Newport Pier Family Photographer – Cooney Session
FAMILY PHOTOS ON THE BALBOA PENINSULA
Newport Beach was the perfect spot for this family session with the Cooneys. It had been six years since I last photographed them, and seeing how much their kids had grown honestly blew my mind. The beach gave us that classic mix—foggy skies, cold sand, and just enough wind to keep everyone awake. No complaints, though. They showed up ready to roll, coats off and all smiles. We kept it simple: walked the shoreline, grabbed a few posed frames, and let the kids do their thing. What started as Christmas card photos turned into something better—real, relaxed, genuine moments.
Why Balboa Peninsula is Perfect for Candid Family Photos
FOGGY SKIES, NO PROBLEM
This session took place early in the morning with the classic coastal marine layer. Instead of fighting it, we used it. The softer light gave their Balboa Peninsula 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 few blocks north of the Newport Beach Pier. It’s the perfect balance: close enough for easy parking at McFadden Place, but far enough north to avoid the heavy foot traffic. This stretch of the Peninsula has a clean, open shoreline 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 photography with teenagers feel easy instead of forced.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Both work beautifully but offer different vibes. Evenings give you golden hour sunsets, while mornings (like the Cooney session) often have a "marine layer" fog. This creates a soft, even light that is incredibly flattering for portraits and eliminates harsh shadows.
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There is a large public parking lot right at the base of the Newport Pier (McFadden Place). It's metered, so bring a credit card or use the parking app. It can fill up on summer weekends, so we recommend arriving early or choosing a weekday session.
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Teens usually don't love stiff, cheesy posing. For families with older kids, I focus on a more editorial, "lifestyle" approach—walking, talking, and hanging out rather than forcing everyone to smile at the camera for an hour. It keeps the mood relaxed and the photos authentic.