Dog Friendly Family Photographer Newport Beach – Crystal Cove Session

FAMILY PHOTOS WITH DOGS AT CRYSTAL COVE

English Bulldog enjoying a walk on the beach at Crystal Cove State Park, California.

For many families, a portrait session isn't complete without their dog. But finding a dog-friendly photo location in Orange County can be tricky due to strict beach rules. For the Padhiyar family and their English Bulldog, we chose the trails and bluffs of Crystal Cove State Park. The paved paths are perfect for walking dogs, and the scenery offers that iconic coastal look without breaking park regulations.

Family of three with dogs enjoying a beach photoshoot at Crystal Cove State Park in Orange County, California.

Why Crystal Cove is OC’s Best Dog-Friendly Spot

PAWS ON THE SAND

For the Padhiyar family, getting their English Bulldog on the sand was a must. We timed the session for low tide, which exposed wide stretches of hard-packed sand. This gave their dog plenty of room to run and play near the water without getting overwhelmed by crashing waves, resulting in those joyful, action-packed shots.

Family beach photoshoot at Crystal Cove State Park with parents, child, and dogs.
Crystal Cove State Park family photography session with dogs on the beach.
Happy Indian family with dogs enjoying a beach walk at Crystal Cove State Park.
English bulldog posing with family at Crystal Cove State Park beach in Orange County, California. Photography by Venya Manzyuk.

THE "WARM UP" WALK

We park at the Reef Point (North) lot, which involves a scenic half-mile walk down to the beach. For dog owners, this is a huge benefit. The walk gives your pup a chance to burn off nervous energy and get acclimated to the environment, meaning they are calmer and ready to pose by the time we hit the sand.

Playful English bulldog enjoying a family photoshoot on the beach at Crystal Cove State Park with photographer Venya Manzyuk.
Happy family with two dogs enjoying a day at Crystal Cove beach in Orange County, California.
Smiling girl with missing 2 front teeth smiling.
Family and their dogs enjoying a beach walk at Crystal Cove State Park in Orange County, California.
Smiling woman in a straw hat enjoys a piggyback ride during a fun photoshoot at Crystal Cove State Park in Orange County, California.
Romantic couple sharing an intimate moment at sunset on a beach in Newport Beach, California.
Romantic couple holding hands on the beach at Crystal Cove State Park in Newport Beach, California.
Happy couple in love holding hands and walking on the beach at sunset in Crystal Cove State Park, California.

CLIFFS & COASTLINE

Crystal Cove offers more than just water. The dramatic cliffs and rustic fencing provide a textured backdrop that frames the family beautifully. This variety allows us to get "dry" portraits up high and playful "wet" shots down low, creating a diverse gallery that captures the full personality of your family—and your pet.

Indian man holding his wife in his arms at sunset in Newport Beach.
Romantic couple portrait during a family photoshoot at Crystal Cove State Park in Orange County, CA.
Straw hat laying in the sand on the beach.
Family hug on Crystal Cove beach during a photoshoot.
Happy family photoshoot at Crystal Cove State Park, California.
Family beach photo with parents and daughter at Crystal Cove State Park by Orange County photographer Venya Manzyuk.
Girl writing name in sand at Crystal Cove State Park.
Joyful young girl twirling on the beach at sunset with her parents watching in Crystal Cove State Park, Newport Beach, California.
Crystal Cove State Park family photoshoot: parents and daughter on beach stairs with ocean background.
Family beach photo shoot at Crystal Cove State Park in Orange County, California.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes! For the Padhiyar family, we were able to include their English Bulldog in the photos right on the sand and the bluff trails. It offers a stunning variety of backdrops for pet owners who want the beach look

  • recommend arriving 20 minutes early to walk the dog (the walk from the North Lot is perfect for this). A tired dog is a happy, photogenic dog. We also bring treats and noise-makers to get their attention for the camera.

  • Yes! We usually do the "whole family + dog" shots first. Then, if you have a friend or family member along to hold the leash, we can do some photos of just the humans while the pup takes a break.