Simple Sophistication

Newport Beach, CA & Gilbert, AZ • Sessions by appointment only

Simple Sophistication

Costa Mesa family photographer – Family Reunion

Costa Mesa Family Photographer – Reunion Portrait

This family reunion session in Costa Mesa was gorgeous! We love it when families take the time to coordinate outfits, patterns, and colors. We have photographed this family a few times over the years, and they always do such a great job. This session was done about an hour and a half before sunset so the light was just right. This park is one of our favorite locations in Costa Mesa. You never see anyone here, there is always plenty of parking, and the backgrounds are beautiful- it’s great! If your family is having a reunion, consider Gilmore Studios to be your Costa Mesa family photographer.

Photography tips for Family Reunion portraits

  • Have family members email photos of their outfits and then share with your photographer for advice.
  • Have family meet up at the portrait location at least 20 minutes early (especially out of town family members).
  • Have family members meet up at least 20 minutes early at the photo location.
  • When working with small children, get the group shots done first.
  • Talk to family about what you are planning to do with finished photography products- sharing costs, digital files, etc.
  • Offer a fun reward for good children, a small toy, treat, or surprise after the session is over!
  • Make dinner reservations in Newport Beach 30 minutes after your session and celebrate!

About the photographer

Gilmore Studios is a husband and wife team maternity, newborn, children and family photography studio in Orange County, CA. Contact us for more info about booking your studio or on location session in the Southern California area. Brian and Jennifer Gilmore specialize in natural light photography in Irvine, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Corona Del Mar, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, and surrounding areas in OC and Los Angeles, CA.

Call 949-698-3968 or email us to book your summer 2017  family photography session.

Costa Mesa family reunion photographer
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Meet the Gilmores:

Gilmore Studios serves Orange County, Los Angeles, and Phoenix. We specialize in wedding photography, family portraits, newborn and branding photography. Our studio has been in business since 2002.

Fun Facts:

PLace we call home:

Newport Beach & Queen Creek

Number of kids:

3 boys

Years in business:

Since 2002

As seen in:

Family photography

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Here are things to look for when choosing a wedding photographer.

This decision matters more than most couples realize.

Because once the day is over…
this is what you have left.

Here’s how to actually choose the right one:

1. Style that reflects your vision
If you don’t love how it looks now, you won’t love it later.
2. Experience handling real wedding days
Timelines shift. Lighting changes. You want someone who can adapt.
3. A genuine connection
You’ll spend a lot of your day with them. It should feel easy.
4. Professionalism you can count on
Clear communication, reliability, and someone who shows up prepared.
5. Full galleries, not just highlights
Anyone can post the best 10 images. Ask to see the whole story.
6. Real reviews and reputation
Look for consistency, not just one good experience.
7. Value that matches what you expect
Not just price… what are you actually getting?

Here’s what I’m doing behind the scenes:
guiding when needed, adjusting to the day as it unfolds, and making sure nothing important is missed.

Because your photos shouldn’t just look good…
they should feel like your day.

What matters most to you when choosing a photographer? 👇

4 0
Open post by gilmorestudios with ID 18079827413397783
Here are things to look for when choosing a wedding photographer. This decision matters more than most couples realize. Because once the day is over… this is what you have left. Here’s how to actually choose the right one: 1. Style that reflects your vision If you don’t love how it looks now, you won’t love it later. 2. Experience handling real wedding days Timelines shift. Lighting changes. You want someone who can adapt. 3. A genuine connection You’ll spend a lot of your day with them. It should feel easy. 4. Professionalism you can count on Clear communication, reliability, and someone who shows up prepared. 5. Full galleries, not just highlights Anyone can post the best 10 images. Ask to see the whole story. 6. Real reviews and reputation Look for consistency, not just one good experience. 7. Value that matches what you expect Not just price… what are you actually getting? Here’s what I’m doing behind the scenes: guiding when needed, adjusting to the day as it unfolds, and making sure nothing important is missed. Because your photos shouldn’t just look good… they should feel like your day. What matters most to you when choosing a photographer? 👇

Most people think they’re just for announcements… But they end up being so much more.

This countdown? One of my favorites.

Here’s why:
It gives you something to look forward to. A way to mark the days, celebrate the little milestones, and stay connected while they’re away.

And it turns these photos into something you actually use… not just something that sits on your phone.

Because this season? It’s a big one.

And having something tangible to hold onto during it…
matters more than you think. 🤍

Would you do a countdown like this? Comment MISSIONARYSTORE for our item on Etsy Shop

9 2
Open post by gilmorestudios with ID 18052366784734729
Most people think they’re just for announcements… But they end up being so much more. This countdown? One of my favorites. Here’s why: It gives you something to look forward to. A way to mark the days, celebrate the little milestones, and stay connected while they’re away. And it turns these photos into something you actually use… not just something that sits on your phone. Because this season? It’s a big one. And having something tangible to hold onto during it… matters more than you think. 🤍 Would you do a countdown like this? Comment MISSIONARYSTORE for our item on Etsy Shop

How long does a cake smash session really take?

About 45 minutes and here is everything we fit into that time.
We start with portraits first. Clean outfit, no cake, just your baby being adorable. Then we bring in the cake, swap into the smash outfit and let the chaos begin. 🎂

And if you want to keep going, we can do a quick splash session at the end. Some of the biggest smiles of the whole session happen right there.

Three different looks. One session. 45 minutes.
It goes fast so I make sure every minute counts.

Are you surprised we fit all of that in? 👇
Ready to book your cake smash?

6 0
Open post by gilmorestudios with ID 17976086367008382
How long does a cake smash session really take? About 45 minutes and here is everything we fit into that time. We start with portraits first. Clean outfit, no cake, just your baby being adorable. Then we bring in the cake, swap into the smash outfit and let the chaos begin. 🎂 And if you want to keep going, we can do a quick splash session at the end. Some of the biggest smiles of the whole session happen right there. Three different looks. One session. 45 minutes. It goes fast so I make sure every minute counts. Are you surprised we fit all of that in? 👇 Ready to book your cake smash?

Should you still get photos done when your kids are teenagers and older?

Life starts changing fast.

Schedules don’t line up the same.
They’re out with friends more.
Conversations get shorter.
And before you realize it… the house feels a little quieter.

Here’s how I approach these sessions:
I don’t force anything that feels unnatural. No overly posed moments. I guide you into simple, relaxed interactions so it still feels like your family, just in this season.

Are your kids at this stage yet? 👇
Ready to book your family session?

26 4
Open post by gilmorestudios with ID 18094728521165718
Should you still get photos done when your kids are teenagers and older? Life starts changing fast. Schedules don’t line up the same. They’re out with friends more. Conversations get shorter. And before you realize it… the house feels a little quieter. Here’s how I approach these sessions: I don’t force anything that feels unnatural. No overly posed moments. I guide you into simple, relaxed interactions so it still feels like your family, just in this season. Are your kids at this stage yet? 👇 Ready to book your family session?

Newport Beach, CA & Gilbert, AZ

Session by appointment only

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