The 8 Best Family Photographers in Orange County, CA

Have you been searching endlessly for the best Orange County family photographers? Then your search ends here since that’s exactly what we at Peerspace have in store for you! We love Southern California for both its sunshine and the depth of its talent pool. This goes double when it comes to family photographers who specialize in capturing families with little ones. From the peaceful parks of Irvine to the coastal towns of San Clemente, Huntington Beach, and more, OC has no shortage of picturesque locations.

Speaking of picturesque locations, Peerspace can help you out with that, too. As the largest online marketplace for hourly venue rentals, we have hundreds of stunning venues in OC alone. From beach houses and treehouses to lofts and galleries, our venues are ideal for serving as a dreamy, unforgettable backdrop to your events and photoshoots. Without further ado, check out the most noteworthy Orange County family photographers.

1. Bryan and Cherise Marsh of Native Heart Photography

Bryan and Cherise Marsh are the two self-taught and wildly talented creatives at Native Heart Photography. Their style is natural, just authentic moments captured as they happen. They also offer just enough editing to make everyone look their best. It totally works and is and totally without gimmicks.

Of course, they bundle up newborns, but in a sweet and organic way. They produce gorgeous, candid maternity portraits, allowing you to remember how it felt to be you in that exact moment, full of hope and joy. All of their work is done in natural light. That way, you are virtually guaranteed a true and glowing representation of yourself and your family.

2. Sasha of Life Now Photography

Sasha is the kind of artist who loves the boldness of color. In fact, the richness of it comes through in every one of her photos. Each of her shots has a splash of color, whether it’s the bright turquoise of a baby blanket or the endlessly variable sunsets, with just enough saturation to make the colors pop. One of the most talented Orange County family photographers, she boasts an eye honed for tiny details like sandy hands and crooked grins, as well as a knack for using the landscape create her sweet portraits.

We also love how Sasha describes her journey to becoming a top-rated family photographer. “Random fact: I actually started this photography journey without ever intending to. I had a mom blog. Not the latest trends and food kind, but words of encouragement to other mommas in the trenches of life with littles. After a couple of my writings went “viral” on social media I decided I wanted better photos of my kids to go with the words, and so I learned the in and outs of my little camera and shot them day and night like a mad woman. *Sorry kids!”

3. Alison Bernier Photography

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Alison Bernier has a lifestyle photography style — blending the reality of the moment with just enough polish to give it a lovely finish. She uses a combination of unposed and unprompted moments alongside her editorial eye to develop the narrative of your family pictures. Her editing is light and bright — perfect for posting all over social media or printing to display in your home for years to come.

We love her combination of playful moments alongside those serious, in-between moments, as both are true representations of her subjects. If you are looking for a photographer who will tell your story in its entirety, Alison is a perfect choice. 

4. Bethany Jean Photography

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There is a remarkable team of women at Bethany Jean Photography. All have a cohesive aesthetic and are amazing photographers on their own. Yet, when they combine their talents, wow! Their styles tend to be rich and full of emotion, sometimes with a vintage vibe in the editing — a little low contrast and orange hues go a long way in making a photograph feel reminiscent of film. Whatever the occasion, from a newborn lifestyle shoot to an outdoors family session, let these ladies make unforgettable memories with you as they capture the moments that matter.

In terms of what to expect with Bethany Jean and co, we’ll let Bethany explain in her own words. “I only shoot during golden hour to get the dreamiest, soft glow for your session. I focus on capturing authentic emotion and connection.”

5. Sonja Hammad Photography

An all-around talented photographer, Sonja Hammad takes certain aspects from each of her genres of photography and blends them to create an awe-inspiring body of work. Her experience as a portrait artist means that you will look your best when she clicks the shutter, as she always has an eye out for genuine moments.

Her flexibility in different lighting conditions means she’s equally comfortable shooting in glowing natural sunlight or using a bright window to help sculpt her subjects during an in-home session. Sonja is one of our favorite Orange County family photographers for her diverse skill set, as well as the gorgeous results! 

6. Kristin Karkoska of Blue Sky’s Studio

Laguna Beach-dwelling photographer Kristin Karkoska has won us over, alongside countless families. It’s no wonder she’s considered one of the premier Orange County family photographers. Her aesthetic is magazine-ready — with compositions effectively drawing the eye. Mix in a light-filled and airy high-key editing style and the result is plenty of candid and sweet moments. Since she carefully crops a frame to maximize impact and focuses on genuine moments, her portfolio is truly a winner! 

7. Jenny Mason Photography

Jenny Mason is among the top Orange County family photographers with a fine-art sensibility. Her work is also carefully planned and beautifully executed to tell the story as it unfolds. We love seeing new parents welcome their baby home, a baby staring quizzically into the camera, and all genuine smiles. If you are just beginning your family, she is there to capture it all, with her signature artistic sensibilities and an added dose of dreaminess. Jenny was also named 2021 Diamond Photographer of the Year by the Professional Photographers of America. We’re far from the only ones who think her work is top-notch!

8. Lin & Jirsa of Line and Roots

If you love breathtaking, organic shots of families enjoying themselves in the great outdoors of OC, you will love the work of Line and Roots’s Lin and Jirsa. Their portraits can be deeply shadowed, adding a sense of moodiness and drama, or slightly contrasted to increase depth and an emotional quality. They often use the abundant Southern California sun as a design element — either using it to rim light the subject or allow the flare to create a whole other dimension to the photograph. We just think their work is fabulous.

Bonus: Cathy Murai Photography

The family photography work of Cathy Murai stands out for its clean, sophisticated, and polished style. She specializes in newborn photography, gently posing little ones and snapping away to ensure you have treasured keepsakes of these precious, fleeting moments. Interestingly, Cathy started her business as a pet photographer but eventually extended her services to include all of the adorable members of your family. Whether you want photos of your kids, your dogs, or the whole crew, you can rely on Cathy to deliver stellar images to cherish forever.

Peerspace loves Orange County family photographers

If you’re looking for family photographers, then we hope this list of Orange County family photographers has put your search to an end. Be sure to get in touch with your favorite and book your session asap! Once you do, head back over here to Peerspace and book a perfectly dreamy venue for your shoot. It’s the perfect way to add a special touch to your special day.

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