Family sessions that feel playful, relaxed, and full of movement are always so fun to capture, and the Barnette family’s session at Four Mile Beach was exactly that. With two little ones—Jazzy, full of energy and curiosity, and Jaden just about to turn one—this session was all about embracing the chaos in the best way. We met during golden hour, when the light softens and the coastline glows, giving us the perfect setting for a laid-back evening by the ocean. The girls ran, explored, and played freely, and we leaned into those moments rather than trying to slow things down or force poses. It was a mix of laughter, sandy toes, and those sweet in-between interactions that tell the real story of a family in this season. Celebrating Jaden’s first birthday made it even more special, capturing such a fleeting moment in time. For families in Santa Cruz looking for a photographer who focuses on fun, natural, and unposed moments, beach sessions at places like Four Mile Beach are a perfect way to document real life in a way that feels both beautiful and true to you.
