From Posed to Playful

Oceanside Family Beach Shoot

This Oceanside family session is what Southern California dreams are made of-sun, surf, and sweet family connection. As an Orange County family photographer, I’m always inspired by families who truly live in their joy, and this shoot was the perfect reflection of that energy.

We started the session at one of the family’s favorite beach spots in Oceanside, CA. It’s a location they go to often, and incorporating that personal element added a whole new layer of meaning to their photos. They showed up looking put-together and effortlessly stylish for the first part of our session-think elevated yet still relaxed, perfect for timeless portraits with a lifestyle feel.

After we captured those more formal family shots, the real fun began. The kids changed into swimsuits, grabbed their surfboards, and hit the waves! I swapped out my lens for a long one so I could hang back and capture them candidly in their element—laughing, surfing, and just being totally carefree. It was pure magic.

This Southern California lifestyle family photoshoot was filled with all the things I love to capture-candid energy, warm tones, movement, and that genuine connection that brings big smiles to everyone’s faces. From barefoot beach walks to baby waves perfect for first-time surfers, it was the kind of session that just felt like summer.

If you’re a family that loves the outdoors and wants images that reflect your lifestyle-not just poses-this is your sign to go for it. Oceanside, San Clemente, Laguna, Newport… anywhere you love to play is the perfect spot for your own carefree, candid family photoshoot.

Photos by Kelsie Carlson, Orange County Family Photographer