Fort Ord Dunes Motherhood Session | Monterey Photographer

A Golden-Hour Motherhood Session at Fort Ord Dunes State Park

There’s a particular kind of magic in the quiet sessions — no big group, no long shot list, just a mama and her baby and the sound of the waves. As a Monterey family photographer, these motherhood sessions are some of my very favorite stories to tell, and Kristy’s is a perfect example of why.

We met at golden hour at Fort Ord Dunes State Park in Marina, and for one soft, unhurried hour it was just Kristy, her little boy, and the last warm light of the day spilling across the sand.

Why Fort Ord Dunes State Park Is One of My Favorite Monterey Beaches for Family Photos

If you’ve only ever pictured beach photos happening at Carmel Beach, let me introduce you to Fort Ord Dunes. Tucked along Monterey Bay in Marina, this state park sits on the former Fort Ord army base and opens onto miles of wide, wild shoreline backed by tall, rolling sand dunes.

For families, it’s kind of a dream. The dunes give us gorgeous natural texture and privacy, the beach is far less crowded than the more famous spots, and that classic Monterey Bay light — soft, hazy, a little moody when the fog rolls in — is exactly the palette I love to work in. It’s also centrally located for families coming from Monterey, Carmel, Pacific Grove, Salinas, and beyond. (You can find hours and parking on the official Fort Ord Dunes State Park page before you head out.)

Kristy + Her Son’s Motherhood Session

Kristy showed up in the most beautiful flowing black dress, her son in a simple white top and little denim — and honestly, that was all we needed. I don’t do a lot of stiff, posed “everybody look here and smile” photography. I’d so much rather follow the real thing: the way he tucked his head into her neck, the way she closed her eyes when they touched foreheads, the giggles when a wave crept up too close.

Motherhood sessions like this one are really about capturing this version of your child — this size, this stage, these chubby hands — and the way it feels to hold them right now. That’s the stuff you can’t get back.

The Magic of Golden Hour on the Monterey Coast

Nearly every image you see here was made in the last hour before sunset — what photographers call golden hour. On the Monterey coast, that light does something special: it wraps around you, warms up the sand, and turns the ocean into a shimmer of gold and blue.

It’s the reason I schedule most beach sessions for the evening. If you’re planning family or motherhood photos anywhere around Monterey Bay, timing your session for golden hour is the simplest way to get that dreamy, glowy look you’re probably picturing.

What to Wear for a Beach Motherhood Session

One of the questions I get most is “what should we wear?” — so here’s my short answer, straight from Kristy’s session:

• Choose movement. A long, flowing dress catches the ocean breeze and adds so much life to your images. Kristy’s black maxi is a perfect example.
• Keep it simple for the littles. A neutral top and soft denim let your child be the focus without competing patterns.
• Lean into earthy, timeless tones. Creams, tans, deep neutrals, and classic black all photograph beautifully against the dunes.
• Dress for comfort. Bare feet, layers you can move in, and nothing scratchy — happy mamas and happy babies make the best photos.

Planning Your Own Fort Ord Dunes Family Session

If these images have you dreaming of your own beach session, here’s the good news: Fort Ord Dunes is an easy, welcoming spot to photograph, and I’d love to meet you there. Sessions are relaxed and unscripted, we time everything around that beautiful evening light, and you leave with a gallery that actually feels like your family.

You can see more of my work in the family gallery and the maternity & motherhood gallery — and when you’re ready, I make booking simple.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Fort Ord Dunes State Park?It’s in Marina, California, right on Monterey Bay, just north of the city of Monterey. It’s a quieter alternative to Carmel Beach with dramatic dunes and wide-open sand. Check the official park page for current hours and parking.

When is the best time of day for beach photos in Monterey?Golden hour — roughly the last hour before sunset — is my favorite for that warm, glowing light. In summer, coastal fog can also create soft, dreamy conditions earlier in the evening.

What areas do you serve?I’m a Monterey-based photographer serving Monterey, Marina, Carmel, Pacific Grove, Big Sur, Santa Cruz, and the surrounding coast.

How do I book a session?Just reach out through my contact page and tell me a little about your family — I’ll take it from there.

Ready to Capture Your Own Season of Motherhood?

These years move so fast. If you’ve been thinking about documenting this chapter — whether it’s a just-the-two-of-you motherhood session or your whole crew — I would be honored to photograph it for you.

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