A successful photographer needs to know the local areas well in order to be able to advise their clients on a location that meets their goals. Shaw’s Cove is a beautiful spot for family portraits on the beach in Laguna Beach. The best part is that, unlike other local beaches, like nearby Crystal Cove, shooting at Shaw’s Cove is free. Local photographers would do well to offer a session at this free beachside portrait spot for several reasons:

1. It is easily accessible. To get to the Cove, simply take the Pacific Coast Highway between Newport and Laguna Beach. Turn south on Wave Street. Drop off the wave until it becomes Cliff Drive. Find a parking spot on Cliff Drive.
2. parking is free. Many Newport and Laguna Beach photo spots charge for parking (meters aren’t as common at other Orange County beaches). Just make sure your customers don’t park near fire hydrants or private driveways. Otherwise, they are likely to get a ticket.
3. Access to the beach from the street is convenient.. Many of the smaller OC beaches require walking on a dirt or rocky path. To get to Shaw’s Cove, a customer simply needs to walk down a stairway and a narrow paved path. The path has abundant foliage and therefore a photographer can get great shots with green backgrounds even before she and her clients reach the beach.
4. On the beach there is a beautiful retaining wall with vegetation in the background. Not all of your shots need to be in the sand. This area offers a beautiful garden aspect.
5. There is a Gazebo at the top of one of the cliffs that provides a classic look.. This small white structure far outshines the stucco houses seen in the background at other Orange County beaches.
6. There’s a abundance of marine life for young children (and some not-so-young adults to explore). Part of a successful family photo shoot is making sure the family enjoys the process. Young children enjoy searching for seashells, sand dollars, and other marine life. Many people come to Shaw’s Cove from out of state. They are there, largely, not only to have their portraits taken, but also to enjoy the beach that they have traveled a significant distance (many of them).

There are several great photo spots in Laguna Beach. Shaw’s Cove is one option a photographer should consider when advising clients on preparing for a photo shoot.