Laguna Beach Extended Family Photographer – Treasure Island Session

THREE GENERATIONS AT TREASURE ISLAND BEACH

Father lifts toddler daughter during Laguna Beach family photo session
Grandfather hugs two grandchildren at sunrise on Treasure Island Beach.

Coordinating photos for three generations can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. For the Velez family's extended family session, Treasure Island gave us the perfect layout. The wide sandy beaches allowed the grandparents to walk comfortably with the toddlers, while the cliffs provided a tiered backdrop so we could fit everyone in the frame without it looking like a stiff school photo. If you’re curious about family photography in Laguna Beach, this gallery is a great place to start.

Three sisters in white dresses standing together on Laguna Beach cliffs

Why Treasure Island is the Best Spot for Large Groups

Photographing extended families can be tricky on flat beaches where the only option is a long, stiff line. Treasure Island solves that with its coastal cliffs and rock formations. These create natural "tiers" or levels, allowing me to pose large groups of 10–20 people dynamically. Everyone is visible, comfortable, and looks relaxed rather than formal.

NATURAL LAYERS FOR GROUP POSING

Happy young girl poses for family portraits on the beach in Laguna Beach, California.

MANAGING TIDES & TIMING

Coordinating schedules for three generations is tough, but aiming for low tide is crucial here. Lower tides reveal wide stretches of dry sand, ensuring that grandparents don't have to navigate slippery wet rocks. We typically start 90 minutes before sunset to catch the most flattering light while keeping the timeline manageable for toddlers (and tired travelers).

Two brothers teasing each other during candid family photos in Orange County.

EASY ACCESSIBILITY IS KEY

The real secret weapon for large family sessions here is the access. Unlike many Laguna beaches that require hiking down steep stairs, Treasure Island has a wide, paved concrete ramp leading all the way to the sand. This makes it incredibly easy for strollers and elderly family members. Plus, having clean public restrooms right at the trailhead is a lifesaver for big groups.

Playful young girl in a white dress holding sand on a sunny beach at Montage Resort & Spa.
Family photoshoot with two sisters and their children on the beach in Laguna Beach, California.
Family beach portrait with photographer Venya Manzyuk in Laguna Beach, California.
Two young brothers with matching white shirts laughing together during a family photo session at Laguna Beach.
Father lifting his toddler daughter in the air, creating a heartwarming portrait.
Happy family of four smiles for a portrait on the beach at the Montage Laguna Beach. Mom wears a flowing white dress.
Happy Italian family enjoying a sunny day at Laguna Beach during a professional photoshoot.
A smiling Italian couple swings their young daughter between them, her laughter echoing across the sand.
Loving grandpa sharing grapes with his granddaughter on a sunny day.
Smiling girl holding a bowl of grapes, walking on the beach during a family photoshoot at Montage Laguna Beach.
Young kids rinse sandy feet at beach shower after photo session.
A young boy rinses sand from his feet at a beach shower in Laguna Beach, California.
Playful cousins wrestle on the beach during a family photoshoot in Laguna Beach, CA.
Playful Family Photoshoot on Laguna Beach: Children gather around their sister enjoying the sand.
Joyful children laughing together during a family photoshoot in Laguna Beach, California.
Serene young girl with eyes closed, enjoying the peaceful moment in Laguna Beach.
Two women pose for a portrait.
Extended Family Portrait in Laguna Beach Cave.
Sweet little girl with hands clasped, smiling softly for a portrait.
Laguna Beach family photoshoot. Grandmother and grandchildren embrace with ocean view. By Venya Manzyuk.
Close-up portrait of a happy young girl with a bright smile.
Parents embrace sons at Montage Laguna Beach.
Father playfully tosses daughter in air as siblings cheer during photo shoot.

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 joyful mother, father, and daughter jumping in the air together on the sand during a sunset family photography session at Crystal Cove State Park.

PADHIYAR FAMILY

CRYSTAL COVE STATE PARK

A family of five with teenagers sitting barefoot on a curb during a foggy morning photography session on the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach.

COONEY FAMILY

BALBOA PENINSULA

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Absolutely. We typically start with the large "everyone together" shot while energy is high. Then, we break it down: just the grandkids, individual families, siblings, and grandparents with the little ones. It’s like getting mini-sessions for everyone included in one shoot.

  • Yes, this is the most accessible beach in Laguna for extended families. There is a wide, paved ramp leading all the way from the park to the sand—no steep stairs to navigate. It makes it easy for older family members (and strollers) to get down to the water safely.

  • The key is "coordinating," not "matching." Avoid putting everyone in identical white shirts and jeans. Instead, pick a color palette (like soft blues, creams, and tans) and let each family interpret it their own way. This adds visual depth to the large group photos and keeps you from looking like a sports team.