San Clemente Family Portraits

San Clemente Pier is an iconic relic of old Orange County and a fantastic spot for a family portrait. The old wooden pier is a quintessential California backdrop for your photos, as well as Parque Del Mar located next to the public parking lot on the bluff overlooking the entire scene. Learn more about Christopher Todd Studios' family photography.

Why It's Great

The beach is beautiful and easy to access. However, I like to start family sessions up on the grassy bluff adjacent to the public parking lot, to get a nice view of the beach and entire pier. San Clemente Pier is very popular so it's a good idea to arrive early so you're not stressing out looking for parking. This pier is great for morning photo sessions.

Other favorite piers in Orange County we love to photograph families are Newport Pier and Seal Beach Pier

About San Clemente

Location: San Clemente Pier in Southern Orange County.

Parking: Metered Parking in the public lot on the Northside of the pier. Enter off Avenida Del Mar. Also free parking on most streets.

Restrooms: Yes. Located at the entrance of the pier.

Address: San Clemente Pier, San Clemente, CA 92672

Best time of day for photography: Early morning, or one hour before sunset. The best sunsets in Orange County are in the Winter from December-February.

About This Portrait Session

This would be the last time Lisa would see her twins for two years. It was important for Lisa to get family portraits done this summer because her twin boys were about to leave home for their missionary assignments. Since the entire family wouldn’t be together for two years, Lisa wanted to create a giant portrait with all twelve of them for her wall to bring her joy during the separation.

Both Lisa’s twins were lifeguards in San Clemente, and her family spent countless weekends surfing and hanging out at the pier since the kids were toddlers. The deep connection they had to this location made it the obvious choice for their family portrait.

We look forward to hearing the stories about their experience when the kids return in the future, and it’s time to mark another family milestone.

Above is one reason why you should get your family photographed yearly when possible.