A hand drawn sketch of a quaint seaside town with boats in the harbor and buildings along the waterfront.Film by Chelsee Rawe Photography

Bay Area Santa Cruz Beach Family Session


Some sessions are more than just photos—they’re memories pressed gently into sand, sealed with salt air and laughter.

This beautiful beach session was with a family who has come to mean so much to me: a mom and dad, their two sweet girls, and their energetic little brother. We’ve shared more than just sessions over the years—we’ve shared milestones, quiet conversations, cheering on the sidelines for our kids. tears, laugher, and the struggles of motherhood.

During this Bay Area beach family session the sky glowed soft pink and gold as we walked down the shoreline. The kids ran hand-in-hand, collecting shells and secrets between them, their dresses catching the breeze like sails. Little brother toddled behind with sandy toes and an arm full of seaweed “treasure,” while dad helped him stay dry and mom laughed from rocks. Their joy was gentle and unrushed—exactly the kind that makes me love this work so deeply. We played, we explored and watched the surfers. We captured the kind of in-between moments that tell the real story: her head resting on his shoulder, the way he carried her like he always has, the spontaneous giggles that burst out mid-pose, the sandy kisses, the arms that always reach for each other, the waves crashing wildly while strong arms protect what matters most. But this session was bittersweet. This family is headed to Idaho for a new chapter—one full of opportunity, growth, and fresh starts. And while I’m truly excited for what’s ahead for them, my heart aches a little knowing they won’t be just a short drive away anymore. To this dear family: Thank you! Thank you for letting me witness and document your story, for trusting me with your memories, and for inviting me into your life for this season. You’ve answered my prayers without even knowing it and blessed our lives. I’ll miss you deeply. I hope these beach photos are a little piece of California you can take with you, tucked into frames and albums, reminding you of warm sand, ocean breeze, and the love that was built here. Here’s to new beginnings—and holding on to the magic of where you've been. I can't wait for you to come back to visit.

A couple enjoying a romantic beach photoshoot along scenic rocky cliffs during sunset captured by Chelsee Rawe Photography.
A person in a white sundress stands on a coastal rock formation looking out at ocean waves during sunset.
A young girl in a white dress hugs someone wearing white in a bright, soft-focus portrait setting captured by Chelsee Rawe Photography.
People in white outfits walk along a beach with steep limestone cliffs towering behind them at sunset.
A romantic couple embraces on a sandy beach with dramatic coastal cliffs in the background during golden hour.
Couple in white outfits embrace while standing near ocean waves and dramatic coastal cliffs at sunset.
A family wearing white clothing walks together along a sandy beach at sunset.
Ethereal and dreamy portrait series showing figure wrapped in soft white fabric at a beach setting in muted tones film by Chelsee Rawe .
Two people in white outfits share a tender moment near coastal cliffs and rocky beach at sunset film by Chelsee Rawe .
Couple and dogs stand on rocky beach near white limestone cliffs at sunset captured by Chelsee Rawe Photography.
Someone wearing a white shirt smiles warmly while another person's hands gently touch their face in a tender moment captured by Chelsee Raw.
Two young children in white dresses playing and laughing together on a beach with waves in the background captured by Chelsee Rawe Photogra.
A close-up view of a child in white clothing reaching for someone in a flowing white dress on a sandy beach.
A child wearing a white knit sweater smiles gently while looking at the camera captured by Chelsee Rawe Photography.
A person in a flowing white dress stands at the edge of the ocean waves on a sunny beach captured by Chelsee Rawe Photography.
A couple in white outfits embracing on a rocky beach during a romantic photoshoot against coastal cliffs film by Chelsee Rawe .
A pair of people splash in the waves at a scenic beach with towering limestone cliffs in the background captured on film by Chelsee Rawe
Two hands clasp together tenderly over a flowing white dress, with one person showing a small tattoo on their wrist captured by Chelsee Raw.
Family holding hands while looking at ocean waves crashing against rocky cliffs on a sunny beach captured by Chelsee Rawe Photography.
A figure stands near the shore beneath towering white chalk cliffs with waves crashing on rocky beach film by Chelsee Rawe .

Film processed and scanned by Photovision Prints.

Chelsee Rawe Photography is a Newborn, Maternity, Family & Brand Photographer sharing time between Morgan Hill, the Bay Area and San Fransisco. We serve the following cities, including but not limited to: San Jose, Los Gatos, Willow Glenn, Portola Valley, Palo Alto, Mountain View, Morgan Hill, Cupertino, Saratoga, Modesto, Turlock, Escalon, and Gilroy. We specialize in ultra-relaxed, home & outdoor Lifestyle Sessions and would love to photograph your family or brand! To see more of our portfolio, please take a peek HERE . If you would like to reserve your date on our calendar, please feel free to contact us HERE or email us directly at chelseerawephotography.com . We are thrilled at the chance to work with you!