There’s something special about photographing an extended family when everyone has come together on California’s Central Coast. These sessions aren’t just about getting one great photograph of the entire group—they’re about documenting all the smaller relationships that make up a family.
This recent extended family portrait session in Morro Bay was a perfect example. With three generations together, we were able to photograph the entire family while also creating portraits of the individual couples, grandparents, parents with their baby, and some of the wonderful little combinations that happen naturally during an extended family session. And with another little one on the way, the morning even turned into a bit of a maternity session as well.
And with Morro Rock, the sand dunes, beach grasses, and Pacific Ocean surrounding us, we couldn’t have asked for a more distinctly Morro Bay setting.
More Than Just One Big Family Photograph
One of the things I love about extended family sessions is that they’re about much more than one big group photograph. We make time for the entire family together, but also for the smaller relationships within it—grandparents with grandchildren, couples, individual families, siblings, and those quieter in-between moments that often become some of my favorite images from the session.
Having their little one there made this an especially sweet season of family life to photograph.
It’s also important to photograph each individual family within the larger group, giving them their own family portrait while everyone is together.
Some of my favorite photographs are the ones that happen a little more spontaneously—like this joyful moment shared between three members of the family.
And of course, we made time for a few one-on-one moments with the littlest member of the family.
And of course, we photographed other smaller family combinations that will become increasingly meaningful as the years go by.
This is one of the reasons I especially enjoy photographing extended families. A single session can create photographs of relationships that families simply don’t have many opportunities to document professionally.
Grandparents Deserve Their Own Photographs, Too
One of my favorite things to do during a multigenerational family session is pull the grandparents aside for photographs of just the two of them.
Often they’re the reason everyone is together in the first place, yet they’re usually accustomed to being surrounded by children and grandchildren whenever the camera comes out.
These two made my job particularly easy.
We also created a few portraits among the beach grasses, giving them something completely different from the photographs we made closer to the water.
Letting the Little Moments Happen
Of course, when there’s a baby involved, some of my favorite photographs aren’t necessarily the ones we planned.
Sometimes you simply give a little one some space and see what happens.
Those photographs are a good reminder of why I don’t want a family portrait session to feel like an hour of everyone standing still and looking at the camera. The traditional portraits are important, but so are the expressions, laughter and interactions that happen between them.
Planning a Family Portrait Session in Morro Bay
If your family is visiting Morro Bay, Paso Robles, Cayucos, Cambria or elsewhere on California’s Central Coast, getting everyone together can be a wonderful opportunity for an extended family portrait session.
Many of the families I photograph are here for a vacation, reunion, milestone birthday or simply a rare weekend when children, parents and grandparents are all in the same place.
My goal is to make the session relaxed and enjoyable while giving you much more than one photograph of the entire group. We’ll photograph the full family, individual households, grandparents, couples, children and other combinations that are important to you.
And when we’re somewhere as beautiful as Morro Bay, we’ll also make the location part of the story. If you’re considering a beach session elsewhere on the Central Coast, I’ve also put together a guide to some of my favorite beach locations for family portraits.
For this family, I can’t think of a better way to finish the morning than everyone walking together along the beach with Morro Rock behind them.
If you’re looking for a Morro Bay family photographer while your family is visiting the Central Coast, getting everyone together can be a wonderful opportunity to create photographs of the people who matter most. You can also learn more about my family portrait sessions and pricing before planning your session.
One of my favorite things about photographing extended families in Paso Robles Wine Country is that these sessions often happen when everyone has traveled from different places to simply spend time together. With grandparents, grown children, spouses, and grandchildren all in one place, a family getaway becomes the perfect opportunity to create photographs that may become even more meaningful as the years go by.
I recently had the pleasure of photographing this wonderful extended family during their stay at Oak & Vine Vineyard Estate in Templeton, just minutes from Paso Robles. Surrounded by beautiful oak trees and the relaxed landscape of wine country, it was an ideal setting for a multigenerational family portrait session.
Family Portraits at an Oak & Vine Vacation Rental
One of the things I love about photographing families at their vacation rental is how easy it makes the experience. There’s no need to load everyone into multiple cars and travel to a separate portrait location. Instead, I come to you and we make use of the beautiful surroundings that are already part of your family’s time together.
Oak & Vine works especially well for this. With two vacation homes surrounded by mature oaks, vineyard views and plenty of outdoor space, there were so many beautiful areas right around the property for us to use. The setting feels distinctly Central Coast: beautiful California oaks, warm evening light and enough space to photograph a large family without losing the relaxed feeling that makes these sessions so enjoyable.
The Entire Family—and the Smaller Families Too
Whenever I’m photographing an extended family, we always begin with the photographs that brought everyone together in the first place: the entire family. But that’s only part of the session. One of the questions I’m frequently asked is whether I’ll also photograph the individual families, grandparents with grandchildren, couples and other combinations. Absolutely. I consider those photographs an important part of every extended-family session. Once we have everyone together, we work our way through the smaller family groups so everyone goes home with photographs that are meaningful specifically to them.
Those photographs have a way of becoming more valuable with time. What begins as a portrait during a family vacation can eventually become a wonderful record of grandparents, parents and grandchildren at one particular moment in their family’s story.
We photograph the important combinations, but we also have fun with it. Not every photograph needs everyone standing perfectly in a row looking directly at the camera.
Those smaller groupings also give everyone a little breathing room throughout the session and create much more variety in the finished gallery.
A Beautiful Place for Families to Gather in Templeton
Oak & Vine is a particularly fitting location for extended families visiting the area. The estate’s two vacation homes can accommodate groups of different sizes—the Garden House accommodates up to 12 guests and the larger Vineyard House up to 21—making the property especially suited to families gathering together in wine country.
For me as a photographer, though, what really stands out is the setting itself. The mature oaks, open landscape and late-day Central Coast light provide the kind of natural backdrop I love for family portraits.
And when the session is happening right where everyone is staying, there’s something especially nice about knowing these photographs will always be connected to the place where the family spent this time together.
Planning an Extended Family Portrait Session in Paso Robles or Templeton?
If you’re planning a family reunion or staying at a vacation rental in Paso Robles, Templeton, or elsewhere on California’s Central Coast, I’d love to photograph your family while everyone is together.
I regularly photograph extended and multigenerational families at private homes, vineyard estates, Airbnbs and vacation rentals throughout Paso Robles Wine Country. My goal is to make the experience relaxed and enjoyable while creating a collection of photographs that reflects everyone who made the trip special.
There’s Something Special About Bringing the Whole Family Together in Paso Robles Wine Country
As an extended family photographer in Paso Robles, I have the privilege of photographing wonderful families visiting Paso Robles from all over California. I often photograph families from across the country as well. As an extended family photographer in Paso Robles, I get to witness so many special moments. While everyone comes for different reasons, many share one thing in common. They’re gathering together for a long-awaited family reunion at a beautiful vacation rental in the heart of wine country.
There’s something incredibly meaningful about having grandparents, parents, children, and grandchildren all under one roof. These weekends are filled with laughter, shared meals, stories around the dinner table, and afternoons by the pool. As a result, you get memories that will be talked about for years to come.
Nestled among the rolling hills of Paso Robles wine country, Beginnings Ranch & Vineyard provides an absolutely breathtaking setting for families looking to reconnect, relax, and celebrate being together. With its stunning architecture, beautifully landscaped grounds, and vineyard surroundings, it was the perfect backdrop for capturing memories that will last a lifetime. The soft morning light complemented the beautiful surroundings and created a bright, timeless look throughout the session.
As a Paso Robles family photographer, sessions like this have become some of my absolute favorites. Over the years I’ve developed a niche photographing extended families staying at luxury Airbnb and VRBO vacation rentals throughout Paso Robles, Templeton, and the surrounding North County communities. Consequently, the relaxed atmosphere creates genuine smiles, authentic interactions, and portraits that simply can’t be recreated in a traditional studio setting.
One reason I enjoy photographing extended families at vacation rentals is that everyone is already where they want to be. Children stay relaxed, and grandparents don’t have to travel between locations. The session naturally unfolds at the pace of the family’s vacation. It’s one of the reasons Beginnings Ranch was such a perfect setting for this session.
For this wonderful family, Beginnings Ranch & Vineyard offered everything we could have hoped for. Beautiful oak trees, colorful gardens, and winding pathways were just a short walk away. Elegant landscaping and countless portrait locations were similarly accessible, allowing us to create a gallery filled with variety without ever leaving the property.
Questions About Hiring an Extended Family Photographer in Paso Robles
One of the most common questions I hear from families planning an extended family portrait session is: “Since you’re photographing our entire extended family, can we also have photos taken of each individual family?” I always smile because my answer is the same. Absolutely – I encourage it.
When families invest in bringing everyone together—often traveling from several different states—it only makes sense to take advantage of having everyone in one place. After photographing the entire extended family, we naturally transition into the smaller groupings that tell the rest of the family’s story. These include:
Each immediate family
Grandparents with grandchildren
Parents with their children
Adult siblings and couples
Cousins together
Individual portraits
One of my favorite parts of every session is knowing that each family goes home with portraits they’ll proudly display for years to come—not only of the entire extended family, but of their own family as well. In fact, many of my clients tell me this is one of the biggest reasons they choose to schedule their portraits while everyone is together in Paso Robles.
Years from now, those individual family portraits often become just as meaningful as the portrait of the entire extended family. They’re the photographs that end up framed on living room walls and shared with future generations. Furthermore, they are treasured long after the vacation has ended.
When everyone is finally together in one beautiful place, it’s the perfect opportunity to preserve not just what your family looked like—but what this season of life felt like. That’s one of the many reasons I genuinely love photographing extended family vacations here in Paso Robles wine country.
FROM ONE LOCATION… COUNTLESS PORTRAITS
Once the full family portrait was finished, the session took on a relaxed rhythm of its own. Because this family included several young children, a morning session was the perfect choice. Everyone was relaxed, the children were full of energy, and the soft natural light beautifully complemented the peaceful surroundings at Beginnings Ranch & Vineyard.
Rather than packing everyone into cars or moving to another location, we simply explored the beautiful grounds of Beginnings Ranch & Vineyard together. Every few minutes we discovered another backdrop that perfectly suited a different family combination.
One quiet corner became the setting for grandparents with their grandchildren. A shaded oak tree was perfect for individual families. The gardens created a beautiful backdrop for couples and siblings. Even a simple walking path turned into one of my favorite spots for candid moments and playful interactions with the children.
One of the advantages of photographing families this way is that nobody feels rushed. While one group is being photographed, everyone else has time to relax, visit, enjoy the property, and simply spend time together.
Some of my favorite photographs from the evening weren’t planned at all—they happened naturally between the posed portraits. A grandparent sharing a laugh with a grandchild. Cousins playing together. Parents watching their children explore the gardens.
Those unscripted moments often become just as meaningful as the portraits themselves.
WHY THESE PHOTOGRAPHS MATTER MORE WITH EACH PASSING YEAR
As I finished editing this session, I found myself thinking about something that has become more meaningful to me with every passing year. Photographs have a unique way of becoming more valuable over time.
Today, these images celebrate a wonderful family vacation in Paso Robles wine country. But years from now, they’ll remind this family of children who have grown taller, grandparents who brought everyone together, and cousins who spent an unforgettable week laughing and exploring. Additionally, they capture a season of life that can never be recreated exactly the same way again.
That’s why I never think of these sessions as simply taking family pictures. They’re about preserving relationships, memories, and an entire chapter in a family’s story. It was truly a pleasure spending the morning with this wonderful family at Beginnings Ranch & Vineyard. I hope these photographs bring smiles to their faces for many years to come.
If you’re planning your own extended family portrait session in Paso Robles, you’ll find everything you need to know—including pricing, session details, and answers to frequently asked questions—on my pricing and information page.
Because sometimes the most meaningful photograph isn’t the one hanging on your wall today… It’s the one your grandchildren will cherish years from now.
There is a unique energy that comes with a high school graduation. It’s a season of “lasts” and “firsts”—the last few months under one roof before the first big steps into adulthood. While the spotlight is rightfully on the graduate, I’ve found that these sessions are often just as meaningful for the parents.
Recently, I had the pleasure of capturing this milestone along Moonstone Drive in Cambria. While I spend a great deal of my time shooting lifestyle sessions near the Morro Bay Rock or along the pier in Cayucos, there is something undeniably special about the rugged, rocky coastline of Cambria for a senior portrait. As we moved from the dramatic cliffs to the shoreline, we did something I’m now encouraging all my clients to do: we took ten minutes at the end of the session to bring the whole family into the frame.
Whether we are exploring the tide pools in Cayucos, the iconic vistas of Morro Bay, or the hidden coves of Cambria, those final few minutes allow us to capture the emotional core of this transition.
Ready to book your own Central Coast milestone? View my Cayucos & Morro Bay Portrait Gallery here. Note: I now offer a limited 10-minute family add-on for all senior commissions. Mention this post when booking for details.
You planned this trip to slow down, reconnect, and actually enjoy being together. If you’re visiting Paso Robles with family, the last thing you want is to load everyone into cars, fight traffic, hunt for parking, and rush through a photo session in a crowded public spot. Some of the most meaningful family portraits can be created right where you’re already staying.
That’s why I specialize in on-site family portrait sessions at your Airbnb, vacation rental, or vineyard estate in Paso Robles and across the Central Coast. I come to you, work with the natural light and surroundings of your property, and create relaxed, authentic family photographs that reflect the connection and personality of your family.
Why On-Site Family Portraits Work So Well
Vacation time is limited, and coordinating a family portrait session can quickly become complicated—especially with young children, grandparents, or a large multigenerational family. One of the biggest advantages of photographing everyone at your vacation rental is simply how easy it makes the experience.
Instead of coordinating cars, meeting at another location, finding parking, and getting everyone there at the same time, your family can stay right where you’re already comfortable. Young children can take a break if they need one, grandparents don’t have to walk long distances, and everyone has a little more room to relax.
I can also use different areas around the property to give you variety without having to travel anywhere. A vineyard, oak trees, gardens, patios, porches, open fields and even the architecture of the home can all become beautiful settings for photographs.
Most importantly, staying in one familiar place gives us time to photograph more than just the entire group together. With extended families, I also make time for individual families, grandparents with grandchildren, couples, siblings, cousins and the smaller relationships that are such an important part of these gatherings.
The result is a session that feels less like another activity everyone has to squeeze into the vacation and more like part of the time you’re already spending together.
Paso Robles and the surrounding wine country are filled with beautiful private properties—vineyards, rolling hills, oak trees, gardens, porches, patios and open spaces that can become wonderful settings for family portraits.
Your vacation rental is your family’s home while you’re here, and I approach each property a little differently. Before we begin, I take some time to walk around, study the natural light and look for the areas that will photograph best. Often, some of the simplest spots around a property turn out to be my favorites.
This works especially well for extended and multigenerational families staying together in a larger Airbnb or vacation rental. Everyone is already in one place, and we can move easily between the full family portrait and all of the smaller combinations without packing up and driving somewhere else.
Whether you’re staying at a vineyard estate in Paso Robles, a quiet country property in Templeton, or a vacation home surrounded by the rolling hills of wine country, the property itself becomes part of the story of your family’s time together.
Family Portraits Throughout Paso Robles & Templeton
Most of my non-beach family sessions take place in Paso Robles and Templeton, often right at the vacation rental or vineyard property where the family is staying. It’s an area I know well, and the rolling hills, vineyards, oak trees and open countryside give us beautiful options without needing to travel to a separate portrait location.
Paso Robles properties often have that classic wine-country look—vineyards, golden hills, mature oaks and wide-open views. Templeton has a slightly quieter, more rural feel, with beautiful country properties and vacation homes surrounded by open land.
Both areas work especially well for extended and multigenerational families who have rented a larger property so everyone can stay together. Rather than choosing a location simply because it’s picturesque, I look for the best light and backgrounds right where your family is already spending its vacation.
That way, your photographs don’t just show what your family looked like during the trip—they also help tell the story of where you were all together.
Golden Hour Sessions for Natural, Flattering Light
Whenever possible, I like to schedule family sessions when the light is softer and more flattering. In the evening, that often means photographing during golden hour, when the lower sun creates the warm, beautiful light that works so well with the vineyards, oak trees and rolling hills around Paso Robles.
The best time can vary depending on the property itself. Hills, trees, buildings and the direction of the sun all affect when the light will be at its best, so I take those things into consideration when recommending a starting time for your session.
During an extended-family session, we’ll photograph the entire family together, but we’ll also make time for the smaller groupings—individual families, grandparents with grandchildren, couples, siblings, cousins and other combinations that are important to you.
I provide enough direction so everyone knows what to do, while still leaving room for the relaxed interactions and in-between moments that often become some of my favorite photographs. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s connection.
Ideal for Multigenerational Family Gatherings
Many of my on-site sessions are for extended and multigenerational families traveling together—grandparents, adult children, grandchildren, siblings and cousins all sharing the same vacation property.
Photographing everyone where they’re staying makes the session considerably easier. Older family members don’t have to navigate a separate location, young children remain in familiar surroundings, and nobody has to coordinate several cars or worry about getting everyone somewhere at exactly the same time.
It also gives us the flexibility to photograph all of the relationships within the family. We’ll create the full multigenerational portrait, but we’ll also photograph individual families, grandparents with grandchildren, couples, siblings, cousins and any other combinations that are meaningful to you.
Some of my favorite photographs happen in the simplest places—a porch, beneath an oak tree, along a vineyard, or around a fire pit—places that become meaningful because they’re part of where your family spent its time together.
What to Wear for Your Family Portrait Session
I like to keep clothing simple so preparing for your portrait session doesn’t become another stressful part of the trip. Rather than having everyone match exactly, choose a loose color palette and let each person dress comfortably within it. Soft blues, creams, earth tones and other muted colors often work beautifully with the vineyards, oak trees and natural landscape around Paso Robles.
Try to avoid large logos, very bright colors or busy patterns that can pull attention away from the people in the photographs. The goal isn’t for everyone to look identical—it’s simply for the clothing to work well together.
I’ll also help you choose the best starting time based on the property, season and light. Paso Robles can stay quite warm during the day and cool quickly once the sun drops behind the hills, so having a sweater or light jacket nearby for children can be helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions About On-Site Family Photography
Can you take family photos at our Airbnb or vacation rental in Paso Robles? Yes. Many of my family sessions take place right at the Airbnb, vacation rental or vineyard estate where everyone is staying. I work with the natural light and surroundings of the property to create a variety of relaxed family portraits without requiring everyone to travel to another location.
What is the best time of day for family photos in Paso Robles? Late afternoon and early evening often provide beautiful light, but the best starting time depends on the property, season and surroundings. Hills, trees and buildings can all affect the light, so I take those things into consideration when recommending a time for your session.
How far in advance should we book our family portrait session? If your family is visiting Paso Robles for specific vacation dates, I recommend reaching out as soon as you know your travel plans. Spring through fall can book well in advance, particularly around weekends and holidays, but I’m always happy to check availability for shorter-notice sessions.
Do you photograph large or multigenerational families? Absolutely. Extended and multigenerational families are a big part of what I photograph. In addition to the entire family together, we’ll make time for individual families, grandparents with grandchildren, couples, siblings, cousins and other groupings that are important to you.
What if our vacation rental doesn’t have a large yard or vineyard? That’s usually not a problem. A property doesn’t need acres of vineyards or elaborate landscaping to work well for photographs. I’ll look for the best available light and backgrounds around the home, and sometimes a simple porch, oak tree, garden, pathway or open area is all we need.
What should we wear for our Paso Robles family portrait session? I recommend coordinating rather than matching exactly. A loose palette of complementary colors usually photographs beautifully, particularly softer or more muted tones. Most importantly, everyone should feel comfortable and still look like themselves.
Booking Your Paso Robles On-Site Family Photography Session
If you’re planning a family vacation in Paso Robles or Templeton, I recommend reaching out as soon as your travel dates are confirmed. Spring through fall can fill up quickly, particularly around weekends and holidays, and earlier inquiries give us more flexibility when choosing the best day and time for your family.
Once your session is booked, I’ll help with the details—from choosing the best time for the light at your property to simple clothing guidance and anything else that will help make the experience easy.
My goal is for the session to feel like a relaxed part of your family’s time together rather than another event you have to organize during your vacation.
Ready to Book Your Session?
If your family is planning a trip to Paso Robles or Templeton and staying together at an Airbnb, vacation rental or vineyard estate, I’d love to help you create photographs of the time you’re spending together.
Whether it’s a small family getaway or several generations gathering for a special vacation, we’ll make the session relaxed, easy and centered around the people who matter most to you.
Ready to start planning? Reach out and tell me a little about your family, your travel dates and where you’ll be staying.
There’s something truly special about photographing families in Templeton, California—a town that perfectly blends rustic charm with natural beauty. I recently had the joy of capturing an extended family portrait session here, filled with laughter, connection, and warm golden light. Like many of my recent clients, this family was visiting from out of town and staying at a peaceful Airbnb nestled in the Templeton countryside. With rolling hills, vineyard views, and serene open spaces, it provided the perfect backdrop for creating timeless family portraits.
Why Choose Templeton for Your Family Portraits?
If you’re considering Templeton for your family portraits, you’re in for a treat. This charming small town, tucked between Paso Robles and Atascadero, offers a beautiful mix of rustic elegance and relaxed, small-town warmth. From quiet oak-lined roads to scenic vineyard vistas and quaint downtown streets, Templeton provides a variety of natural settings that suit every family’s unique style.
Whether you’re a local or planning a vacation in the area, a family portrait session in Templeton promises stunning results and a laid-back experience you’ll enjoy as much as the photos themselves.
Planning Your Templeton Family Portrait Session
Choose the Right Location
Templeton offers diverse settings for your family portraits, from golden hillside fields to peaceful vineyards and rustic barns. Talk with your Templeton family photographer about locations that reflect your family’s personality and vision.
Consider the Timing
Golden hour—either early morning or just before sunset—is ideal for soft, flattering light. But more importantly, choose a time when your family is relaxed and at ease.
What to Wear
Opt for clothing that complements each other without being overly matched. Soft neutrals, earthy tones, or coordinated palettes work beautifully against Templeton’s natural backdrop and help keep the focus on your family’s connection.
FAQs About Family Portraits in Templeton
Q: How far in advance should we book our session? A: It’s best to book at least 2–3 weeks in advance, especially during spring and fall when demand is high.
Q: Can we include our pets in the portraits? A: Absolutely! Many outdoor locations in Templeton are pet-friendly, but be sure to check with your photographer and any property owners ahead of time.
Q: Are there indoor locations available in case of bad weather? A: Yes, some venues and local businesses in Templeton offer indoor spaces as a backup. Be sure to discuss this option during your session planning.
Let Templeton Inspire Your Next Family Portrait
Choosing Templeton for your family portraits means more than just beautiful photos—it’s about creating a memorable experience in a location that brings out the best in every family. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or simply want to document this season of life, Templeton’s natural beauty and quiet charm set the perfect stage.
Ready to book your Templeton family portrait session? Contact us here as we’d love to help you create lasting memories in the heart of California’s Central Coast.
After more than 25 years photographing families on California’s Central Coast, I’ve learned that the best location for family portraits isn’t always the most obvious one. In Paso Robles, a beautiful setting might be a vineyard at golden hour, a quiet grove of oak trees, a rustic ranch property, or simply the vacation home where several generations of a family have gathered for the weekend.
Paso Robles offers an incredible variety of settings for family photography, from rolling vineyards and oak-covered hills to beautiful private estates and vacation rentals. The right location depends not only on how it looks, but also on the size of your family, the ages of everyone involved, accessibility, privacy, and—perhaps most importantly—the light.
What Makes a Great Paso Robles Family Portrait Location?
When helping families choose a location, these are some of the things I consider:
Natural beauty and Paso Robles character. Vineyards, oak trees, rolling hills and rustic properties immediately give photographs a sense of place without overwhelming the people in them.
Accessibility. This becomes especially important with extended families that may include grandparents, very young children or anyone with limited mobility. A gorgeous location isn’t much help if getting everyone there is difficult.
Beautiful light. Early morning and the hour or so before sunset generally provide the softest and most flattering light. I often choose the exact area we’ll photograph based as much on the direction of the light as the scenery itself.
Privacy and room to move. A little space allows families to relax, particularly when we’re photographing a larger group and then breaking that group into smaller combinations—grandparents with grandchildren, individual families, couples, siblings and children.
Vineyards and Wine Country
It’s hard to think about Paso Robles without thinking about wine country. Vineyards, oak-covered hills and open countryside can provide a beautiful backdrop for family portraits, particularly during the softer light of early morning or evening. One thing families don’t always realize is that photography policies vary from winery to winery. Some properties welcome professional photography while others restrict it, require permission or limit access to guests. Winery hours can also make a true golden-hour session difficult, particularly during the summer when sunset occurs well after many tasting rooms have closed. For those reasons, I always recommend confirming access before planning a session at a particular winery.
Allegretto Vineyard Resort
For families staying at the Allegretto Vineyard Resort, the property offers a very different look from the surrounding countryside. Its European-inspired architecture, courtyards, gardens and vineyard areas provide a variety of backgrounds within a relatively small area.
Professional portrait photography on the property is generally intended for guests, so families considering the Allegretto should confirm the resort’s current photography policies when planning their session.
Many families come to Paso Robles for a birthday, anniversary, wedding weekend or simply an opportunity to have several generations together in one place. Often they’ve rented a large home, vineyard estate or ranch property for the occasion. Instead of packing everyone into several cars and traveling to another location, we can frequently create the entire portrait session right where the family is staying.
And some of these properties are spectacular.
Vineyard views, oak trees, open fields, beautiful architecture, landscaped grounds and wonderful evening light can give us several completely different looks without ever leaving the property.
There is another advantage that I think is just as important: everyone is comfortable. Children have room to be themselves, grandparents don’t have to travel to another location, and the family isn’t surrounded by tourists or other photographers.
For extended-family sessions, I typically photograph much more than one large group portrait. We’ll make time for the entire family together, but also individual families, grandparents with grandchildren, couples, siblings and other smaller combinations. Having a private property with room to work makes that process relaxed and enjoyable.
Oak Groves, Ranches and the Paso Robles Countryside
Some of my favorite portrait locations aren’t named destinations at all.
Paso Robles is filled with oak groves, ranch properties, rustic barns, open fields and rolling hills. Depending on the season, the landscape can range from lush green hills in winter and spring to the warm golden grasses that are so characteristic of the Central Coast later in the year.
These quieter locations can be especially beautiful for families who want their photographs to feel natural and timeless rather than tied to a particular tourist destination.
What About Downtown Paso Robles?
Downtown can work beautifully for a smaller family looking for something different from the traditional wine-country setting. Tree-lined streets, historic buildings and areas surrounding Downtown City Park can provide a more casual, architectural feel.
For larger extended families, however, I generally prefer locations with more room, fewer distractions and greater flexibility—one reason private estates and vacation rentals work so well.
Locations Just Outside Paso Robles
There are also beautiful portrait possibilities throughout North San Luis Obispo County. Templeton, Atascadero and San Miguel each offer their own mix of oak-covered countryside, ranches, vineyards and historic settings.
Mission San Miguel Arcángel, north of Paso Robles, can provide a distinctive backdrop with its historic Spanish architecture. As with any privately managed or historic property, access and professional-photography policies should always be confirmed before scheduling a session.
Oak & Vine in Templeton is one example of a vacation rental where the property itself became a beautiful setting for an extended-family session.
Choosing the Right Location for Your Family
Ultimately, I don’t believe there is one “best” family portrait location in Paso Robles.
The best location is the one that fits your family.
For a couple and their children, that might be a vineyard at sunset. For a multigenerational family of 15 or 20 people, the beautiful vacation home where everyone is already staying may be a much better choice.
When families contact me, I’m always happy to look at the property where they’re staying or talk through other location possibilities. Often a few photographs of a vacation rental are enough for me to determine whether it has the light, space and backgrounds we’ll need.
Paso Robles Family Photography
My approach to family photography is relaxed and natural. I’ll give direction when it’s helpful, but I also want families to have room to interact, laugh and simply be themselves.
My goal isn’t only to create a beautiful photograph of everyone looking at the camera. It’s to capture the smaller relationships within the family as well—the grandparents and grandchildren, siblings, couples and individual families that make the larger family what it is.
If you’re planning a family gathering in Paso Robles or elsewhere on California’s Central Coast, I’d love to hear what you’re planning.
David Pascolla is a Paso Robles family portrait photographer with more than 25 years of experience photographing families on California’s Central Coast. He specializes in relaxed, natural family portraits, including extended and multigenerational families gathering at Paso Robles vacation rentals, vineyard estates and other beautiful Central Coast locations. Reach out to learn more or plan your family portrait session.
Ever since I photographed Bonnie and Beau’s Tiber Canyon wedding several years back, I’ve had the honor of photographing their growing family every year since then. This year they chose an urban theme in downtown San Luis Obispo for their family portraits. They were drawn to the Railroad District and the adjacent Railroad Square building which was the perfect backdrop for what they had envisioned. The building in San Luis Obispo is a gem for urban portraits! Its architecture blends rustic charm with a touch of history, offering a variety of backdrops. The mix of brick walls, vintage signage, and the overall industrial vibe makes it a versatile spot for capturing both classic and contemporary urban looks. From there we moved on to the Jennifer Street bridge which is a stunning rust colored steel bridge that spans the railroad tracks. The bridge is always a favorite for family portraits since it lends itself to the contemporary urban feel of the railroad district with design element of ‘leading lines’ and the creative perspective that is created from the bridge’s construction.
When desired I always welcome the family dog to tag along. For Bonnie and Beau and their three kiddos, this was a welcome treat since their dog is an important part of their family. San Luis Obispo family portraits often include pets, making the sessions even more special. On a few of the settings ‘black and white’ was the perfect option since it complemented the urban elements along with their clothing options.
Whether you prefer a casual urban vibe or more of a traditional setting, the flexibility of locations throughout downtown SLO ensures that your family’s personality shines through. A few of my other favorite locations are the following:
The San Luis Obispo Mission with with its rustic adobe walls, serene courtyard and peaceful garden area in the back of the Mission itself. It’s an ideal spot for San Luis Obispo family portraits.
The San Luis Creek which meanders through the downtown area.
The tree-lined streets, alleyways and storefronts. Just about every corner offers a unique setting for creating memorable San Luis Obispo family portraits.
As a bonus, in early May the seasonal bloom happens along with its splash of natural color and beauty, enhancing the visual appeal for photographs. One of my favorites in early Spring is the sweet aroma of Jasmine that wafts throughout downtown, adding a sensory layer to the San Luis Obispo family portraits experience.
If you’re thinking about having your family portraits done in downtown SLO or anywhere on the Central Coast reach out to schedule your session.
An Extended Family Portrait Session in heart of the Central Coast
Capturing family portraits that celebrate love and connection between grandparents, parents and children is always a rewarding experience. Recently I met up with this precious family at their Airbnb overlooking the hills of Paso Robles. The afternoon was drenched in warm light as everyone was so easy to work with. I’m always impressed when extended families take the time and effort to gather for portrait sessions like this one. The outcome are photographs that serve as reminder of their love and connection between grandparents, parents and children
Paso Robles
The Central Coast of California, especially places like Paso Robles, is the perfect setting for your family portraits for several reasons:
Photographic Considerations: Lighting – You’ve probably noticed ‘golden hour’ light and how it can enhances the landscape and particularly photos. The Central Coast, specifically the North County offers plenty of opportunities for capturing this magical light. Even though I enjoy family photo sessions on the coast, I find the North County and Paso Robles has bright sunshine most of the year and you don’t have to contend with the coastal fog and clouds of the coast. With a stunning variety of backdrops that enhance the beauty of the rolling hills, vineyards, wide open skies and quiet backdrops their is never a shortage of scenic diversity for photography. See more examples of my Central Coast family shoots here.
Accessibility: Paso Robles and the Central Coast are easily accessible from major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, making it convenient for families traveling from different places to gather for a portrait session.
Wine lovers: With more than 200 Wineries ranging from small, family-owned vineyards to large-scale operations, there’s a vast selection of tasting rooms that cater to all types of wine lovers. The rolling hills, sprawling vineyards, and beautiful views make wine tasting in Paso Robles not just about the wine but also about the whole experience. It’s a popular destination for couples, groups, and even for events like weddings and family gatherings—making it a great backdrop for photography, too. View one of my Elopement weddings here.
Our Approach to Extended Family Portraits
At David Pascolla Photography, we specialize in capturing the unique dynamics and connections within multigenerational families. Our approach combines a blend of posed portraits and candid moments, ensuring that we capture the authentic essence of your family. We believe in creating a comfortable, relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, allowing your family to relax and be themselves, resulting in natural and heartfelt photographs.
FAQs About Extended Family Portraits in Paso Robles
What is the best time of day for a family photo session in Paso Robles? Choosing the right time of day can significantly impact the quality of your photos. We recommend scheduling your session during the golden hour, a few hours after sunrise for AM shoots or an hour or so prior to sunset, when the natural light is warm, soft and flattering.
How should we prepare for our family photo session? To make the most of your session, coordinate outfits that complement each other without being too ‘matchy.’ Opt for comfortable clothing that reflects your family’s style and personality. It’s also a good idea to discuss any specific poses or groupings you have in mind with your photographer beforehand.
What locations do you recommend for extended family portraits in Paso Robles? There’s a wealth of beautiful locations throughout Paso Robles and the surrounding North County. Some of my favorites are simply at the venue or rental home in which you are staying at. If you happen to be staying at the Allegretto Hotel, (a local favorite of mine), you can take advantage of the Tuscan-inspired setting, the landscaped garden areas and all the art and architecture. Note. You need to be a guest at the Resort in order to do photography. Downtown Paso is always a great place with it’s charming park along with the historic architecture and it’s urban backdrop. Vineyards and wineries are always a wonderful settings with rows of grapevines, rustic buildings and scenic landscaping. Note. Call in advance to see if they are open to photo shoots.
At David Pascolla Photography, we’re dedicated to preserving your family’s legacy with timeless and meaningful portraits.Contact us today to schedule your session and let us help you capture moments that will be cherished for generations to come.
Your guide to some of the Central Coast’s best beach photography locations
The beaches along California’s Central Coast offer an incredible variety of settings for family portraits. From the sand dunes and iconic Morro Rock in Morro Bay to the relaxed shoreline of Cayucos and the warm cliffs of Avila Beach, each location has its own personality.
One of the things I love about photographing families along the coast is the variety we can create during a single session. Depending on the location, we may use open beach, coastal dunes, beach grasses, cliffs, rock formations or a pier as part of the backdrop. The softer light later in the day can be especially beautiful and gives us plenty of opportunities for both traditional family portraits and the more relaxed, candid moments that happen in between.
Coastal weather can always be a little unpredictable, particularly during the summer months when fog and marine clouds can move in. But that’s part of photographing along the Central Coast. I keep an eye on the conditions leading up to every session and work with each family to make the most of the location and light we have.
Below are five of my favorite Central Coast beach locations for family portraits, including Morro Bay, Cayucos, Avila Beach, Pismo Beach and Moonstone Beach in Cambria, along with what makes each one unique.
Morro Bay | Morro Rock
Morro Bay has become one of my favorite Central Coast locations for family portraits. Of course, Morro Rock is the landmark everyone recognizes, but what I especially love for photographs are the beautiful sand dunes and beach grasses nearby. They create a softer, more natural setting while still allowing us to include Morro Rock in the background.
The dunes work especially well for families who are comfortable walking a short distance through the sand. For larger extended and multigenerational families—or anyone who would prefer easier access—the wide open beach is another great option. There is usually plenty of room to spread out, and we can create everything from the full family portrait to smaller family groupings, couples, grandparents and more relaxed photographs along the shoreline.
Another reason I love photographing families here is the variety we can create without having to change locations. Within one session we can use the dunes, beach grasses, open sand, ocean and Morro Rock, giving the finished gallery several distinctly different looks.
Want to see what a complete session here looks like? Take a look at this recent extended family portrait session in Morro Bay, photographed among the dunes and along the beach with Morro Rock in the background.
Cayucos Beach
Cayucos is another one of my favorite Central Coast locations for family portraits. It has a relaxed, small-town feel and a beautiful stretch of open beach that works especially well for both individual families and larger extended-family sessions.
One of the things I especially like about Cayucos is its simplicity. The shoreline, ocean, pier and surrounding coastal landscape give us plenty of variety without competing with the people in the photographs. We can create the more traditional portraits everyone wants, then spend time walking along the beach, letting the kids play and capturing some of the natural interactions that happen along the way.
Cayucos can also be a wonderful choice for families staying in Paso Robles or elsewhere in North County who would like to include the coast during their visit. It’s an easy way to create a completely different Central Coast experience while still being relatively close to wine country.
As with any beach session, the exact look of Cayucos can change with the tide, weather and marine layer, but when the conditions come together, it’s one of my favorite places for relaxed, natural family photographs.
Avila Beach Cove
Avila Beach Cove is one of my favorite choices for families who want a more intimate coastal setting. Tucked beneath the surrounding cliffs, the cove has a completely different feel from the wide open beaches of Morro Bay and Cayucos, with beautiful rock formations, a smaller stretch of sand and plenty of natural texture for photographs.
What I especially like about this location is how much variety we can create in a relatively small area. Depending on the tide, we can photograph along the shoreline, use the cliffs and rocks as a backdrop, and work our way through several different settings without asking a family to walk very far. That can be particularly helpful when young children or grandparents are part of the session.
The cliffs can also provide some protection from the wind, which is a nice advantage on certain days along the Central Coast. And as the sun gets lower, the softer light and warmer tones of the surrounding cliffs can create a beautiful setting for relaxed family portraits.
Because the amount of usable beach can change considerably with the tide, I always check the conditions before planning a session here. When the timing and tide are right, Avila Beach Cove is one of my favorite smaller beach locations for family photography.
Want to see what a complete session here looks like? Take a look at this Avila Beach family portrait session, photographed at the cove during beautiful golden-hour light.
Pismo Beach Caves
The Pismo Beach caves offer one of the most dramatic settings on the Central Coast for family portraits. With tall coastal cliffs, interesting rock formations, small coves and sea caves, this location has a completely different feel from the wide open beaches of Morro Bay and Cayucos.
What makes this area especially interesting for photographs is the combination of sand, cliffs and rock formations within a relatively small area. When conditions are right, the caves and surrounding rocks create beautiful natural frames and give the session a more adventurous feel while still allowing plenty of opportunities for relaxed family portraits along the beach.
This is one location where timing the tide is especially important. Some of the cave areas are only accessible during low tide, so I always check the tide schedule before planning a session here. The amount of usable beach and access to particular rock formations can change considerably as the tide moves in.
Because of the uneven terrain and tide-dependent access, this location may not be the best choice for every family. But for families who are comfortable walking on sand and around rocks, and when the tide and weather cooperate, the Pismo Beach caves can provide one of the most unique coastal settings for family photographs.
Moonstone Beach | Cambria
Moonstone Beach in Cambria rounds out my five favorite Central Coast locations for family portraits. It has a more rugged and natural feel than some of the beaches farther south, with rocky shoreline, coastal vegetation and beautiful ocean views that give photographs a distinctly Cambria look.
One of the things I especially like about Moonstone Beach is the variety of textures and backgrounds. Depending on the tide and conditions, we can work with stretches of beach, rocks and the surrounding coastal landscape to create a nice mix of traditional family portraits and more relaxed photographs near the water.
Moonstone Beach can be an especially nice choice for families staying in Cambria or visiting the northern end of San Luis Obispo County. It’s also close enough to Paso Robles and North County to make it a great coastal option for families who are spending part of their Central Coast vacation in wine country but would love their portraits at the beach.
Like most Central Coast beaches, conditions can vary with the tide, wind and marine layer, so I keep an eye on all three when planning a session. When everything comes together, Moonstone Beach offers a beautiful, slightly more rugged alternative to Morro Bay, Cayucos and Avila Beach.
David Pascolla is a Paso Robles based family portrait photographer. My desire with each family is to capture the real moments as they happen and give soft direction as needed. My work has been described as relaxed, fun, colorful and joyful. As your photographer my goal is to let ‘you be you’ and capture the love and connection between each family member. I also enjoy photographing multigenerational families anywhere on the Central Coast. Reach out to learn more and book your session, or view my family portrait session pricing.
