How to Make Engagement Photos with Kids Fun and Easy
You know that feeling when everything just… comes together?
The light is soft, the kids are actually laughing, and the parents look like themselves again – relaxed, connected, and present.
That’s exactly why so many couples ask me, can you include children in your engagement session? And the answer is always yes… especially in a place like Little Corona del Mar beach where everything feels a little more natural.
That’s what keeps happening every time I photograph families at Little Corona del Mar beach. And after a recent session there that reminded me exactly why I love this location so much, I wanted to share it with you.
What Happened During That Session
We started on the sand with the cliffs behind the family. The light was already soft and golden, and even though the boys were a little hesitant at first (completely normal, by the way), something shifted pretty quickly once we started moving.
Instead of jumping into poses right away, I had them walk together, talk, and just… be a family. The parents naturally leaned into each other. The boys loosened up. And those in-between moments started happening on their own.
As the sun dropped lower, we moved closer to the rocks. That’s where the texture of the coastline, the movement of the waves, and that warm golden light all come together. The images from that stretch of the session felt elevated without anyone trying too hard.
We finished with a few closer, more connected portraits – and those ended up being the ones they chose for their wall at home.
That’s the kind of session I love most.
If you’re planning to make a full evening out of your session, especially when including kids, having a place to relax and grab a meal afterward makes the experience even better. Some great Newport Beach options nearby include:
The Lighthouse Cafe – A casual, family-friendly spot right by the harbor, perfect after a beach session.
Bear Flag Fish Co. – A local favorite for fresh seafood with a laid-back vibe that works well with kids.
Great Maple Newport Beach – Great for a more elevated but still relaxed family meal.
Why Balboa Beach Works So Well for Families
From behind the camera, this location genuinely checks every box. Here’s why I keep coming back to it.
You Get Variety Without Going Anywhere
Sandy beach, rocky coastline, and open ocean views – all within easy walking distance
Your gallery ends up looking full and diverse without rushing between locations
Different backdrops mean more ways to use your photos at home
The Light Here Is Consistently Beautiful
The way the sun sets along this stretch creates soft, flattering light that works for everyone. That’s especially important when you’re photographing multiple people at once – you want light that’s kind to all of you, not just one.
There’s Room to Actually Move
This isn’t a stand-in-one-spot kind of location. Kids can explore. Families can walk. And when people are moving, they stop thinking about what their face looks like… and that’s when the real expressions come out.
It Feels Like Time Together, Not a Photo Shoot
Your session at Balboa Beach ends up feeling like a family outing that happened to produce beautiful images. And that always shows in the final photos.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind Before You Book
If you’re thinking about a session here, here’s what I always share with clients ahead of time.
Outfit colors matter more than you think. Soft coastal tones – blues, neutrals, dusty greens – photograph beautifully against the sand and rocks. Think about what you’d wear for a relaxed evening out, not a formal event.
If you’re planning outfits for both adults and kids, these shops are great places to start for coordinated, photo-friendly looks:
VICI – Great for feminine, flowy pieces that photograph beautifully at the beach.
Nordstrom – A go-to for dressing the whole family in cohesive, elevated styles.
Free People – Perfect for relaxed textures and coastal-inspired outfits.
We’ll do a little walking, but nothing intense. I guide you between spots at a comfortable pace. It’s part of what makes the session feel natural.
Trust the timing. I’ll recommend a session time based on the light – usually close to sunset – and it makes a significant difference in how everything looks.
Let go of perfect posing. Some of the best images come from laughter, movement, and the moments nobody planned. Let me worry about the posing; your only job is to show up.
Think ahead about how you’ll use your photos. Whether that’s a wall gallery, an album, or updated portraits to share with family, knowing that early on helps guide how we photograph the session.
This Is What Family Photography Should Feel Like
Balboa Beach is more than a pretty backdrop. It’s a location that gives families permission to be themselves – and that’s what creates images you’ll actually want to hang on your wall.
The session I described above? Those parents didn’t come in thinking they’d end up with wall art. They came in a little nervous and hoping their boys would cooperate. And they left with images that truly looked like them.
That’s what I’m always working toward, no matter where we shoot.
Many sessions like this are photographed through Gilmore Studios, where the focus is on creating a guided but relaxed experience so your family (or your future family, if you’re newly engaged) can actually enjoy the process. You can learn more here: https://gilmorestudios.com
If you’re a photographer reading this and wondering how to create sessions that feel this natural and flow this smoothly, you can find education and resources at Photographers Roadmap: https://photographersroadmap.com
Ready to Book Your Balboa Beach Session?
Ready to Book Your Balboa Beach Session?
If you’ve been thinking about updated family portraits – or even an engagement session that includes your kids – this is your sign.
Let’s connect through the Gilmore Studios website and find a date that works for your family. I’ll handle the rest… including the light, the location, and keeping the kids (mostly) on board.
Because years from now, you’ll be glad you didn’t wait.
