Manhattan Beach Family Photos
The Hough Family!
Sean and Abigail have called Manhattan Beach home for years. Now they’re parents, which means happy hour dates have turned into changing poopy diapers days. Kids are nuts. As the father of two myself, I can tell you firsthand how cool it is to be a parent. Life-changing events like having kids really change your perspective on the world, and that’s a good thing.
Here’s the crazy thing: 4 years ago I shot Sean and Abigail’s engagement photos at this exact spot. Four years earlier at the same spot, we were talking about their wedding. Fast forward to this day, and the conversation was about Paw Patrol and snacks. Life comes at you fast sometimes.
Sean and Abigail planned on moving back east to Connecticut. Before they left, they wanted family photos somewhere that meant a lot to them: the Manhattan Beach Pier. Below are some of the images from our time together.
Best Photo Spots Manhattan Beach, California
There are a lot of rad spots in the Manhattan and Redondo Beach area to rock a family photography session. Looking for spots for maternity photos, a senior portrait, a holiday card, or family portraits? Check out these locations:
Before choosing a spot at any Southern California beach, from Hermosa to Manhattan Beach, talk to the photographer you hired first. A pro can tell you the best time of day to shoot for soft light, plus point out cool spots most people miss.
Do You Need A Permit For Photos In Manhattan Beach?
This is one of those questions people don’t ask until it’s already a problem. Let’s break it down. The City of Manhattan Beach requires a permit for still photography or motion picture work shot for “public exhibition” anywhere in the city outside a studio. That’s a broad definition. It technically covers a lot of portrait and family sessions, not just big commercial shoots. You can read the full requirements on the City of Manhattan Beach’s filming and photography page.
- Shooting on the sand? The Pier and the Strand both count as beach. That needs a separate permit from LA County Beaches and Harbors, on top of anything the city requires.
- Shooting in a city park? Spots like Polliwog Park and Clutter’s Park fall under the city’s park rules and policies, so check those before you show up with a whole family in tow.
- Big change as of May 1, 2026: FilmLA now handles permit processing for the city as part of a one-year pilot program, so that’s who you’d actually go through now, not the city directly.
My honest advice? For a quick, casual family session, most photographers proceed without a formal permit and it’s rarely an issue. But if you want to be fully covered, especially at a beach spot like the Pier, it only takes a few minutes to check with FilmLA first. Better to know ahead of time than to get asked to pack up mid-shoot.
Los Angeles Family Mini Sessions At Manhattan Beach
How Much Are Manhattan Beach Family Photos?
Researching photographers for organic, fun, candid family photos? Here are the two packages currently on offer for Redondo, Hermosa, and Manhattan Beach:
Photographer Manhattan Beach
I think it’s super important to document your life. Time moves so fast, and even more so when you have kids. That’s why investing in professional photography matters. Unfortunately, I only take on a small number of sessions each year between wedding photography and newborn photography. My calendar fills up fast, which limits how many family sessions I can do. I want to meet you and your family and give you kick-ass, colorful, candid photos. If I can’t fit you in, check out these photographers who service Orange County, South Bay, Huntington Beach, and the surrounding area:
Personal Branding + Family
Cake Smashes
Baby Photography
Want family photos in Manhattan Beach?
Text me at 951-704-9503 or hit up the contact page and let’s talk photography.
