Irvine Family Photographer – Zaydenberg Family at Jeffrey Trail
ZAYDENBERG FAMILY PHOTOS AT JEFFREY OPEN SPACE TRAIL
I’ve known Ilya for years — we met on the set of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull — so getting to photograph his family at Jeffrey Open Space Trail in Irvine was something I genuinely looked forward to. His wife and three kids were awesome to work with. We chose this spot not just because it’s scenic, but because it’s close, quiet, and easy with kids — perfect for a relaxed family session in Irvine.
If you're searching for an Irvine family photographer or a location that keeps things simple and stress-free, Jeffrey Trail always delivers.
Why I love Jeffrey Trail for Family Photoshoots
ROOM TO MOVE, EVEN FOR TODDLERS
One of the things I love most about Jeffrey Trail is how low-pressure it feels for families with young kids. There’s plenty of space to move, run, and explore without worrying about cars, crowds, or mud. The path is wide and smooth, the grass is soft, and there’s enough visual interest that we don’t have to pose much to get great shots. This kind of space lets kids just be kids — which always makes for better photos.
GORGEOUS LIGHT YOU DONT HAVE TO CHASE
One of the things I love most about Jeffrey Trail is how low-pressure it feels for families with young kids. There’s plenty of space to move, run, and explore without worrying about cars, crowds, or mud. The path is wide and smooth, the grass is soft, and there’s enough visual interest that we don’t have to pose much to get great shots. This kind of space lets kids just be kids — which always makes for better photos.
VARIETY WITHOUT THE HASSLE
We’re able to hit multiple looks in a short amount of time. In this one loop, you get a mix of greens, warm browns, and neutral stone textures — perfect for families who want a little variety but don’t want to be out shooting for hours. I try to keep sessions moving, and this spot makes that easy. It’s five steps between one background and the next, which means more genuine moments and fewer “wait, where are we going next?” pauses.
Session Details & Pricing
I. HOW LONG THESE SESSIONS RUN
Family sessions typically run about 90 to 120 minutes. That gives us space to ease into things, adjust to light, and allow for breaks if needed — especially when younger kids are involved. The Zaydenbergs had three little ones and we moved at their pace without missing a beat. We covered plenty of ground without it ever feeling rushed. Whether it takes an hour or the full two, the pace is built around you.
II. WHAT’S INCLUDED IN YOUR GALLERY
Every family session comes with a private online gallery of high-resolution images — no watermarks, no limits. You’ll have full download and print rights, so you can order prints anywhere or just save them for the holidays. I aim to deliver a balance of posed portraits, natural moments, and everything in between. These aren’t just “pretty” photos — they’re the kinds of shots you’ll still love years from now.
III. BOOKING YOUR OWN SESSION
If this session spoke to you, I’d love to connect. You can find full pricing details and more session info over on the investment page. There’s no pressure — just a clear breakdown of what’s included and how it all works. Or reach out directly if you have questions or want to talk through ideas. Whether we shoot at Jeffrey Trail or somewhere else entirely, I want the process to feel easy and personal from the start.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Absolutely. Most of the families I work with have kids in different stages — babies, toddlers, teens, or some mix of all three. I’ll guide the session in a way that keeps things moving and makes room for each kid’s personality to come through. The Zaydenbergs had a full crew and it worked out beautifully. No stress, no forced smiles.
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Think neutral, comfortable, and layered — something you’d actually wear, just a little more pulled together. The location already gives us a lot of natural color and texture, so your outfits don’t need to compete. If you’re not sure where to start, I’m happy to give input or send a few references based on the season and vibe you're going for.
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Yep — if you’re not set on a specific spot, I’ll help you find one that works for your family. Whether you want something woodsy like Jeffrey Trail, a beach, or a clean architectural look, I’ve shot all over Orange County and can suggest options based on light, accessibility, and crowd levels.