.
Emma leaning on a rock with Kenzo sitting nearby during their beach portrait session.
Detail photo of Emma’s layered gold necklaces catching the light during her portraits.
Silhouette of Emma standing on rocks looking out at the sunset over the ocean.
Emma in white dress running across tidepool rocks during her senior session.
Close-up of cello strings and bridge in warm evening light during Kenzo’s portraits.
Emma holding violin and Kenzo with cello sitting on rocks at Treasure Island Beach.
Kenzo standing on rocks holding his cello against the ocean backdrop at sunset.
Black and white portrait of Kenzo focused while playing his cello outdoors.
Emma in floral dress playing violin on rocks with the ocean in the background.
Sunset portrait of Emma holding violin and looking off toward the horizon.
Emma and Kenzo playing violin and cello together on rocks with waves crashing behind them.

Session Details & Pricing

Emma’s portraits at Treasure Island Beach are a good example of what most senior sessions look like. Collections start at $500 and cover planning, shoot time, editing, and a private online gallery. We spent about two hours at the beach, with outfit changes and time for both Emma’s solo portraits and photos with her brother Kenzo. That’s the kind of flexibility built into every session.

I. SENIOR PORTRAIT SESSIONS

Just like Emma and Kenzo’s shoot, every session comes with a pre-session guide, help picking the right location, and full access to your edited images in a private gallery. You can download high-res files or order prints directly through the gallery—no extra steps needed.

II. WHAT’S INCLUDED

Emma and Kenzo’s portraits came together last minute, and I was able to make it work. Sometimes I can accommodate a quick turnaround, but I always recommend booking at least two months in advance. Senior season fills up fast, and scheduling early gives us time to plan outfits, locations, and details without the rush. A signed contract and retainer secure your date, and from there, everything is handled so you can just focus on the session.

III. BOOKING YOUR DATE

Frequently Asked Questions

  • You don’t need to come in with a list of poses. I’ll guide you through natural movements and simple direction so the photos feel relaxed, not stiff or staged.

  • I usually start senior sessions about two hours before sunset. That window gives us softer light, fewer crowds, and enough time to shoot a variety of looks without rushing.

  • Yes — outfit changes are encouraged. Many seniors bring one dressier look for classic portraits, then switch into something casual that feels more like everyday life. It keeps the gallery versatile without needing another shoot.