Naomi’s Senior Portrait Session at Garrapata State Park in Carmel, CA

Written By Sonia Byington

Naomi’s senior session at Soberanes Point in Carmel, California was filled with stunning coastal views and turquoise water. She wore a flowing dress that beautifully complemented the ocean’s bold blues and soft grays.

Carmel senior picture taken of a senior standing on the cliffs of Soberanes Point with turquoise water and a big sky behind her, near Big Sur, California.
Carmel senior photo taken of a senior standing on the cliffs of Soberanes Point with turquoise water behind her, near Big Sur, California.
Carmel senior photo taken of a senior standing on the cliffs of Soberanes Point with turquoise water behind her near Big Sur, California.

We took Naomi’s senior portraits on a cloudy October morning, about an hour after sunrise. Light fog rolled through parts of the cliffs, giving her photos a dreamy, ethereal feel, but we were still able to capture the vibrant water and rugged rocks clearly. If you’re planning a session at the coast, I recommend choosing morning light for softer skies and fewer crowds.

Carmel senior picture taken of a senior standing on the cliffs of Soberanes Point with turquoise water behind her, near Big Sur, California.
Big Sur senior picture taken of a senior sitting on the cliffs of Soberanes Point with turquoise water behind her, near Carmel, California.
Carmel senior picture taken of a senior walking on the cliffs of Soberanes Point with turquoise water behind her, near Big Sur, California.

Garrapata State Park and other coastal locations along the Carmel to Big Sur coast are especially breathtaking between October and April, when the summer fog lifts and visibility improves. While stormy weather can bring occasional mist, this time of year often offers the best balance of moody skies and coastal clarity for senior portraits.

Big Sur senior picture of senior standing on the cliffs of Soberanes Point at Garrapata State Park near Carmel, CA with blue water and cloudy skies behind her.
Monterey senior picture of senior standing on cliffs of Soberanes Point at Garrapata State Park near Carmel, California. She is wearing a blue dress.
Monterey senior picture of senior standing on cliffs near Big Sur, California in a turquoise dress and there is blue water and cloudy skies behind her.

Do you want your senior portraits at Garrapata State Park? I photograph a limited number of senior sessions each year along the California coast, so if you’d like a Big Sur or Carmel session, reach out early to reserve a date!

If we haven’t met yet, hi! My name is Sonia and I’m a Carmel senior photographer serving seniors across Santa Cruz + Monterey County and the surrounding areas. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions, otherwise, check out the rest of my blog and website for more tips on planning your senior session :)

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Sonia Byington
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Logan’s Fall Senior Portrait Session in Port Gamble, WA