Manhattan Beach Senior Photos : Quinn's Beach Session

Can we just take a second to talk about how time is a thief? I’ve known Quinn since her Girl Scout days, and suddenly I’m standing in Palos Verdes taking her senior portraits. I didn’t see any thin mints, but I did see a total natural in front of the camera.

South Coast Botanical Garden senior portraits in Palos Verdes with fashion-forward styling.

Botanical Garden senior pictures in Palos verdes California

The Locations: Gardens to Coastline

We started the day at the stunning South Coast Botanical Garden (because you can’t go wrong with classic florals) and wandered through some “hidden gem” spots around town. As a Santa Clarita senior photographer, I love heading south to Manhattan Beach—it was the perfect nod to her parents’ roots and offered a totally different vibe from the SCV desert. Here is my recommendation for the best spots for senior pictures in Southern California.

Full-length senior portrait of a girl in a blue floral skirt walking through a garden path in Palos Verdes.

Editorial garden senior picture of Quinn from Saugus High School with natural sunlight.

Natural light senior pictures in Palos Veredes California

Modern high school senior photography at South Coast Botanical Garden in Southern California.

Palos Verdes senior photographer capturing editorial outdoor portraits in a lush garden

The Vibe: Foggy & Editorial

Now, usually, when people book Manhattan Beach senior photos, they expect that golden, blinding Southern California sun. Nature had other plans. It was foggy, overcast, and felt like it was ten seconds away from a downpour.

Honestly? I wasn’t even mad. The moody lighting turned this into a high-fashion editorial senior session. Quinn leaned into the “cool girl” energy, and the result was way more unique than a standard sunset shot. Sorry, sun, but the fog won this round.

Editorial senior portraits in Southern California featuring a black slip dress and classic architecture.

High-fashion senior picture in Palos Verdes California with an urban editorial vibe.

What She Wore

Quinn nailed her senior picture outfits. We paired the lush garden greens with [describe a specific outfit, e.g., a flowy white dress] and saved the [describe beach outfit, e.g., oversized sweater/denim] for the foggy coast. If you’re planning your own High School senior photos, take a note from Quinn: don’t be afraid of a little weather! It adds a layer of drama you just can’t fake. Need some inspo? Look no further than my What to Wear for Senior Pictures Guide!

High-fashion senior photography in Manhattan Beach with a moody, overcast coastal vibe.

Moody senior portraits under the Manhattan Beach pier featuring an editorial fashion aesthetic.

Playful Manhattan Beach senior photos of Quinn splashing in the water during an overcast beach session.

Ready to book your own Manhattan Beach senior photos?

High school graduation is a massive milestone, and your senior portraits should feel as unique as you are. Whether we get that classic California sunshine or a moody, editorial fog like Quinn’s session, I’m here to make sure you look and feel incredible.

I am currently booking for the spring for Class of 2026 and no, it’s not too early to start booking for Class of 2027! My calendar fills up fast—especially for destination sessions like Palos Verdes and Manhattan Beach.

Click here to view my senior portrait sessions and book your own session!