FAQ

Our Kings Beach family photography sessions are incredibly convenient, especially for families staying on the North Shore. Kings Beach is centrally located right on Highway 28, making it a quick drive from popular resorts in Tahoe City, Incline Village, and Crystal Bay. Parking for Kings Beach State Recreation Area is paid and located directly off the highway, offering easy access to the main sandy beach, restrooms, and our typical meeting points.

Kings Beach State Recreation Area is a bustling spot, especially during summer weekends. To ensure a comfortable and private family photography experience, we highly recommend sunrise sessions. This is when the light is magical, and the beach is wonderfully quiet, allowing your family to relax and interact naturally without large crowds. Rules for the main sandy beach include no dogs, no glass, no fires/BBQs, and no alcohol. We always adhere strictly to these local regulations.

For that iconic Lake Tahoe golden hour glow in Kings Beach, sunrise is often superior to sunset, especially during summer. At sunrise, the sun rises over the eastern mountains, casting beautiful, soft light across the lake and the beach. Sunset in Kings Beach can be challenging due to the sun setting behind the western mountains, which can lead to harsh shadows on the beach sooner. We leverage the early morning light to achieve that warm, dreamy glow for your family photography portraits.

The duration of a photo session varies depending on the type and scope of the project. Portrait sessions are typically 1 hour, while events and weddings can span several hours. We strive to provide ample time to capture all the important moments and ensure you feel relaxed and comfortable throughout the session.

 Lake Tahoe weather, especially in Kings Beach, can be wonderfully unpredictable! We closely monitor local forecasts. If sudden changes like unexpected rain, strong winds, or storms occur, we'll quickly adapt. This might involve relocating to a more sheltered spot, rescheduling for later in the day, or finding an alternative date. Your family's comfort and safety, and the quality of your Kings Beach family photography, are our top priorities.

If the weather doesn't cooperate on the day of an outdoor shoot, we can discuss alternatives such as rescheduling the session or finding an indoor location. We want to ensure the best possible outcome for your photos, and we're flexible in adapting to unforeseen circumstances.

Yes, Kings Beach State Recreation Area offers convenient and well-maintained public restrooms. There are facilities located near the main parking lot by the playground and also near the Kings Beach Boat Launch. These are generally open during day-use hours, though facilities may be winterized and closed during the colder months. This accessibility is a big plus for families with young children during our Kings Beach family photography sessions.

Parking at Kings Beach State Recreation Area is a large, paid parking lot directly off Highway 28 (North Lake Blvd). Fees are required year-round. We will provide clear instructions on where to park and our specific meeting point within the recreation area before your Kings Beach family photography session to ensure a smooth start. We recommend arriving a few minutes early to secure parking, especially during peak season.

While Kings Beach State Recreation Area is popular, we have a few lesser-known spots and trails in the immediate Kings Beach vicinity that offer beautiful natural light and more secluded backdrops for family photography. These might include tucked-away forest clearings just off Highway 267 or small, less-trafficked beach accesses. We'll suggest these depending on the time of year, your family's mobility, and the desired aesthetic for your Kings Beach family photography.

Yes, including your beloved furry family members in a multi-generational Kings Beach family photography session is possible, with some important considerations. Dogs are not allowed on the main sandy beach at Kings Beach State Recreation Area. However, there is a designated "Dog Beach" area located east of the Kings Beach boat ramp (a rockier section), and leashed dogs are also permitted on sidewalks and in the shaded picnic areas. We can certainly plan a session that utilizes these pet-friendly areas to include your whole family!