100 Blogs Later: Lessons I’ve Learned Growing Our Photography Business Online

It started with a simple goal: share our work, stay consistent, and maybe help people understand what we do. I had no idea how far it would take me.

Today, I’m sitting down to write blog number 100.

100 posts.

100 chances to reflect, refine, and reconnect—with our work, clients, and purpose.

I never thought I’d call myself a “blogger.” But what I’ve learned along the way is that blogging has become one of the most powerful tools in our photography business. It’s how I’ve told stories, brought in clients, grown our online presence, and built something that feels real, lasting, and true to us.

What Changed Between Blog #1 and Blog #100?

When I first started, my blogs were quick reflections. Sometimes a paragraph, sometimes just a caption. I posted beautiful photos and told people what they were looking at. But I wasn’t yet connecting the way I am now.

Now, each blog is a conversation. A travel guide. A memory. A story. A sales tool. A portfolio piece. A reason to book with us.

Here’s what I’ve learned along the way—and what I messed up, too.

❌ The Biggest Mistakes I Made (So You Don’t Have To)

1. I Didn’t Use Keywords at First

For months, I wrote blogs that never ranked because I had no idea what SEO even meant. I thought if I posted a pretty shoot, people would just “find it.” They didn’t.

Fix: Now I use long-tail, location-based keywords in every post—like “sunset proposal photographer in La Jolla” or “family photos in Temecula wine country.”

2. I Wasn’t Writing for the Right Audience

At first, I was writing for me. But I learned that blogs are meant for the person reading them. I talked about gear or my creative process, but I didn’t answer the questions potential clients were asking.

Fix: Now, every blog is written with one person in mind—someone searching for a photographer and wondering, “Is this the one?”

3. I Didn’t Include Clear CTAs

I used to end blogs with nothing—no link, no offer, no direction. I made people scroll through beautiful stories and then… just leave.

Fix: Now every blog points to something—whether it’s a seasonal package, a booking link, or a related blog to keep them reading.

4. I Didn’t Track My Results

For a long time, I didn’t check what was working. I wasn’t paying attention to bounce rates, traffic, or conversions. I just kept posting, blindly.

Fix: Now, I use performance data to guide future posts—refining based on traffic, optimizing for conversion, and tweaking titles based on what people search for.

5. I Forgot Who I Was Talking To

There was a phase where I made things too polished, too SEO-heavy, and lost my voice. I became robotic trying to “rank.”

Fix: I learned you can optimize for search engines without losing heart. Now, I blend warmth with strategy.

6. I Didn’t Think My Work Was Good Enough

There were seasons I was scared to blog because I thought my work didn’t measure up. I let self-doubt stop me from sharing.

Fix: I’ve learned to post anyway. To write the blog even if I’m unsure. Growth happens through action, not perfection.

✅ What I Learned Along the Way

Lesson 1: Long-Tail Keywords Are More Than Just SEO

They’re how people find you when they’re looking for exactly what you offer. Not “photographer near me,” but “maternity photos in Laguna Beach at golden hour.”

Lesson 2: Every Blog Is a Silent Salesperson

If you write with purpose, every blog can be a way for someone to find you, trust you, and book with you. That’s how I turned blogs into service pages.

Lesson 3: People Don’t Just Want Pretty Photos—They Want Stories

They want to feel what it was like. They want to imagine themselves there. That’s the magic of combining photos with narrative.

Lesson 4: Systems Set You Free

Now I blog with structure:

• SEO title

• 400-character description

• Keyword-rich excerpt

• Hyperlinks to trusted sources

• Call to action
  It’s like second nature—and it saves me time.

Lesson 5: Consistency > Perfection

Not every blog will go viral. But every blog builds trust. Some of my slowest posts turned into bookings months later just because I kept showing up.

Lesson 6: I Found My Voice

Around blog #40, I started writing like me. Not like a brand. Not like someone trying to sound like everyone else. Just… me. And that’s when things started to click.

🔄 Then vs. Now: My Blogging Evolution

Aspect	First 5 Blogs	Now
Length	1–2 paragraphs	Full SEO-structured content
Voice	Uncertain	Confident + warm
Keywords	None	Long-tail, location-based
Links	Missing	Hyperlinked to venues, hikes, packages
Photo Tips	None	Built-in per shoot
CTA	Absent	Strong offer or next step
Goal	Share images	Share + connect + convert

Where I’m Going From Here

This 100th blog isn’t just a milestone. It’s proof that showing up works—even when you feel invisible, even when bookings are slow, even when you’re unsure.

I’ve blogged through self-doubt, burnout, and learning curves. I’ve blogged through travel, slow seasons, and late nights.

And now, we’re getting ready to take this journey on the road. Starting in San Diego and heading up the coast with my wife and our three pups, we’ll be photographing, storytelling, and connecting with new clients wherever we land next.

💬 We love to hear from you:
What was your favorite blog post? What topic should we dive into next? Drop a comment, send a message, or reach out if you’ve got an idea we could bring to life together. Let’s keep creating, learning, and growing—together.

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Father’s Day by the Coast: 10 Scenic Orange County Beaches for Family Photos & Fun

Father’s Day is more than just a day to hand over a new set of golf balls or a BBQ apron. It’s an opportunity to make lasting memories with the ones you love—especially with Dad front and center. If you're looking for a meaningful, outdoorsy, and photo-worthy way to spend Father’s Day in Southern California, then a beach day in Orange County is the perfect choice.

Whether it’s catching the sunrise together, digging your toes into warm sand, sharing fresh fish tacos, or capturing candid moments with your family through the lens—Orange County beaches offer the ultimate Father's Day experience. And if you're searching for family photography in Orange County or want to book a last-minute session to document this Father’s Day with professional photos, these locations are ideal.

From iconic piers to hidden coves, here are 10 must-visit beaches across Orange County, complete with local food spots and photography tips to capture Dad at his best.

1. Huntington City Beach

📍 1 Main St, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
This lively beach—known worldwide as Surf City USA—is a Father's Day classic. It offers everything from surf lessons and bonfire pits to volleyball courts and bike rentals. The historic Huntington Beach Pier is a great photo backdrop, especially at sunset.

Nearby Restaurants:

• Duke’s Huntington Beach – Hawaiian-inspired, oceanfront dining

• Sandy’s Beach Shack – casual coastal eats with a beachfront view

Photography Tips:
Head under the pier for creative framing, or use a telephoto lens to capture action shots of Dad playing with the kids on the sand.

2. Bolsa Chica State Beach

📍 17851 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92649
This wide, laid-back beach is perfect for Dads who enjoy surf fishing or biking along the coast. There’s plenty of space for kids to run free, and RV parking and picnic areas make it family-friendly.

Nearby Eats:

• Pacific Kitchen – elevated beach bites nearby

• Food trucks often line the parking lot on weekends

Photography Tips:
Use the sand dunes for soft background textures. Early morning or late afternoon light works best for capturing glowy, natural moments.

3. Balboa Peninsula / Pier – Newport Beach

📍 Newport Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92661
Balboa has it all: a ferry, arcade, and one of the most walkable beach piers in Orange County. Great for nostalgic, fun-loving Dads who want to grab a frozen banana or relive childhood beach memories with their own kids.

Nearby Restaurants:

• Ruby’s Diner on the Pier – classic American eats at the very end of the pier

• Cruisers Pizza Bar Grill – lively sports bar with pizza, wings & outdoor seating

Photography Tips:
Take portraits on the boardwalk with bikes and long shadows. Use the Ferris wheel as a pop of color in wide-angle shots.

4. Corona Del Mar State Beach

📍 3001 Ocean Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92625
Nicknamed "Big Corona," this beach sits in a calm cove perfect for tide pooling, light swimming, and climbing seaside rocks. Easy parking and walkable paths make it great for multigenerational families.

Nearby Restaurants:

• The Bungalow Restaurant – upscale American steakhouse for a fancy Father's Day dinner

• Rose Bakery Café – casual brunch & pastries

Photography Tips:
Use cliffs for depth or capture reflections in the tide pools. Golden hour brings rich tones to the rocky surroundings.

5. Crystal Cove State Park

📍 8471 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
This coastal gem offers over 3 miles of shoreline, hiking trails, and charming historic cottages. It’s one of the best places for landscape-style family photography in Orange County.

Nearby Eats:

• Beachcomber Café – iconic beachfront brunch spot

• Ruby’s Shake Shack – for a classic burger-and-shake combo overlooking the water

Photography Tips:
Include cliffs, surfboards, or seaside cottages for storytelling. Try elevated shots from the bluff trails.

6. Victoria Beach – Laguna Beach

📍 2713 Victoria Dr, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
One of Laguna’s most scenic hidden coves, featuring the mysterious Pirate Tower and a manmade saltwater pool. It’s a short walk down, but well worth the effort for unique portraits.

Nearby Restaurants:

• The Deck – beachfront dining and cocktails

• Mozambique – South African-inspired steakhouse with rooftop views

Photography Tips:
Go at low tide to access the tower. Wide-angle shots of Dad and the kids by the pool make for dramatic compositions.

7. Salt Creek Beach – Dana Point

📍 33333 S Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, CA 92629
Set below The Ritz-Carlton, this beach features rolling lawns, dramatic cliffs, and great surf. There's a funicular for easy access, making it ideal for all ages.

Nearby Restaurants:

• Young’s Beach Shack – quick bites with ocean views

• 180blu at The Ritz-Carlton – elevated sunset cocktails

Photography Tips:
The grassy hilltop is great for posed family portraits. Shoot down toward the ocean for epic depth and composition.

8. Doheny State Beach – Dana Point

📍 25300 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629
Flat, calm, and family-friendly. Doheny offers surf lessons, grassy BBQ areas, and a small aquarium for younger kids.

Nearby Restaurants:

• Doho Café – casual beachfront café

• Harpoon Henry’s – seafood with a harbor view

Photography Tips:
Great for lifestyle shots—capture Dad grilling, fishing, or hanging out near the harbor with the sailboats behind him.

9. San Clemente State Beach

📍 Avenida Calafia, San Clemente, CA 92672
This location is a local favorite for camping, surfing, and hiking the bluffs. It has an untamed, golden-hour magic that’s ideal for candid and creative shoots.

Nearby Eats:

• Ellie’s Table – French bakery with killer breakfast

• The Fisherman’s Restaurant – on the pier

Photography Tips:
Catch movement—windswept hair, kids running up the path. Incorporate cliffs in the background to add drama.

10. San Onofre State Beach

📍 Old Pacific Hwy, San Clemente, CA 92672
A rugged, surf-haven with rustic charm. Best for adventurous families or surf-loving Dads who enjoy fewer crowds and a throwback vibe.

Nearby Eats:

• Pedro’s Tacos – legendary fish tacos

• Bring a picnic—dining options are limited

Photography Tips:
Use long lenses to compress the coastline or frame Dad catching waves. Look for vintage surf trucks or signage.

📸 Photography Tips for Father’s Day Beach Shoots

• Shoot during golden hour – Capture soft light, warm tones, and glowing skies at sunrise or sunset.

• Use leading lines – Piers, boardwalks, trails, and fences naturally draw the viewer’s eye toward your subject (aka Dad!).

• Capture candid motion – Get photos of Dad tossing a frisbee, chasing waves, carrying the kids, or building a sandcastle.

• Incorporate natural props – Use surfboards, beach towels, umbrellas, or driftwood to add layers of storytelling to your images.

• Look for reflections – Tide pools and wet sand can create dreamy mirror-like shots.

• Shoot from different angles – Get low to the ground for playful perspectives or above for flat lay family moments on a picnic blanket.

• Include the environment – Frame Dad with the ocean, cliffs, or sunset in the background to create lasting, scenic portraits.

• Keep it relaxed – The best beach photos come from real connection. Focus on laughter, bear hugs, goofy grins, and messy moments.

🎁 Limited-Time Promo: 30% Off Your First Photo Session

Make this summer unforgettable. Whether you're celebrating Father’s Day or just want updated family photos in Orange County’s iconic beach settings, we’d love to help capture the moment.

📅 Book now and use promo code: TY30
💵 Get 30% off your first photography session
🌐 Book with us today at Last Minute Photoshoot