Westward Beach Family Photos | Malibu Photographer

There’s something special about photographing a family at a place they truly love. Westward Beach is the McCollum family’s favorite spot in Malibu, so we met here for a golden, playful sunset session that perfectly reflected this season of life with four little ones. Cam and Abby showed up with their boys — Ford, Cole, and Tripp — and their baby girl Scotty, ready to play, explore, and simply be themselves. These are always my favorite kinds of sessions.

As a Malibu photographer, I love Westward Beach for families. The wide stretch of sand gives plenty of room to move, the light wraps softly around the cliffs, and the whole area feels peaceful and open. It’s the ideal backdrop for natural, connection-filled portraits that feel like real life — not forced, not rushed, just honest moments with the people who matter most.

A Playful, Golden Sunset Session at Westward Beach

From the moment we started, the kids were all in — smiling for the camera, running by the water, playing with mom and dad, and laughing nonstop. Scotty was passed from parent to parent, completely content in the middle of all the excitement.

The beauty of a full session is that there’s time — time for kids to warm up, time for parents to relax, and time for real connection to unfold naturally. With the McCollums, that looked like:

• Family group hugs
• All kids holding hands and walking along the shoreline
• Abby lifting Scotty into the air as she giggled
• Cam scooping up all the kids at once, laughing
• Cam tossing the football with the boys
• Both playful and sweet in-between moments that feel like childhood
• Ending the session naturally with a quiet moment watching the waves

Nothing felt rushed, and because we had a full hour family portrait session creating room for everyone to play, to breathe, and focus on connection as a family.

Why Westward Beach Is Perfect for Malibu Family Photos

Westward Beach is one of my favorite Malibu locations because of its calm, spacious feel. It offers:

• Soft golden light in the late afternoon
• Beautiful mountain views
• Gentle waves along the shoreline
• Plenty of room for big families to move and explore
• A quieter atmosphere than some of the more crowded Malibu beaches
  

When families want images that feel natural and emotive — not overly posed — this beach consistently delivers.

The Value of a Full Session vs. Minis

Mini sessions are great for holiday card photos, but they don’t always leave enough space for genuine connection. Full sessions, like this one, allow for:

• Time for kids to settle in and show their personalities
• Movement, play, and exploration
• A mix of candid moments and relaxed portraits
• A slower pace that leads to more authentic images
• Capturing the full story of a family — not just a single pose
  

The McCollum family is a beautiful example of why full sessions are worth it: every frame tells a piece of who they are right now.

Ready to Plan Your Malibu Family Session?

If you’re looking for a Malibu photographer to capture your family at Westward Beach or another favorite spot, I’d love to help create a session that feels relaxed, meaningful, and true to your family’s story.

You can learn more or inquire about availability here: Malibu Family Photographer