San Clemente Family Photographer
Portrait Photography For Fun Families In & Around San Clemente, CA
Local Photographer In San Clemente
As a local expert, I guide families on a fun, easy, and stress-free custom photoshoot that is tailored just for your family. I know all the best hidden gems and iconic spots to create the perfect backdrop for your family portraits. Let’s capture the real smiles, the goofy moments, and the love that makes your family unique. Reach out today and let’s create beautiful memories together.
The beach is beautiful and easy to access. However, I like to start family sessions up on the grassy bluff adjacent to the public parking lot, to get a nice view of the beach and entire pier. San Clemente Pier is very popular so it's a good idea to arrive early so you're not stressing out looking for parking. This pier is great for morning photo sessions.
Other favorite piers in Orange County we love to photograph families are Newport Pier and Seal Beach Pier
Meet Christopher Laguna Beach Location Expert
Hi, I’m Christopher Todd! I launched Christopher Todd Studios back in 2000, but my love for photography started long before that. Born and raised in Orange County, I’ve spent my life exploring this beautiful area. From surfing in Huntington Beach to discovering the best photo spots across the OC. Over the past 25 years as a professional photographer, I’ve continued to learn, grow, and refine my craft, specializing in headshots, family portraits, weddings, and events. My deep local knowledge helps me guide clients to the perfect locations—whether it’s a hidden coastal gem in Laguna Beach, a sunlit park in Irvine, or an iconic spot like the Huntington Beach Pier.
To make planning your session even easier, I’ve put together my Top 10 Outdoor Family Portrait Locations in Orange County guide. If you're looking for an experienced, passionate photographer who truly knows OC, let’s connect! Contact me today.
When You Hire Us You Get:
Wardrobe Styling App
Use our exclusive app for stress-free outfit planning.
Expert Posing Coach
We coach you through different poses so you look amazing.
Local Guide
Get the best insider information from locations to permits.
young family with baby on Beach in Orange County
For this project, the challenge was in rebrandingss an established product to attract new audiences, while ensuring that current users feel connected. The results were outstanding.
Family portraits of grandparents with their grandkids in Pirates Cove in Newport Beach,CA
For this project, the challenge was in rebranding an established product to attract new audiences, while ensuring that current users feel connected. The results were outstanding.
3 generation family portraits in Laguna Beach, CA
For this project, the challenge was in rebranding an established product to attract new audiences, while ensuring that current users feel connected. The results were outstanding.
small family portrait at Harriett M. Wieder Regional Park
For this project, the challenge was in rebranding an established product to attract new audiences, while ensuring that current users feel connected. The results were outstanding.
Kids in blended family portrait at the lab in Costa Mesa
For this project, the challenge was in rebranding an established product to attract new audiences, while ensuring that current users feel connected. The results were outstanding.
siblings photo at table rock Beach in Laguna, ca
For this project, the challenge was in rebranding an established product to attract new audiences, while ensuring that current users feel connected. The results were outstanding.
portrait of couple with baby at Finley Park In Huntington Beach, CA
For this project, the challenge was in rebranding an established product to attract new audiences, while ensuring that current users feel connected. The results were outstanding.
Portrait of Family walking in the water at Crystal Cove State Park
For this project, the challenge was in rebranding an established product to attract new audiences, while ensuring that current users feel connected. The results were outstanding.
Young couple laughing with their baby at Irvine regional Park
For this project, the challenge was in rebranding an established product to attract new audiences, while ensuring that current users feel connected. The results were outstanding.
Why Hire Christopher Todd Studios?
Best Deal Of The Year
Why not SAVE some cash 💵
Who doesn't like to save some money? Our print prices start at just $60 or get digitals from $200
You Get To Choose
Buy only the photos you want
Log in to your photo gallery after your session to pick your photos 🙏. Buy only what you want, and leave the rest.
Easy Planning
I handle all the logistics 📝
From details such as, where to park or arranging photo permits. Our streamlined process from our first contact through the delivery of images, will make your life easy!
20+ Years Experience
Hire a PRO
You are hiring Christopher Todd a master photographer with a lifetime of local knowledge, and experience so you can bet I will deliver a set of beautiful images you love ❤️.
Best Locations in San Clemente
Secret Spots/ Local Tips
Getting the best photos depends on knowing when & where to go. It's rare to have a location request we haven't been to multiple times. We can help you optimize your location and timing so your photos are amazing 🙌.
Coaching & Posing Help
Image is everything
In photography, the difference between 😒OK & 😳OMG comes down to coaching. Getting the best out of people is an art form most photographers lack, and it's where most inexperienced photographers fall flat.
Getting Started Is Easy As...
Schedule Call
Use the link below to schedule a quick call so that I can learn more about you, answer all of your questions, and help you start planning your photography.
Easy Photo Session
Relax! I will coach you through the process so you feel and look your best, including posing, facial expression, and expert guidance throughout our time together.
Fast Delivery
I will usually have your images ready within 24-48 hours. So you can view or share your photos quickly so we can move your project forward without delay.
See Why Busy Moms ❤️ Us!
Watch This 60 Second BTS 🎥
Traditional Family Portraits
This type of photography session is perfect for capturing a moment in time that can be cherished for years to come.
Modern Outdoor Family Photos
With beautiful natural light and stunning backdrops, they provide a unique opportunity to capture timeless memories of your loved ones in an artistic and fun setting.
Candid Family Photos
Candid family photos offer a more relaxed feel and can help you capture moments that show the true emotion of a particular moment in time. Additionally, capturing a candid moment or two can oftentimes turn out to be the favorite photo.
Lifestyle Portraits
A lifestyle portrait can be taken almost anywhere. These photos capture playful and relaxed family moments. Sometimes they are candid and other time they are guided instead of being posed.
My Top 5 Places To Take Photos In San Clemente
01
San Clemente State Beach
One of the most popular locations for family portraits in Irvine for an easy session without much walking.
02
San Clemente Pier
Stunning iconic pier with restaurants and great views.
Downtown San Clemente
03
This downtown district has unique shops and restaurants.
Parque Del Mar
04
Located next to the public parking lot on the bluff overlooking the entire scene.
05
1000 Steps Beach
A beautiful and quiet beach near San Clemente. Not for the faint of heart, as there are lots of steps getting down and climbing back up to Pacific Coast Highway..
My Favorite Time Of Year For Photos In San Clemente, CA
My favorite time of the year in San Clemente is fall and the winter months from December to February.
We also typically get a couple of weekends with summer weather in the middle of winter, so if you get lucky we might end up photographing you on a warm day in the middle of winter.
If you are new to the area or just visiting Irvine on vacation, continue to scroll down for all kinds of helpful information about what to do while you are in here.
Best Things To do In San Clemente
Below you will find our personal recommendations for restaurants, hotels, and things to do.
Where are the best places to eat and drink in San Clemente?
- Pizza Port San Clemente
- Nick's San Clemente
- The Fisherman's Restaurant and Bar
- Inka Mama San Clemente
Top Hotels and Resorts in San Clemente to visit
- Hampton Inn & Suites San Clemente
- San Clemente Inn
- Holiday Inn Express San Clemente
- Beachcomber Inn
What are the best things to do in San Clemente?
- San Clemente Pier
- Outlets of San Clemente
- San Clemente Downtown District
- Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens