Candid Family Photography at Asilomar Beach | Monterey & Big Sur Family Photographer
There is something incredibly special about documenting families exactly as they are in this season of life — the giggles, the curiosity, the in-between moments that pass far too quickly. T + T came to me looking for updated family photos with their nine-month-old daughter, hoping to capture this fleeting chapter before it changes again. And Asilomar Beach couldn’t have been a more perfect place to do just that.
From the moment we arrived, their daughter was all smiles — giggling at the waves, fascinated by shells, and soaking in a place that’s right in her backyard but brand new through her eyes. These are the moments that matter. The ones that don’t feel forced, posed, or overly planned — just real connection and time together.
A Relaxed, Candid Approach to Family Photography
Family sessions are genuinely some of the easiest and most joyful sessions for me. I believe kids should be kids, and I let them lead the way. Yes, I’ll always make sure we capture a few classic “refrigerator photos” — the ones grandparents love and frames are made for — but the heart of my sessions lives in the candid moments.
Most of our time together is spent doing what your family already loves to do:
- Blowing raspberries and chasing laughter
- Racing along the shoreline
- Exploring tide pools and collecting shells
- Flying kites, dancing, or playing tag
- Reading books, having a picnic, or climbing trees
I always encourage families to tell me what they enjoy doing together. When we incorporate activities you already love, your session becomes an experience — not a photoshoot. It allows real smiles, movement, bloopers, and connection to unfold naturally. Instead of me calling out poses, you’re simply enjoying time with the people you love most.
For T + T, this session was exactly that: a quiet evening at the beach, soaking in the sunset, laughing together, and valuing this season before their daughter grows even more.
Best Locations for Family Sessions Near Monterey & Big Sur
Asilomar Beach is a favorite for family photography because of its wide open shoreline, rocky textures, and soft coastal light — but it’s just one of many incredible locations nearby. I help all my families choose a spot that fits their vibe, energy, and season of life.
Some of the best locations for family sessions include:
- Asilomar Beach: Perfect for relaxed, playful sessions with tide pools, coastal trails, and stunning sunsets.
- Garrapata Bluff: Ideal for families who love dramatic cliffs, open views, and a more adventurous feel. Also beautiful for couples and elopements.
- Pfeiffer Beach: Known for its iconic rock formations, this spot offers a bold, unforgettable backdrop for families, couples, and intimate elopements.
- Ribera Beach (Carmel): A quieter, tucked-away beach with cliffs, soft sand, and incredible golden-hour light — perfect for candid, intimate moments.
Family Photography, Couples & Elopements on the Central Coast
While family sessions hold a special place in my heart, I also photograph couples and elopements throughout Big Sur, Monterey, Carmel, and the surrounding coast. Whether you’re celebrating your growing family, planning an intimate elopement along the cliffs, or simply wanting photos that feel like you, my approach stays the same — intentional, relaxed, and deeply human.
No matter the session type, my goal is always to create images that feel alive. Images that bring you back to how it felt, not just how it looked.
If you’re dreaming of a family session at Asilomar, exploring Garrapata, Pfeiffer, or Ribera, or planning a couples session or elopement along the Central Coast, I’d love to help you create something meaningful — and have fun doing it.
Because these moments? They deserve to be remembered exactly as they are.
