Fun & Candid Family Session at Garrapata Beach | Big Sur & Monterey Peninsula Photographer


If you're searching for a family photographer in Big Sur, Monterey, or Pacific Grove who loves real emotion, movement, and zero stiff posing—welcome! This sweet family session at Garrapata State Beach was the perfect reminder of why I adore photographing families along the California coast.


M + D and their joyful 4.5-year-old reached out wanting real, raw emotion captured—not forced smiles or picture-perfect poses. Their only request? A fun, silly day at the beach full of sunshine, laughter, and real moments.


And that’s exactly what we created together.


Candid Family Photography in Big Sur


Family sessions along the Monterey Peninsula and Big Sur coastline are never about standing still and smiling. I truly believe families don’t need posing to be beautiful. Kids don’t sit still in real life—so why should they during photos?


Instead, we played. We ran. We collected flowers and chased waves. Their sweet kid was so excited to run around, explore the sand, pick her favorite flowers, and feel the ocean breeze. These are the moments that matter. The ones your kids will remember. The ones that feel like your everyday life… just with epic Big Sur views.


Why We Chose Garrapata State Beach for Their Family Photos


Garrapata State Beach is one of my favorite locations for family photos in Big Sur because it's:


  • Kid-friendly and safe
  • Wide open with room to run and play
  • Has both mountains and ocean views
  • Easy access without dangerous cliffs
  • Gorgeous wildflowers + soft sand
  • Magical golden sunsets and dreamy fog
  • It’s the perfect mix of adventure and comfort, especially for families visiting the Monterey Peninsula.


Other AMAZING kid-friendly photo locations include:


  • Asilomar Beach in Pacific Grove
  • Ribera Beach in Carmel
  • Carmel Valley meadows
  • Pfeiffer Beach (stunning but can be very windy!)


Tips for a Fun Family Session in Big Sur or Monterey


Whether you're a local or traveling to Monterey for vacation, here are some helpful tips to make your session magical:


Embrace the Weather

  • Big Sur weather changes every hour—fog, sunshine, wind, all of it is beautiful.
  • Some of the dreamiest family photos happen in soft fog, trust me. 🌫️


Wear Comfortable Shoes

  • There are trails, sand, and rocks—bring shoes you can walk in.
  • Barefoot on the beach always works too!


Be Ready for Wind

  • If you have long hair, bring a tie or clip just in case. Wind adds movement and magic—so go with it!


Bring Something Meaningful

  • The most memorable family photos include real moments and real activities, like:
  • Reading a favorite book together
  • Flying kites
  • Building sandcastles
  • Playing the guitar
  • Riding bikes along the coast
  • Collecting seashells
  • These turn your session into a real family memory, not just a photo shoot.


Why Candid Family Photos Matter


There is nothing better than watching your kids explore nature with pure joy on their faces. Real laughter > posed smiles. Sandy toes > stiff outfits. Adventure > perfection. When your family looks back at these photos, they’ll remember how the ocean felt, how hard they laughed, and how much fun they had—not how they were told to stand. This is what family photography in Big Sur and Monterey is all about: real emotion, genuine connection, and slow moments together in nature.


Planning Your Family Photos in Big Sur or Monterey?


Whether you live here or you're visiting the Monterey Peninsula, Carmel, Pacific Grove, or Big Sur, I would LOVE to create a playful, natural, heartfelt session for your family.


📩 Reach out to book your session

🌿 Kid-led, relaxed, and playful sessions

🏖️ Perfect for families who value real moments


Let’s make memories your family will feel forever. ✨

Three people hold hands while walking along a sandy beach at sunset creating silhouettes against the golden sky.
Family enjoying tender moments together while sitting on rocks during golden hour at sunset.
Stunning sunset over the ocean horizon with waves crashing against rocky coastline during golden hour.
A couple stands together against a backdrop of dramatic coastal cliffs and lush vegetation at golden hour.
Black and white photo of people enjoying a romantic moment on the beach at sunset with ocean waves visible.
People enjoying sunset at beach while searching for seashells along the shoreline during golden hour.
A family poses together on a coastal path surrounded by green foliage and mountainous cliffs at sunset.
A playful sunset photoshoot on a coastal hillside with golden light filtering through the natural scenery.
A loving family sits together among wildflowers on a hillside overlooking a misty valley in black and white.
A dreamy scene of someone in a white lace dress picking wildflowers in a sunlit garden during golden hour.
A family sits together in a wildflower field at golden hour as sunlight creates a warm, glowing atmosphere.
A family shares tender moments together on a sandy beach at sunset in a series of candid photographs.
A couple shares intimate moments on a rocky beach during golden hour in autumn.
Family playing and dancing together on wooden steps overlooking a scenic coastal view at golden hour.
A family poses together at sunset among tall grasses and wildflowers on a coastal hillside.
Silhouetted figures sit together on grassy hillside during golden sunset hour with mountains in background.
A couple shares intimate moments on a beach at sunset in a series of romantic candid photographs.
A family walks together on a scenic beach during golden hour sunset with waves crashing in the background.
A black and white photo of a family enjoying a moment together on a sandy beach with rocky outcrops.
A couple walks together on a sandy beach at sunset with warm golden light creating a romantic atmosphere.
Family enjoying a scenic autumn photoshoot outdoors with golden foliage in the background.
Hand wearing a white lace glove holds a small delicate butterfly in warm sunlight against an orange backdrop.
Family enjoying a tender moment together at sunset in an outdoor setting with mountains in the background.