| Crystal Cove, nestled between Newport Beach and | | | | wooded areas. In addition, it has several unique |
| Laguna Beach, is a favorite location to photograph | | | | structures. The large beach allows a photographer to |
| families for good reason. This article lists out some of | | | | get shots from a number of different angles with a |
| the reasons photographers love this location. | | | | number of different backgrounds. He can photograph |
| | | | with a sand and ocean background or with an ocean |
| 1. The shuttle service; from the parking lot down to | | | | cliff background. |
| the beach area there is a shuttle service. This service | | | | If a family does not need to take a shuttle down to |
| is particularly helpful for families with aged | | | | the beach, they can take the wooded path down. |
| grandparents or babies. In many of the beach | | | | The tree lined path which usually creates excellent |
| locations around Newport and Laguna Beach the | | | | lighting allows for some rustic shots. On the way |
| family must descend long steep stairs in order to | | | | down the path there is a tunnel. Many families choose |
| reach the photographing area. At Crystal Cove a | | | | a shot of their family at the end of the tunnel with |
| family can bypass the stairs by taking the shuttle | | | | the tunnels mouth framing the shot. |
| right down to the beach. | | | | At the entrance to the beach, there are some old |
| 2. The cost is right; in many Orange County beach | | | | barns and buildings painted a pastel blue or red. |
| locations, the city or owners require a payment of | | | | Pictures in front of these buildings give a retro 50s |
| hundreds of dollars to shoot at a particular beach. | | | | feel to the image. These shots are good to adjust in |
| This cost may initially be paid by the photographer | | | | Photoshop to a black and white, pastel or sepia tone. |
| but in the end will be passed along to the family. | | | | There are a number of good locations to |
| Photographing at Crystal Cove is free. There is a | | | | photography a family in Newport or Laguna Beach. |
| small fee for parking, but it is minimal. | | | | For the above reasons, Crystal Cove is one of the |
| 3. Diversity of locations; Crystal Cove is larger than | | | | best. |
| most Orange County beaches and encompasses | | | | |