Simple Sophistication

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

Simple Sophistication

Crystal Cove Family Portrait – Newport Beach

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.

 

Crystal Cove family 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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Simple Sophistication

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The secret to an stress-free session?
Choosing the right location.

This family had a party right after, so we kept everything simple and close. No extra driving, no rushing… just time together.

And it made all the difference.

If you’re planning family photos, I’ll help you choose a location that actually works for your day.

Send me a message and let’s plan it.

12 1
Open post by gilmorestudios with ID 17867791689502716
The secret to an stress-free session? Choosing the right location. This family had a party right after, so we kept everything simple and close. No extra driving, no rushing… just time together. And it made all the difference. If you’re planning family photos, I’ll help you choose a location that actually works for your day. Send me a message and let’s plan it.

Three things every parent should know before sending their child on a mission.

First… this season is full of lasts.
But it’s also the beginning of a whole new life of firsts for them.

Second… saying goodbye at the airport is hard.
You prepare for it, you know it’s the right thing… but you still miss them more than you expect.
And suddenly, everything reminds you of them.

And third… P-days become the day you look forward to the most.
That one day a week when you get to hear their voice, read their messages, and feel connected again.

• Save this if you’re in this season 🤍
OR
• Send this to a parent preparing for a mission

It’s a big transition… for them and for you. #missionarymom #missionary #ldsmission

67 11
Open post by gilmorestudios with ID 18071074220246612
Three things every parent should know before sending their child on a mission. First… this season is full of lasts. But it’s also the beginning of a whole new life of firsts for them. Second… saying goodbye at the airport is hard. You prepare for it, you know it’s the right thing… but you still miss them more than you expect. And suddenly, everything reminds you of them. And third… P-days become the day you look forward to the most. That one day a week when you get to hear their voice, read their messages, and feel connected again. • Save this if you’re in this season 🤍 OR • Send this to a parent preparing for a mission It’s a big transition… for them and for you. #missionarymom #missionary #ldsmission

Turn your body slightly instead of facing the camera straight on.

Shift your weight to one leg, relax your shoulders, and bring your heads a little closer together.

Small adjustments like this make your photos feel more natural immediately.

Comment POSE if you want more simple tips.

5 0
Open post by gilmorestudios with ID 18081524000059480
Turn your body slightly instead of facing the camera straight on. Shift your weight to one leg, relax your shoulders, and bring your heads a little closer together. Small adjustments like this make your photos feel more natural immediately. Comment POSE if you want more simple tips.

In my experience, shooting during the first few weeks is ideal. During these early days, babies tend to sleep more and curl up in those naturally cozy positions we all adore in newborn portraits. Make sure to reach out and get on the calendar before the baby is born. We want to have some wiggle room with timing once the little one arrives.

3 1
Open post by gilmorestudios with ID 18104041495873964
In my experience, shooting during the first few weeks is ideal. During these early days, babies tend to sleep more and curl up in those naturally cozy positions we all adore in newborn portraits. Make sure to reach out and get on the calendar before the baby is born. We want to have some wiggle room with timing once the little one arrives.

The open environment at Back Bay invites your kids to explore, walk, and twirl safely. I’m there to guide you into natural poses, creating moments that are genuine rather than staged. The golden hour (right before sunset) is the best time for a session at this location.

6 0
Open post by gilmorestudios with ID 18092980850042798
The open environment at Back Bay invites your kids to explore, walk, and twirl safely. I’m there to guide you into natural poses, creating moments that are genuine rather than staged. The golden hour (right before sunset) is the best time for a session at this location.

Newport Beach, CA & Gilbert, AZ

Session by appointment only

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