Pacific Grove Sunset Family Photos: A Short Session on the Rocks

Pacific Grove is a special place for the Appezzato family, so when they planned a few days on the coast this October, they wanted Pacific Grove sunset family photos to bring home with them. They were staying near Asilomar, and we met on the rocks for a short sunset session right before the sun went down. Mom, Dad, and three little boys, barefoot and ready to climb.

Christina told me she wanted relaxed, natural, beachy photos of her boys being themselves, and that’s exactly what this evening was. A few minutes of standing nicely together, and then a lot of hugging, piling on, and giggling.

Three brothers, one big hug

These three are a team. Ask them to squeeze in close and they go all in, arms everywhere and big grins. It’s the kind of photo that will be so fun to look back on when they’re taller than their parents.

And Mom got piled on, which is the best thing that can happen at a family session. That laugh is real.

A minute for Mom and Dad

I always try to sneak in a few frames of just the parents while the light is at its best. The sun was dropping behind the rocks, the tide pools were glowing, and these two were just sweet together.

Each of the boys on his own

Then each boy got a quick portrait of his own. Three totally different personalities, and every one of them barefoot in the sand.

Why Pacific Grove sunset family photos work so well as a short session

This was a Glimpse Session, my shortest offering: 20 minutes, one location, timed to start about half an hour before sunset. With little kids, short and sweet is often the sweet spot. Everyone still has energy, nobody gets to the point of melting down, and you’re done in time for dinner.

The rocky shoreline around Asilomar State Beach and the north end of Pacific Grove is one of my favorite places for it. The rocks face west, so the late light comes straight across the water, and in twenty minutes you can get warm golden light on the boulders and then the soft pastel colors that come right after the sun goes down. You can see both in this gallery. There’s more about this town on my Pacific Grove photographer page, and if you’re wondering what to pack, my what to wear guide for the Monterey coast has you covered. The Appezzatos nailed it here, with soft whites, rust, sage, and denim that all sit perfectly against the rocks.

Visiting Pacific Grove with your family?

Thank you, Christina and Mike, for letting me spend part of your trip with you. Your boys are an absolute joy, and I hope these photos bring you right back to this place you love.

If you’re planning a trip to Pacific Grove, Carmel, or Monterey and want family photos while you’re here, I’d love to hear from you. You can reach me through my contact page, or text me at 831-328-3113.