Lido Isle Family Photographer – Lifestyle Session in Newport Beach

LIFESTYLE HOLIDAY PHOTOS ON LIDO ISLE

German Shepherd dog relaxing on the docks of Lido Isle, Newport Beach.

Shooting on Lido Isle offers a level of privacy and charm you can't get at public beaches. For the Malis family, we utilized their private boat dock and the famous Lido 'stradas' (walking paths) to keep the session intimate. This lifestyle approach—starting on the water and ending at home by the pool—allows us to capture the family in their real element, including their German Shepherd, without the distractions of public crowds. If you're curious about how these sessions typically run, you can read more about my family photography process here.

Family of 4 posing for a portrait on Lido Isle, Newport Beach.

The Beauty of a Lido Isle Lifestyle Session

PRIVATE DOCKS & HARBOR VIEWS

Shooting on a private boat dock offers a distinct advantage over the public beaches: total privacy. For the Malis family, we used their dock to capture the classic Newport Harbor backdrop—boats, calm water, and the golden hour reflection—without having to dodge tourists. It creates a clean, nautical look that is quintessentially Newport Beach.

Family and their dogs walk along a dock during a holiday photo session in Newport Beach, California.

WALKING THE LIDO STRADAS

One of the best features of Lido Isle is its network of "stradas" (walking paths). Instead of driving from spot to spot, we simply walked from the dock back to their home. This transition allowed us to capture candid movement shots along the manicured hedges and neighborhood streets, giving the gallery a relaxed, "day in the life" feel.

Father and daughter with German Shepherd on Lido Isle boat dock, Newport Beach.

IN-HOME & POOLSIDE

We wrapped things up in their backyard, using the pool to catch the last bit of ambient light before moving indoors. Ending a session in-home allows for a completely different vibe—cozier, flash-lit, and more intimate. It transforms a standard portrait session into an editorial story about your family’s life in your own space.

Candid laughter between two siblings captured during a family portrait session in Lido Isle.
Lido Isle family portrait with dogs, Newport Beach, California.
Husband and wife with their pet dog enjoying a sunny day.
Happy family portrait on Newport Beach, California.
Brother and sister enjoying a beach walk with sailboats in the distance.
German shepherd relaxing on the docks in Newport.
High school senior boy in a casual outfit with canoes in the background.
Brother and sister laughing together in a family photo.
Fashionable high school girl posing for a senior portrait on Lido Isle.
Romantic moment: Couple enjoys conversation on dock with sailboat view.
Close up portrait of a brunette woman smiling.
Father and son bonding on the docks in Newport Beach, California.
Romantic couple portrait at Lido Isle, Newport Beach, California.
Mother and son chat by a white picket fence.
Smiling father and daughter lighting cigars together.
Lido Isle family portrait by backyard pool.

Related Sessions

A family of five sitting barefoot on a concrete curb near the sand during a relaxed beach session on the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach.

COONEY FAMILY

BALBOA PENINSULA

A candid, close-up portrait of a father and his teenage son laughing together on a boat in Newport Harbor during a lifestyle photography session.

MALIS FAMILY ‘21

LIDO ISLE

A family of four sitting together on a large wooden log under eucalyptus trees at Turtle Rock Community Park in Irvine.

PFEIFFER FAMILY

TURTLE ROCK COMMUNITY PARK

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Lido Isle is a private community. We typically shoot there only if you are a resident or have guest access. However, if you love this "dock and harbor" look but don't live on Lido, we can achieve a nearly identical vibe at specific public spots on Balboa Island or the Peninsula nearby.

  • It’s the best of both worlds. We start outdoors about 60 minutes before sunset to catch the golden light on the water. As the light fades to "blue hour," we move inside your home. This transition allows us to get the classic portraits first, then relax into cozy, flash-lit candid moments on the couch or by the fireplace.

  • Absolutely. In-home and neighborhood sessions are actually the best way to include pets because they are in their own territory. As you can see with the Malis family’s German Shepherd, dogs are much calmer on their own dock or living room rug than they are at a busy public beach.