Extended family sessions always hold something really special—there’s a little bit of everything: movement, laughter, chaos, and those in-between moments that somehow mean the most. I met up with the Navarro family over Labor Day weekend at Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz, where they were all staying together for a few days along the coast. With multiple families coming together—parents, siblings, and a whole crew of little ones—it felt like such a meaningful way to document this season of life. There were four-month-olds, one-year-olds, and a busy three-year-old, which meant the session was full of energy in the best way. We leaned into it, keeping things relaxed and flexible so everyone could just be present instead of trying to force perfectly posed moments. Even on a busy holiday weekend, we were able to find pockets of calm along the beach, letting the kids explore, play near the water, and just be themselves. We captured a mix of each individual family along with the full group, creating a gallery that feels both connected and personal. These kinds of sessions are always a reminder that photos don’t have to be perfectly still to be meaningful—they just have to feel like you. If you’re looking for a Santa Cruz family photographer, sessions like this are always approached in a documentary, easygoing way so you can actually enjoy your time together while I capture it all as it naturally unfolds.
