On a weekday, nearing the end of summer, I had the wonderful opportunity to photograph my friend Alexis, her two beautiful younger children, and her mother Sandy at the picture-perfect and the local surfer destination, Manresa State Beach in Santa Cruz County. We started our photoshoot at 10 am, greeted by a beautifully foggy morning that added a touch of magic to our session.
Manresa State Beach, known for its stunning coastline and serene atmosphere, charges a $10 parking fee, which is well worth it for the experience. Alternatively, you can do what we did: go to your local county library and check out a state park parking pass and pay nothing. For more information on this lovely beach, you can visit HERE.
As we arrived, the beach was still relatively quiet, with only a few surfers catching the morning waves and life guards instructing a camp for children. The early hour turned out to be perfect as there weren’t too many beachgoers yet, making it easier for me to crop any stray people out of the background later. Also the sun was hidden behind the clouds, making the natural lighting work perfectly for the photoshoot.
I had hoped to capture some aerial shots with my drone, but unfortunately, drones are not permitted at Manresa State Beach. Nonetheless, we made the most of the natural beauty around us. We incorporated the weathered driftwood scattered along the beach, the rugged coastal brush, and the rocky outcrops into our photos, each adding a unique element to the portraits.
Alexis' children were full of energy, making every moment delightful. Sandy’s gentle smile and warm presence added a lovely dynamic to the family portraits. As the fog gradually lifted, the clearer sky enhanced the light, providing us with a perfect naturally lit setting.
The photoshoot, set against the beautiful scenery of Manresa, was a heartwarming experience that captured the love and connection within Alexis's family. It served as a lovely reminder of the significance of family and the happiness that comes with preserving these special moments through photography.
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