Laurel Herzog Laurel Herzog

Dana Point Family Photographer || Santa Sessions 2019

This year was my 4th year hosting Santa sessions and yet again it was INCREDIBLE! This was also my first year selling out completely and WOW! Knowing that you love and appreciate all the work that goes in behind the scenes for these to happen is just so fulfilling. This was also the first year hosting these at my home and studio and while we still had some logistics to fine tune, I think it was perfect!

Over four hours we hosted 25 families and 62 kids!!!!!

25 families with 62 kids! SO wild!

Here are a few of my favorites from the day…

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The Set Design

This year we again had a few different sets for you to choose from. The indoor studio set with Santa, the gorgeous wreaths made my Wildflower Florist of San Clemente and the outdoor faux tree lot. Each year these will be a little different, I already know next year we won’t have the tree lot or at least it will be different, this year was a little too messy! 😜

I always suggest coming 15-20 minutes early to your session so kids aren’t rushed and have time to ease into their surrounding before seeing Santa. Outside we had a fun kids table set up so they could do some crafts while they wait or nibble on some delicious snacks and charcuterie board from Masion in Dana Point. A hot cocoa bar and coffee because duh, we all need coffee!

Here are a few detail shots from the day…

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If you’d like to join us for Santa next year, be sure to add your email to my newsletter list. Santa sessions book up completely during the summer so make sure you don’t wait too long! If you’d like to guarantee your time, you can put a refundable deposit down now. Just email me to do so!

Thank you so much to each and everyone of you who came to visit Santa! You made the day magical! Merry Christmas friends!

Xo- Laurel


Poppy Lea Photography is a motherhood photographer in Orange County who specializes in maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood sessions and family photography in the Orange County area, including San Clemente, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Niguel, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Mission Viejo and Costa Mesa.

This will give you a glimpse into what you will receive when you commission me as your maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood or family Photographer in Orange County. If you would like to see what an entire gallery looks like, please don’t hesitate to ask. My favorites are posted here, but all of the images you receive are worthy of being in a frame or an album!

If you are you interested in a custom portrait session with Poppy Lea Photography and would like more information, please click hereto see the experience.
 For investment information, please click HERE.
 If you would like to reserve your date on my calendar, please click on the contact button above or email me directly at poppyleaphotography@gmail.com.
 Sessions are currently booking into 2020, so please inquire when you know you’d like a session.

I find such joy in capturing a family’s story and would be honored to help you tell yours!

XO- Laurel

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Laurel Herzog Laurel Herzog

Dana Point Family Photographer || What to Wear Holiday Edition

Ah! The eternal question. The reason many families don’t do photos. The nightmare of picking what. too. wear.

What to wear for family photos is honestly the number one question I get. Not in a happy way but in an exasperated, I hate this stuff way by 90% of moms (including myself and I do this for a living!)

So here I am doing my best to help you do your best… Here are two styling boards filled with gorgeous easy ideas for your upcoming Dana Point Family session with me. Oh and don’t think I forgot links to just click and buy it right now. You’re welcome!

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Poppy Lea Photography is a motherhood photographer in Orange County who specializes in maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood sessions and family photography in the Orange County area, including San Clemente, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Niguel, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Mission Viejo and Costa Mesa.

This will give you a glimpse into what you will receive when you commission me as your maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood or family Photographer in Orange County. If you would like to see what an entire gallery looks like, please don’t hesitate to ask. My favorites are posted here, but all of the images you receive are worthy of being in a frame or an album!

If you are you interested in a custom portrait session with Poppy Lea Photography and would like more information, please click here to see the experience.
 For investment information, please click HERE.
 If you would like to reserve your date on my calendar, please click on the contact button above or email me directly at poppyleaphotography@gmail.com.
 Sessions are currently booking into 2020, so please inquire when you know you’d like a session.

I find such joy in capturing a family’s story and would be honored to help you tell yours!

XO- Laurel

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Laurel Herzog Laurel Herzog

San Juan Capistrano Studio Newborn Session || Newborn Asher

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Sweetest baby and most beautiful family award goes to…. The Gonzalez Family! Seriously you guys, I’m dying over this studio session at my San Juan Capistrano studio. Asher was just the best! At 9 days old, he was a dream!

It’s soooo good! Wardrobe for mom, sister and baby provided by my collection of clients outfits. Any session is welcome to use my wardrobe.

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Poppy Lea Photography is a motherhood photographer in Orange County who specializes in maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood sessions and family photography in the Orange County area, including San Clemente, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Niguel, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Mission Viejo and Costa Mesa.

This will give you a glimpse into what you will receive when you commission me as your maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood or family Photographer in Orange County. If you would like to see what an entire gallery looks like, please don’t hesitate to ask. My favorites are posted here, but all of the images you receive are worthy of being in a frame or an album!

If you are you interested in a custom portrait session with Poppy Lea Photography and would like more information, please click here to see the experience.
 For investment information, please click HERE.
 If you would like to reserve your date on my calendar, please click on the contact button above or email me directly at poppyleaphotography@gmail.com.
 Sessions are currently booking into 2020, so please inquire when you know you’d like a session.

I find such joy in capturing a family’s story and would be honored to help you tell yours!

XO- Laurel

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Laurel Herzog Laurel Herzog

San Juan Capistrano Studio Photographer || My NEW Studio Tour

It’s real! MY studio!

It’s really here and I cannot even believe it. I've waited so long for a studio, I still pinch myself. It’s bright and white and fresh and everything I have ever dreamed of and I can’t wait for you to see it in person.

Here is a little peek into my new studio space in San Juan Capistrano…

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Now booking sessions for maternity, newborn, milestone, baby, and family sessions! See you soon!


Poppy Lea Photography is a motherhood photographer in Orange County who specializes in maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood sessions and family photography in the Orange County area, including San Clemente, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Niguel, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Mission Viejo and Costa Mesa.

This will give you a glimpse into what you will receive when you commission me as your maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood or family Photographer in Orange County. If you would like to see what an entire gallery looks like, please don’t hesitate to ask. My favorites are posted here, but all of the images you receive are worthy of being in a frame or an album!

If you are you interested in a custom portrait session with Poppy Lea Photography and would like more information, please click hereto see the experience.
 For investment information, please click HERE.
 If you would like to reserve your date on my calendar, please click on the contact button above or email me directly at poppyleaphotography@gmail.com.
 Sessions are currently booking into 2020, so please inquire when you know you’d like a session.

I find such joy in capturing a family’s story and would be honored to help you tell yours!

XO- Laurel

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Laurel Herzog Laurel Herzog

Dana Point Baby Photographer || Finn is ONE

Some little baby’s hold a special place in my heart and this little face is one of them. I’ve known his sweet mama since our oldest boys were babies at the beach. Now we have big 9 year old boys with a few babies in between. I was lucky enough to photograph newborn Finn in their gorgeous home and have almost one year old Finn in my new studio. Here are a few of my favorites from our session!

Dana Point Baby Photographer  || Baby is ONE
Dana Point Baby Photographer  || Baby is ONE
Dana Point Baby Photographer  || Finn is ONE
Dana Point Baby Photographer  || Finn is ONE

Poppy Lea Photography is a motherhood photographer in Orange County who specializes in maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood sessions and family photography in the Orange County area, including San Clemente, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Niguel, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Mission Viejo and Costa Mesa.

This will give you a glimpse into what you will receive when you commission me as your maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood or family Photographer in Orange County. If you would like to see what an entire gallery looks like, please don’t hesitate to ask. My favorites are posted here, but all of the images you receive are worthy of being in a frame or an album!

If you are you interested in a custom portrait session with Poppy Lea Photography and would like more information, please click hereto see the experience.
 For investment information, please click HERE.
 If you would like to reserve your date on my calendar, please click on the contact button above or email me directly at poppyleaphotography@gmail.com.
 Sessions are currently booking into 2020, so please inquire when you know you’d like a session.

I find such joy in capturing a family’s story and would be honored to help you tell yours!

XO- Laurel

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Laurel Herzog Laurel Herzog

Orange County Family Photographer || Fall Family Sessions

Orange County Family Photographer Fall Family Sessions

Now booking fall family sessions through the end of 2019. My August and September savings have come to an end but I am still offering some incentives for those booking in October and November.

Any session booked for October will receive a complimentary set of 50 custom holiday cards, valued at over $150. These are custom made so you won’t have to worry about fitting an image to a certain size or writing up something clever. I do all the work for you! Just let me know the images you’d like to use and approve the proof. These are gorgeous high quality cards, thick linen textured paper, 5”x7” with envelopes and absolutely easy!

Any session booked in November will receive a complimentary set of 3 mini accordion books, valued at $150.. These are the perfect gift for grandparents or I love them for kids too. Little ones love to see pictures of them selves. You can see all the specs here. These are easily one of my favorite gifts to give personally and the most popular item I offer.

Have you booked your fall family session yet? What are you waiting for? Check that off your to-do list early! Book your session today!

Orange County Family Photographer

Poppy Lea Photography is a motherhood photographer in Orange County who specializes in maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood sessions and family photography in the Orange County area, including San Clemente, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Niguel, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Mission Viejo and Costa Mesa.

This will give you a glimpse into what you will receive when you commission me as your maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood or family Photographer in Orange County. If you would like to see what an entire gallery looks like, please don’t hesitate to ask. My favorites are posted here, but all of the images you receive are worthy of being in a frame or an album!

If you are you interested in a custom portrait session with Poppy Lea Photography and would like more information, please click here to see the experience.
 For investment information, please click HERE.
 If you would like to reserve your date on my calendar, please click on the contact button above or email me directly at poppyleaphotography@gmail.com.
 Sessions are currently booking into 2020, so please inquire when you know you’d like a session.

I find such joy in capturing a family’s story and would be honored to help you tell yours!

XO- Laurel

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Laurel Herzog Laurel Herzog

Dana Point Newborn Photographer || Part 2 Selah Newborn

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A couple weeks ago I showed you guys the adorable session with Britney and Aaron and their adorable first born baby girl Selah. Well I only showed you the lifestyle portion of their session so today I’m going through baby Selah’s images and I cannot wait. She is the sweetest little baby and so easy going! I cannot wait to watch this little baby grow!

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Dana Point Newborn Photographer


Poppy Lea Photography is a motherhood photographer in Orange County who specializes in maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood sessions and family photography in the Orange County area, including San Clemente, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Niguel, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Mission Viejo and Costa Mesa.

This will give you a glimpse into what you will receive when you commission me as your maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood or family Photographer in Orange County. If you would like to see what an entire gallery looks like, please don’t hesitate to ask. My favorites are posted here, but all of the images you receive are worthy of being in a frame or an album!

If you are you interested in a custom portrait session with Poppy Lea Photography and would like more information, please click here to see the experience.
 For investment information, please click HERE.
 If you would like to reserve your date on my calendar, please click on the contact button above or email me directly at poppyleaphotography@gmail.com.
 Sessions are currently booking into 2020, so please inquire when you know you’d like a session.

I find such joy in capturing a family’s story and would be honored to help you tell yours!

XO- Laurel

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Laurel Herzog Laurel Herzog

San Clemente Family Photographer || What to Wear Late Summer Edition

Late summer is almost fall and fall is my favorite time of the year soooo I may be a little excited over here. I would normally say the weather starts to cool down but here in Southern California, we haven’t seen the sun since April. This has been the gloomiest summer ever, some days it’s straight up cold. Granted I live across from the ocean so I do think inland has seen some sunshine. As a San Clemente Family Photographer, most of my family sessions are at the beach and the beach has been grey. Luckily the sun has been peeking through right before sunset most evenings.

My favorite series on the blog is What to Wear. I’ve gone through every season and month, I feature a beautiful outfit and even give you links to purchase it right here. Besides giving you the wardrobe out of my own closet, nothing could be easier.

San Clemente Family Photographer

I love this light floral wrap dress, so flattering and feminine. The wrap style is also perfect with a bump! Pair it with this sweet pink dress for your girl and a bow. Step up the classic white button up with these grey skinny jeans and grab a pair for dad to match!

Mama's Dress

Boy's Shirt

Boy's Pants

Girl's Dress

San Clemente Family Photographer


Poppy Lea Photography is a motherhood photographer in Orange County who specializes in maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood sessions and family photography in the Orange County area, including San Clemente, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Niguel, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Mission Viejo and Costa Mesa.

This will give you a glimpse into what you will receive when you commission me as your maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood or family Photographer in Orange County. If you would like to see what an entire gallery looks like, please don’t hesitate to ask. My favorites are posted here, but all of the images you receive are worthy of being in a frame or an album!

If you are you interested in a custom portrait session with Poppy Lea Photography and would like more information, please click here to see the experience.
 For investment information, please click HERE.
 If you would like to reserve your date on my calendar, please click on the contact button above or email me directly at poppyleaphotography@gmail.com.
 Sessions are currently booking into 2020, so please inquire when you know you’d like a session.

I find such joy in capturing a family’s story and would be honored to help you tell yours!

XO- Laurel

Read More