Simple Sophistication

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

Crystal Cove Cottages – Senior Portrait

03.08.18

Senior Portrait Photography Session – Crystal Cove State Park

We caught up with Mae and her family while they were vacationing in Newport Beach. Mae is a senior in high school and wanted to get her senior portrait taken at the historic cottages in Crystal Cove! We met at the parking area across the street where the shuttle stops. We walked down the pathway and through the tunnel to the cottages. There are great spots for photos everywhere- but keep in mind, they do require a photo permit. Be sure to go online and apply for a permit if you want to shoot here.

Senior Portrait Photography Tips

Bring multiple outfits – Make sure they are ironed and ready to go.
Variety is key- we can help you choose your outfits if you are struggling. We love layers!
Dresses and skirts photograph well but be sure to bring your favorite jeans, too.
Wear heels! Whether pumps or boots, dressy or casual, heels make you stand out and look great.
If you are self-conscious about your arms, avoid sleeveless or tank tops.
Bring a brush and mirror for quick hair touch-ups. Ask a best friend to come along and help!
Bring props that help show who you are. What do you love? Let’s incorporate these things into your session.
Makeup should only be slightly heavier than normal but don’t go crazy with your mascara!
Create a Pinterest board and share some of your favorite looks with us.

ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHERS

Gilmore Studios is a team of maternity, newborn, children and family photographers 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 studio & natural light photography in Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Corona Del Mar, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, Huntington Beach, and surrounding areas in OC and Los Angeles, CA. Call 949-698-3968 or email us to book your 2018 high school senior portrait photography session.

by GilmoreTags: Crystal Cove cottages, crystal cove permits, crystal cove photographer, high school senior photo, high school senior portrait, newport beach senior portrait, orange county senior portrait session, senior portrait session

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

Featured On the blog

Simple Sophistication

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Have you ever noticed how the most meaningful moments don’t need much at all?
The power was out in the church during this baptism, which made everything feel quieter and more intentional. Just family, faith, and a moment that truly mattered. Sometimes simplicity has a way of stripping things back to what is most important.

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Have you ever noticed how the most meaningful moments don’t need much at all?
The power was out in the church during this baptism, which made everything feel quieter and more intentional. Just family, faith, and a moment that truly mattered. Sometimes simplicity has a way of stripping things back to what is most important.

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Who says Christmas photos have to be serious?

This family showed up in red, brought the energy, and leaned fully into the fun. The funny poses, the laughs, and the personalities are exactly what made this session feel so them. These are the photos you smile at every time you walk by them.

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This one was done at Balboa in the fog, and honestly, it worked perfectly. Soft light, calm energy, and nothing distracting. A great reminder that headshots do not have to be stiff or overly polished to feel professional.

4 1

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Do your headshots actually feel like you?

This one was done at Balboa in the fog, and honestly, it worked perfectly. Soft light, calm energy, and nothing distracting. A great reminder that headshots do not have to be stiff or overly polished to feel professional.

2025 looked like:
• 152 sessions
• New faces, familiar faces
• More gratitude than I can fit here
This work continues to surprise me. I’m thankful for the trust, the connection, and the moments I was honored to document this year. If you were part of it, thank you.

13 2

Open post by gilmorestudios with ID 18098456671918365

2025 looked like:
• 152 sessions
• New faces, familiar faces
• More gratitude than I can fit here
This work continues to surprise me. I’m thankful for the trust, the connection, and the moments I was honored to document this year. If you were part of it, thank you.

Do you ever realize how much changes in just one year?

This was their session from last year, and looking back at these candid moments is such a reminder of why yearly photos matter. You don’t notice the little changes day to day, but you feel them when you see them like this.

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Do you ever realize how much changes in just one year?

This was their session from last year, and looking back at these candid moments is such a reminder of why yearly photos matter. You don’t notice the little changes day to day, but you feel them when you see them like this.

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Newport Beach, CA & Gilbert, AZ

Session by appointment only