This one was a big, joyful, three-generation family at the beach in Newport Beach, with grandparents, parents, teens, little ones, and a brand-new baby, all together in one frame.

Why Big Family Portraits Matter

Getting everyone in one place is a gift. Getting everyone in one place, smiling, with the ocean behind them is even better. Extended family sessions are some of my favorite work because they capture something you can’t recreate later: the baby in mom’s arms, the kids at their current heights, and the grandparents standing proudly in the middle of it all.

The Light

We scheduled this session for late-day golden hour, when the sun sits low and everything turns soft and warm. You can see it in the glow behind the family and the way the clouds light up. Golden hour is flattering on every age and skin tone, which matters when you’re photographing 17 people at once.

The Reflections

The tide had left a thin sheet of water on the sand, and it acted like a mirror. The whole family is echoed beneath them in the wet sand, which adds depth and a bit of magic to the image. I shot from a lower angle to bring in the sky and the reflections and to give the group a strong, confident presence.

Extended Family Beach Portraits in Newport Beach | Glenn Inskeep PhotographyThis one was a big, joyful, three-generation family at the beach in Newport Beach, with grandparents, parents, teens, little ones, and a brand-new baby, all together in one frame. Why Big Family Portraits Matter Getting everyone in one place is a gift. Getting everyone in one place, smiling, with the ocean behind them is even better. Extended family sessions are some of my favorite work because they capture something you can’t recreate later: the baby in mom’s arms, the kids at their current heights, and the grandparents standing proudly in the middle of it all. The Light We scheduled this session for late-day golden hour, when the sun sits low and everything turns soft and warm. You can see it in the glow behind the family and the way the clouds light up. Golden hour is flattering on every age and skin tone, which matters when you’re photographing 17 people at once. The Reflections The tide had left a thin sheet of water on the sand, and it acted like a mirror. The whole family is echoed beneath them in the wet sand, which adds depth and a bit of magic to the image. I shot from a lower angle to bring in the sky and the reflections and to give the group a strong, confident presence. The Wardrobe This family nailed their outfits. They stuck to a palette of soft blues, whites, creams, and warm neutrals, with mixed textures and patterns: florals, stripes, linen, eyelet, and flowing dresses. Everything looks coordinated without being matchy-matchy, and the colors sit beautifully against the sand, sea, and sky. Quick tips if you’re planning a family beach session: Choose a color family, not identical outfits Mix solids with a few light patterns Skip heavy logos and bright neon, which pull focus Dress the youngest kids in something comfortable so they stay happy Making It Fun for Everyone With a group this size, the secret is keeping the energy light. We laughed, wiggled our toes in the water, and let the kids be kids. The best expressions come when people forget they’re being photographed, and you can see it here in the real smiles from the youngest to the oldest. Ready for Your Own Beach Session? I’ve photographed more than 4,000 clients across Orange County and Los Angeles, from intimate family portraits to large reunions like this one, and I’d love to create something special for your family too. Whether it’s a holiday card, a milestone celebration, or simply the one time everyone is together this year, let’s capture it. Glenn Inskeep Photography 📞 714-609-6334 📧 [email protected] 🌐 glenninskeep.com

The Wardrobe

This family nailed their outfits. They stuck to a palette of soft blues, whites, creams, and warm neutrals, with mixed textures and patterns: florals, stripes, linen, eyelet, and flowing dresses. Everything looks coordinated without being matchy-matchy, and the colors sit beautifully against the sand, sea, and sky.

Quick tips if you’re planning a family beach session:

• Choose a color family, not identical outfits
• Mix solids with a few light patterns
• Skip heavy logos and bright neon, which pull focus
• Dress the youngest kids in something comfortable so they stay happy

High-contrast family portrait blending architectural pier shadows with bright Newport coastal sand.This one was a big, joyful, three-generation family at the beach in Newport Beach, with grandparents, parents, teens, little ones, and a brand-new baby, all together in one frame. Why Big Family Portraits Matter Getting everyone in one place is a gift. Getting everyone in one place, smiling, with the ocean behind them is even better. Extended family sessions are some of my favorite work because they capture something you can’t recreate later: the baby in mom’s arms, the kids at their current heights, and the grandparents standing proudly in the middle of it all. The Light We scheduled this session for late-day golden hour, when the sun sits low and everything turns soft and warm. You can see it in the glow behind the family and the way the clouds light up. Golden hour is flattering on every age and skin tone, which matters when you’re photographing 17 people at once. The Reflections The tide had left a thin sheet of water on the sand, and it acted like a mirror. The whole family is echoed beneath them in the wet sand, which adds depth and a bit of magic to the image. I shot from a lower angle to bring in the sky and the reflections and to give the group a strong, confident presence. The Wardrobe This family nailed their outfits. They stuck to a palette of soft blues, whites, creams, and warm neutrals, with mixed textures and patterns: florals, stripes, linen, eyelet, and flowing dresses. Everything looks coordinated without being matchy-matchy, and the colors sit beautifully against the sand, sea, and sky. Quick tips if you’re planning a family beach session: Choose a color family, not identical outfits Mix solids with a few light patterns Skip heavy logos and bright neon, which pull focus Dress the youngest kids in something comfortable so they stay happy Making It Fun for Everyone With a group this size, the secret is keeping the energy light. We laughed, wiggled our toes in the water, and let the kids be kids. The best expressions come when people forget they’re being photographed, and you can see it here in the real smiles from the youngest to the oldest. Ready for Your Own Beach Session? I’ve photographed more than 4,000 clients across Orange County and Los Angeles, from intimate family portraits to large reunions like this one, and I’d love to create something special for your family too. Whether it’s a holiday card, a milestone celebration, or simply the one time everyone is together this year, let’s capture it. Glenn Inskeep Photography 📞 714-609-6334 📧 [email protected] 🌐 glenninskeep.com

Making It Fun for Everyone

With a group this size, the secret is keeping the energy light. We laughed, wiggled our toes in the water, and let the kids be kids. The best expressions come when people forget they’re being photographed, and you can see it here in the real smiles from the youngest to the oldest.

Ready for Your Own Beach Session?

I’ve photographed more than 4,000 clients across Orange County and Los Angeles, from intimate family portraits to large reunions like this one, and I’d love to create something special for your family too. Whether it’s a holiday card, a milestone celebration, or simply the one time everyone is together this year, let’s capture it.

Relaxed lifestyle family photography captured between the tides at the base of Newport Pier.

Glenn Inskeep Photography
📞 714-609-6334
📧 [email protected]
🌐 glenninskeep.com

Serving Newport Beach, Orange County, and Los Angeles.