Newport Beach Family Christmas Photos – Cooney Session by Irvine Photographer Venya Manzyuk
COONEY FAMILY CHRISTMAS PHOTOS AT NEWPORT BEACH
It had been six years since I last photographed the Cooneys, and seeing how much their kids had grown was wild. This time we met at Newport Beach for a family photography session—foggy skies, cold sand, and no complaints. They showed up ready to roll, coats off, game faces on. We kept it simple: walked the shoreline, grabbed a few posed frames, and let the kids do their thing. The goal was Christmas card photos, but what we got was better—an easy, laid-back shoot and a gallery full of moments that felt like them. Here’s more about how I approach family photography in Irvine and beyond.
Highlights From Our Newport Beach Family Session
FOGGY SKIES, NO PROBLEM
This session took place early in the morning with full cloud cover—classic coastal fog. But instead of fighting it, we used it. The softer light gave their Newport Beach family photos a calm, understated feel that actually worked better for their Christmas card than full sun would’ve. We stayed flexible, shot fast, and made it count.
NEAR THE PIER, NO CROWDS
We shot just a short walk from the Newport Pier—close enough for easy access, far enough to avoid heavy foot traffic. This area has a clean, open stretch of sand that works great for family portraits, especially with kids. No background clutter, no need to wait on crowds. Just space to move and shoot.
LETTING THE KIDS BE THEMSELVES
With one in college, one almost there, and a middle schooler not far behind, this wasn’t a little-kid session. The Cooneys showed up relaxed, and we kept it that way—minimal posing, no stiff smiles, just space to move, laugh, and be together. That approach is what makes beach family photography near Newport Beach feel easy instead of forced.
Session Details & Pricing
Family sessions run 90–120 minutes and include a full online gallery with high-res downloads. No watermarking. No surprise fees. Just straightforward coverage that works whether you’ve got toddlers or college kids.
I. SESSIONS START AT $600
You’ll get a mix of posed and candid shots, usually across 1–2 locations. I shoot for variety, but never rush the process. Expect a gallery that feels complete—group shots, individual portraits, and the small in-between moments that hold it all together.
II. WHAT’S INCLUDED
Need extra time, a second location, or help building a print album? Let’s talk. Add-ons are always optional, and we keep it flexible based on what you actually want from your session.
III. ADD-ON OPTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Absolutely. I’ll give you a few options based on lighting, crowd levels, and your style. Newport Beach, Laguna, and Jeffrey Trail are some of the spots I shoot at often. If you’ve got a place in mind, we’ll make it work.
-
Most sessions go on unless it’s pouring. Some of my favorite galleries — including the Cooneys’ — were shot on foggy mornings. We’ll adapt, and I’ll guide you on how to get the best light no matter what the sky’s doing.
-
You’ll get a fully edited gallery delivered in about 2 weeks. The total depends on how the session flows, but most families receive between 40 and 80 images.