Newport Beach Family Photographer – Crystal Cove Session with the Padhiyars
PADHIYAR FAMILY CRYSTAL COVE PHOTOS
Padhiyar family photos in Newport Beach were taken at Crystal Cove State Park—one of my favorite spots in all of Orange County. Chay, her husband, their daughter, and their bulldog brought the energy, and it made the session fly by. We got a mix of playful, candid moments and quiet portraits as the sun dropped behind the cliffs. If you're thinking about a location that feels easy but still photographs beautifully, Crystal Cove delivers. You can also check out other family photography sessions here, or in Irvine are if you're weighing options nearby.
Why I keep coming back to Crystal Cove
WIDE OPEN SAND
Crystal Cove has 3.2 miles of uninterrupted shoreline—plenty of space for families to move without dodging beachgoers every two steps. No tight boardwalks or fenced-in dunes here. It’s wide open, dog-friendly, and lets kids be kids. The Padhiyars’ walked with their bulldog like they owned the place, and I barely had to give direction. That kind of setup makes for the most real photos—and it’s a big part of why I bring families here again and again.
TEXTURE EVERYWHERE
You’ve got bluffs, tide pools, driftwood, and even historic beach cottages from the 1920s lining parts of the park. Everything about Crystal Cove photographs well—there’s detail in every direction. Even if the light shifts or the sky goes flat, the location carries the frame. On this session, we caught the cliffs holding that soft haze just right as the sun dropped. It’s one of those places where almost every angle gives you something to work with.
EASY IN, EASY OUT
We used the North lot for this session, which is about a half-mile walk down to the beach. It’s not immediate access, but the trail is easy and gives everyone a few minutes to settle in before we start. The timing actually helped—gave the dog a chance to shake off some energy, and the family got into a good rhythm before we hit the sand. By the time we started shooting, everyone felt relaxed and ready. If you’re good with a short walk, this route works well. You can see more Newport Beach family sessions on my site, or check out family photography in Irvine if you want something closer to home.
Session Details & Pricing
This session ran about 90 minutes, which is typical for family shoots like this one. We had enough time to walk down from the North lot, ease into things, and shoot without rushing. Most sessions fall somewhere between 90 and 120 minutes depending on the location and how long the kids (or dogs) last.
I. SESSION LENGTH
You’ll get a full gallery of edited, high-res images delivered in a private online gallery. No limits on downloads, no watermarking, and no pressure to upgrade anything. These are your photos — use them how you want.
II. WHAT’S INCLUDED
Crystal Cove State Park charges $15 for day-use parking. You can pay at any of the automated kiosks located in each of the three main lots: North, Reef Point, and Los Trancos. It’s worth factoring in when planning your session — especially if you're meeting near sunset, when lots can fill up fast.
III. PARKING DETAILS
Frequently Asked Questions
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No separate permit is required if you're photographing your own family or hiring a professional for personal use. The $15 day-use parking fee covers beach access. Just make sure to stay within park rules—no props, no lighting setups, and no blocking trails or pathways.
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From the North lot, it’s about a half-mile walk down to the sand. It’s not strenuous, but it does take a few minutes. If you're bringing small kids, gear, or pets, plan for the walk as part of your session time.
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If it's pouring or completely fogged in, we’ll reschedule—no problem. But if it’s just overcast or hazy, we usually shoot anyway. Cloudy light can actually work better for photos, especially along the coast.
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You’ll receive a full gallery of high-res, edited images—usually between 40 and 80 photos, depending on the session length and how it flows. Nothing is held back, and every image is delivered in both color and black-and-white.