Crystal Cove Family Portrait Session
This Crystal Cove family portrait session is a perfect example of how many different looks you can get in one gorgeous location. We always meet our clients across the street from the beach at the main parking lot. Next we take walk on the path that eventually leads to the Beachcomber restaurant and Crystal Cove Cottages. There are some great outdoor spots before you even get to the beach! The kids always love to walk through the tunnel that goes under Pacific Coast Highway, so we always like to get a couple photos there.
After you pass through the tunnel, there is a row of very old and rustic garage sheds that were used by the original residents who used to live here from the 1920’s all the way until 2001. Once inside, we like to wander around the cottages and look for cool colors and textures. From there, we head to the beach! We always tell our clients to make diner reservations at the Beachcomber for a treat after the session. There is a shuttle that will take you back to your car for $1 per person.
Crystal Cove History
This whole area was originally part of the Irvine family’s ranch. It’s hard to believe that the cottages were built by squatters in the 20’s and 30’s! The Irvine Company eventually let the residents stay if they agreed to lease the land. In 1979, Irvine Company sold the land to the State of California. In 2001 the leases on the cottages expired and plans were drawn up for a luxury resort. Residents started up the Crystal Cove Alliance and were able to save the site and make sure it was protected from being destroyed.
Crystal Cove Beach Cottages
Today, 21 of the cottages are restored and available for you to rent. They are not easy to get, and are booked 7 months out! Be sure to research these tips if you want to stay here! You can check out each one of the restored cottages here. The north side of the beach has 17 more cottages that are fenced off and are all original. As of 2017, plans have finally been approved for these to be restored for public use! Here is a map of Crystal Cove.
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 & fall 2017 family photography sessions.
