Candid Holiday Family Photography at Pavilion Park in Irvine, CA

MOTHER AND SONS HOLIDAY SESSION AT PAVILION PARK, IRVINE

Extreme close-up of a teenage boy laughing with eyes closed, capturing a candid moment during an Irvine photography session.

Photographing Ashley and her sons, Blaze (16) and Blake (13), has become a special tradition for me—this is our third session together, and every time I see them, I am reminded of just how fast these years fly by. When you are photographing teenage boys, the 'playground' vibe doesn't work anymore; you need a location that offers maturity, texture, and variety. That is exactly why we chose Pavilion Park in the Great Park, Irvine for their holiday photos. With its unique architectural nooks and distinct 'vibes,' it provided the perfect structured backdrop for the boys. They showed up in sharp, solid-colored sweaters that complemented the scenery perfectly, allowing us to capture that transition from childhood to young adulthood in a way that feels authentic, stylish, and timeless.

A holiday family portrait of Ashley standing behind her two sons seated on a rustic garden bench at Pavilion Park.

Why Pavilion Park Offers the Perfect Editorial Edge for Teens

HIDDEN NOOKS

Pavilion Park is quickly becoming a favorite for sessions like this because it offers more than just open green space. It’s full of distinct "nooks and vibes"—from textured stone walls to architectural pathways—that give the photos a structured, masculine feel. For Blaze and Blake (16 and 13), this variety provided the perfect environment to move around and interact with the space, avoiding the stiffness of a traditional park setting.

Teenage boy wearing a navy sweater and silver chain holding a football during a portrait session at Great Park Irvine.

CLASSIC STYLE

The styling for this holiday session was a masterclass in "less is more." The boys’ choice of solid-colored sweaters was perfect against the park’s natural backdrop, adding a sharp, cohesive look without being distracting. Ashley looked her best as always, radiant and relaxed. When the wardrobe is this timeless, it allows the focus to remain entirely on the faces and the connection, rather than the clothing.

Black and white close-up portrait of a teenage boy looking serious and stylish during a family session in Irvine.

GROWING UP

Having photographed this family twice before, the biggest takeaway from this afternoon was simply witnessing the passage of time. The boys are growing up fast—transitioning from children into young men. This session wasn't about chasing toddlers; it was about capturing the cool, calm confidence of their teen years. These holiday photos serve as a beautiful freeze-frame of this fleeting chapter in their lives.

Two brothers leaning against the metal structures of a pedestrian tunnel at Pavilion Park in Irvine, wearing solid beige and navy sweaters.
Teenage boy wearing a beige sweater and jeans sitting cross-legged on a wooden walkway at Great Park Irvine.
Two teenage brothers laughing and sitting on the blue ground during a candid holiday photoshoot in Irvine.
Teenage boy in a beige sweater sitting relaxed with his legs propped up on a stone wall at Pavilion Park.
Family of three sitting on rustic chairs in front of the orange "PARK" sign at Pavilion Park in Irvine.
Teenage boy in a navy sweater sitting at a rustic table looking over his shoulder at Pavilion Park in Irvine.
Two teenage brothers standing arm-in-arm against a large rustic wooden barn door at Pavilion Park in Irvine during a holiday session.
Portrait of two brothers, one seated and one standing, posing against a rustic wooden wall at the Great Park.
Black and white portrait of two brothers laughing and standing against a textured wooden barn door.
Candid portrait of a teenage boy laughing naturally while sitting at a rustic outdoor table.
Serious portrait of a teenage boy sitting in a metal garden chair surrounded by fall greenery in Irvine.
Teenage boy wearing a navy sweater and silver chain sitting on a rustic log at Pavilion Park.
Two brothers smiling and sitting together on a garden bench surrounded by greenery in Irvine.
Ashley Young leaning against a festive post decorated with gold and silver Christmas ornaments at Pavilion Park in Irvine.
Ashley standing arm-in-arm with her two teenage sons, Blaze and Blake, under string lights during a holiday session in Irvine.
Artistic black and white photo of a teenage boy tossing a football in the air.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Unlike standard parks that are mostly open grass and playgrounds, Pavilion Park offers a lot of architectural variety. It has distinct "nooks," textured walls, and unique pathways that create a more mature, editorial backdrop. This works perfectly for teenagers who often feel out of place in a setting that feels too "young" or cutesy.

  • I keep the vibe very relaxed. With teens, standard "say cheese" posing can feel awkward and forced. Instead, I focus on direction rather than posing—giving them something to do, like walking, leaning against a wall, or just hanging out with Mom. This approach helps them relax, resulting in natural expressions that actually look like them.

  • Comfort is key! As you can see with Blaze and Blake, simple, solid-colored sweaters work beautifully. They look sharp and classic without being uncomfortable or stiff. We want to avoid big logos or busy patterns that date the photos. Solids in neutral or deep tones (like navy, beige, or earth tones) always photograph well against the greenery of the Great Park.

  • Families often take a break from photos once the kids hit their teenage years, but these are actually some of the most important times to document! Kids change incredibly fast between 13 and 16. I recommend an annual or bi-annual session to capture these transitions. It doesn't have to be a long, drawn-out event—just a quick session to freeze this chapter in time.

  • To get that beautiful fall light and greenery we had at Pavilion Park, late October through November is ideal. However, these spots fill up very quickly! I always recommend reaching out in late August or September to secure a date before the holiday rush begins, ensuring we have plenty of time to get your cards printed.