Irvine Family Photographer – Weingarten Family Photos at Calafia Beach

WEINGARTEN FAMILY PHOTOS AT CALAFIA BEACH

Father spinning son at sunset, Calafia Beach family photos.

Calafia Beach in San Clemente gave the Weingarten family exactly what they were after—wide open sand, golden light, and plenty of room for the kids to run free. We skipped the stiff poses and focused on the good stuff: climbing lifeguard towers, racing the waves, and laughing the whole way through. These kinds of sessions are a great reminder that authentic beach family photos can still feel polished. If you’re searching for candid Orange County family photography in a spot that’s both relaxed and scenic, Calafia Beach is an awesome place to start.

Weingarten family walking shoreline, golden hour.

Why This Fall Session Felt So Effortless

EASY START

From the moment we met at Calafia Beach, the energy was calm and easy. The Weingartens weren’t worried about posing perfectly or rushing through the session. Instead, they trusted the process, let the kids be kids, and moved with the natural rhythm of the evening. That mindset always leads to better photos—and a better experience.

Joyful family photoshoot on the beach with parents and three children walking and smiling.

SPACE TO ROAM

Late fall at Calafia meant fewer crowds and more freedom to roam. We had access to the sand, the lifeguard tower, the railroad backdrop, and those warm-toned cliffs—without ever feeling boxed in. The kids got to explore, climb, and run, which gave the session a natural flow and plenty of real moments to capture.

Happy family smiling and posing for a portrait on the sandy shores of Calafia State Beach.

GOLDEN LIGHT

Golden hour at Calafia really delivered. The sun dipped low over the horizon, casting a warm glow that made every frame feel cinematic. With that kind of light, you don’t have to force anything—the emotion, the colors, and the connection all come through effortlessly.

Amtrak train backdrop during San Clemente photo session.
Young boy smiling at the top of a lifeguard tower.
Excitement and joy as boy takes leap of courage from lifeguard tower.
Two girls holding back a young boy trying to climb a lifeguard tower on a sunny beach.
Boy playing on beach, rubbing sand from eyes.
Joyful family moments captured in a San Clemente beach photoshoot with three children.
Smiling siblings enjoy a sunny day at San Clemente beach, California.
Califia State Beach family portrait, 5 people, ocean view, California coast.
Woman shielding her eyes from the sun while gazing at the ocean.
Family silhouette skipping stones at dusk.
Family walking on the beach with cliffs in the background, holding hands and smiling.
Smooth stone held in hand against a sandy beach backdrop.
A boy enjoys a day at the beach, throwing rocks into the waves as his family watches.
Overhead view of ten toes in the warm sand on a sunny beach.
A joyful father spins his young son in circles on the sandy shores of San Clemente Beach, California.
Three siblings running on wet sand, pastel sky.
Young boy laughing while walking on the beach with his sisters.
Brother and sister laughing and playing during a joyful family photoshoot at Calafia beach.
Smiling 8th-grade girl walking towards her family on a sunny beach.
A mother embraces her two children on San Clemente beach at sunset.
Smiling family of five, beach sunset photo, California.
Young boy pressing his head against the wall.
Smiling boy with family at Calafia Beach.
A mother gazes lovingly at her son as he sits on the sand, silhouetted against a beautiful sunset.
Orange County family beach photo shoot at sunset. Father and son hug.
A father playfully lifts his son as they enjoy a beautiful sunset on the beach in San Clemente, California.
Sunset beach photo of three siblings walking on a wall.
Young boy balancing on a concrete wall at the San Clemente Beach.
Family portrait with mother and daughters smiling on Calafia Beach, San Clemente, California.
Family of five poses for a portrait at Calafia Beach with a cliff wall backdrop.
Two sisters smile for a close-up portrait against a cliff wall on a San Clemente beach.
Stylish woman with a gold necklace enjoys a beach photoshoot in Orange County.
Young boy with a playful smile poses against the rugged cliffs of San Clemente beach.
Close-up portrait of a happy boy with braces, wearing a short-sleeved blue shirt.
Family of 5 at Calafia State Beach, California. Scenic cliff backdrop.

Session Details & Pricing

My family sessions are intentionally unhurried. We take up to two hours to settle in, explore the location, and give kids time to be themselves. This gives us space to capture both candid moments and classic portraits—without feeling rushed. For beach sessions like this one, that often means chasing the light and letting the story unfold naturally.

I. SESSION LASTS UP TO 2 HOURS

Every session includes high-resolution digital images delivered through a private online gallery. You’ll receive a curated mix of candids, portraits, and in-between moments that reflect your family as you truly are. I edit each photo individually, ensuring a consistent, timeless look. All travel within Orange County is included.

II. WHAT’S INCLUDED

Family sessions begin at $600, which includes up to two hours of on-location coverage anywhere in Orange County, a fully edited online gallery, and the rights to download and share all final images. A 50% retainer is required to reserve your date, with the remaining balance due on the day of your session.

I don’t place limits on the number of final images you’ll receive—if it’s a good shot, you’ll get it. Most galleries include a balanced mix of wide shots, close-up portraits, candid moments, and detail frames.

If you’re not sure what kind of session you need, I’m happy to walk you through options before you book. You can also visit the Investment page for a full breakdown or get in touch with questions.

III. PRICING BREAKDOWN

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Most families book 4–6 weeks in advance, especially during busy seasons like fall or spring. That said, if you have a specific date or location in mind—like Calafia Beach—it’s best to reach out early to lock it in. I open up my calendar seasonally, so feel free to ask about availability anytime.

  • Keep it simple and comfortable. Neutral or earthy tones work great with the natural surroundings at places like Calafia Beach. Avoid bold patterns or heavy logos. If you’re unsure, I’m happy to review outfit ideas or suggest a color palette that fits the vibe you’re going for.

  • Southern California usually delivers, but on the off chance of bad weather (heavy wind, rain, or marine layer), we’ll reschedule at no extra cost. I always aim to shoot in the best light possible—especially for beach sessions—so we’ll work together to find a day that works.