For 2020 I had a vision to do something different with my portraiture and family portrait sessions especially. Living here in Newport Beach, California we become accustomed to only shooting at golden hour because that’s when everyone else shoots and that is the ‘best light’. I agree and disagree. Light is light and I do love that golden glow behind the subject for my golden hour sessions, but in my personal work I found myself shooting during the middle of the day. I was drawn to saturated skies, pretty white clouds, and vivid colors with a bright feel. That’s where this idea for my family portrait sessions originated, or rather taking my portrait sessions into the realm of what I have already been shooting for my personal passion projects.

We did this family session 2 weeks ago before the pandemic invaded the West Coast here. The skies were clearing from rain earlier in the day and the wind was blowing pretty hard. Although that’s what to expect for spring weather here in Southern California. Liz and her family had the biggest smiles and had no problem getting sandy and salty. For this shoot I wanted to do something completely different than the majority of family portraits I’ve shot before. I wanted vibrant colors! Middle of the day blue skies and yellow of course! As you may have noticed I’ve been on a yellow binge or rather a newfound appreciation for this incredible hue. I’ve been loving this book called THE SECRET LIVES OF COLOR by Kassia St. Clair where she goes into a brief history of each color and how it came to be or not be in our culture. My favorite yellows at the moment are acid yellow (made famous by the smiley guy here 😃) and Chrome Yellow (a favorite of Van Gogh). Plus I’m a big fan of two photographers who use yellow in such a beautiful and unique way in their work @___benthomas and @bejamin

Check out their stuff and have your mind blown.

I hope all of you and your families, friends, loved ones, and neighbors stay healthy and safe in these times. I will be still open for business down on the beach here where we can still practice safe social distancing.

In these times amidst the storms of fear, disease, and the unknown, invite Jesus into your boat. When He walked on water in John chapter 6, it was a miracle to show us that He is Lord of whatever we may face, even a storm of nature or life or finances, whatever it may be, He is walking above it and once we invite Him into our boat He brings peace, which surpasses every mans understanding, into our boat (our journey of life). The disciples were scared to death at first of the raging storm and were certain they would perish but once they invited Jesus in their boat the storm subsided and they Had Peace Himself on their life journey.

Do you have some yellow outfits? What are your favorite yellows?? 😃🌻🌼🐤💛🍋🧀🚕📒 Let’s shoot soon I hope!

Message me to learn more about a family portrait session with me here in Newport Beach.⠀

You’re going to LOVE this. For a limited time I’m offering a complimentary 2-hour boat ride thanks to Lido Electric Boat Company when you book a Family Portrait session with me this Spring!

How It Works:

- Book a family portrait session with me this Spring

- 45 minute family session in Newport Beach (on the harbor and water)

- 1 hour 30 min. quality boat time, relaxing with your whole family!

Thoughtfully considering every detail that goes into my photoshoots from styling to makeup to wall art, I’ve designed this incredible opportunity to create an ideal atmosphere to capture you and your family’s portraits. What better way to relax and enjoy your precious family time than with a beach trip, boat ride, and family photoshoot all in one? All my sessions are entirely personalized.

Book your family portrait session here today JosephBarberphotography.com/newport-beach-session