El Matador Beach Family Photos | Malibu Photographer

Welcoming a new baby is always meaningful, but getting to slow down at sunset with the people you love most makes it even sweeter. The Bamburg family — Seth, Ellie, little Hayes, and two-week-old baby Charlie — met me at El Matador Beach in Malibu for a relaxed newborn and family session. It was one of those evenings where the light was soft, the weather was perfect, and their boys brought the most joyful energy to the entire shoot.As a Malibu photographer, I love using El Matador for young families because the mix of golden cliffs, tide pools, and wide stretches of sand creates a clean, natural backdrop with so many options for movement and candid moments.

 A Sunset Family Session at El Matador

Hayes immediately took to the beach — running through the sand, climbing over rocks, and carrying around his favorite little treasures he found along the shoreline. Seth and Ellie were so comfortable letting the session unfold naturally, which always makes for the best photographs. Some of my favorite moments were:

• Seth lifting Hayes up into the last bit of golden light
  
• Ellie holding baby Charlie while laughing at her toddler’s joy
  
• A quiet, intimate moment of the four of them tucked near the rocks
  
• Hayes perched on a rock with the biggest smile
  
• The whole family walking together along the shoreline
  

Even with a newborn, the session stayed relaxed and easy. We took breaks as needed, wandered through different pockets of El Matador, and captured a blend of lifestyle newborn images and playful family portraits.

What to Wear for a Beach Session in Malibu

Seth and Ellie chose timeless neutrals — black, cream, and warm tans — which worked beautifully with the neutral cliffs and soft water tones. If you’re planning Malibu family photos, simple and coordinated outfits photograph best:

• Soft neutrals, creams, charcoal, muted blues
  
• Flowy dresses or linens
  
• Barefoot for natural, effortless movement
  
• Minimal patterns and no bright colors
  

This always keeps the focus on connection and emotion, rather than clothing.

Planning a Newborn Session at the Beach

Lifestyle newborn sessions at the beach blend the sweetness of those early days with the calm feeling of the coast. You don’t need a lot for a beautiful session — just a couple of simple outfits, a swaddle, and the willingness to take it slow.

At El Matador, we usually shoot:

• 60–90 minutes before sunset
  
• Near the rocks for shade early on
  
• Toward the water as the sun drops and the light softens
  

It’s the perfect setting for gentle, natural newborn portraits that feel timeless and warm.

Ready to Plan Your Malibu Family Photos?

If you’re looking for a Malibu photographer to capture your family or newborn session, I’d love to help you create something meaningful and relaxed.
Click here to learn more about Malibu family photography and inquire about availability.