Laurel Herzog Laurel Herzog

San Juan Capistrano Baby Photographer || Carson's First Birthday

When I first started photography I started with wedding photography with my girlfriend Devyn. She still does wedding photography so if you ever need a suggestion, she is my go to! You can see her work and contact info here. Anyways, this beautiful couple was one of the weddings I shot and I am thrilled to now be able to capture their GORGEOUS daughter Carson for her first birthday! Carson is seriously one of the cutest sweetest baby’s I’ve ever met! Wait til you see her adorable smile!

Poppy Lea Photography Orange county first birthday outdoor session_0138.jpg
Poppy Lea Photography Orange county first birthday outdoor session_0139.jpg
Poppy Lea Photography Orange county first birthday outdoor session_0140.jpg
Poppy Lea Photography Orange county first birthday outdoor session_0141.jpg
Poppy Lea Photography Orange county first birthday outdoor session_0142.jpg
Poppy Lea Photography Orange county first birthday outdoor session_0143.jpg
Poppy Lea Photography Orange county first birthday outdoor session_0144.jpg

Poppy Lea Photography is a motherhood photographer in Orange County who specializes in maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood sessions and family photography in the Orange County area, including San Clemente, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Niguel, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Mission Viejo and Costa Mesa.

This will give you a glimpse into what you will receive when you commission me as your maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood or family Photographer in Orange County. If you would like to see what an entire gallery looks like, please don’t hesitate to ask. My favorites are posted here, but all of the images you receive are worthy of being in a frame or an album! If you are you interested in a custom portrait session with Poppy Lea Photography and would like more information, please click here to see the experience.
 For investment information, please click HERE.
  If you would like to reserve your date on my calendar, please click on the contact button above or email me directly at poppyleaphotography@gmail.com.
  Sessions are currently booking into 2020, so please inquire when you know you’d like a session. I find such joy in capturing a family’s story and would be honored to help you tell yours!

xoxo- Laurel 


Read More
Laurel Herzog Laurel Herzog

San Clemente Newborn Photographer || Jude's Lifestyle Newborn Session

I met this beautiful mama a couple years ago in MOPS at our church The Shoreline. It was my first season of MOPS and Kelly was our table leader. If you’ve never heard of MOPS, it’s a glorious morning with childcare, adult conversations, a hot breakfast and an inspiring speaker talking about all things motherhood. It’s basically dream!

Kelly is one of the most genuine, sweet, honest people I’ve ever met and I loved hearing her story and let us in on her life, the good the bad and everything in between! She shared a tiny bit of her fertilely journey with us and so when I found out she was pregnant with her second baby, I actually cried looking at the Instagram post. I had prayed for her and her family so many times and I knew how much this sweet new life meant to her. When she asked me to photograph her absolutely perfect family for Jude’s newborn session I was overjoyed! Here are a few of my favorites from her session, oh and look at her home decor! 😍 Can she come decorate my house too!

Poppy Lea Photography Orange county newborn lifestyle session_0124.jpg
Poppy Lea Photography Orange county newborn lifestyle session_0125.jpg
Poppy Lea Photography Orange county newborn lifestyle session_0126.jpg
Poppy Lea Photography Orange county newborn lifestyle session_0127.jpg
Poppy Lea Photography Orange county newborn lifestyle session_0128.jpg
Poppy Lea Photography Orange county newborn lifestyle session_0129.jpg
Poppy Lea Photography Orange county newborn lifestyle session_0130.jpg

Kelly also has a fabulous blog talking all about life, motherhood and Jesus. Make sure to go check it out! https://kellyehrheart.com


Poppy Lea Photography is a motherhood photographer in Orange County who specializes in maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood sessions and family photography in the Orange County area, including San Clemente, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Niguel, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Mission Viejo and Costa Mesa.

This will give you a glimpse into what you will receive when you commission me as your maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood or family Photographer in Orange County. If you would like to see what an entire gallery looks like, please don’t hesitate to ask. My favorites are posted here, but all of the images you receive are worthy of being in a frame or an album! If you are you interested in a custom portrait session with Poppy Lea Photography and would like more information, please click here to see the experience.
 For investment information, please click HERE.
  If you would like to reserve your date on my calendar, please click on the contact button above or email me directly at poppyleaphotography@gmail.com.
  Sessions are currently booking into 2020, so please inquire when you know you’d like a session. I find such joy in capturing a family’s story and would be honored to help you tell yours!

xoxo- Laurel 


Read More
Laurel Herzog Laurel Herzog

San Juan Capistrano Outdoor Newborn Session || Sweet Baby Ava

Poppy Lea Photography Orange county newborn outdoor session_0116.jpg

You know how sometimes everything just works out perfectly. This session was one of those. This family just knows how to love on each other and their bond is visible even through my lens. We did Nicole’s maternity session on the beach in Dana Point at Salt Creek so I was thrilled to go somewhere new for sweet little Ava’s newborn session. Look at these gorgeous fall colors, these are magic!

Poppy Lea Photography Orange county newborn outdoor session_0117.jpg
Poppy Lea Photography Orange county newborn outdoor session_0118.jpg
Poppy Lea Photography Orange county newborn outdoor session_0119.jpg
Poppy Lea Photography Orange county newborn outdoor session_0120.jpg
Poppy Lea Photography Orange county newborn outdoor session_0121.jpg
Poppy Lea Photography Orange county newborn outdoor session_0122.jpg
Poppy Lea Photography Orange county newborn outdoor session_0123.jpg

Poppy Lea Photography is a motherhood photographer in Orange County who specializes in maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood sessions and family photography in the Orange County area, including San Clemente, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Niguel, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Mission Viejo and Costa Mesa.

This will give you a glimpse into what you will receive when you commission me as your maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood or family Photographer in Orange County. If you would like to see what an entire gallery looks like, please don’t hesitate to ask. My favorites are posted here, but all of the images you receive are worthy of being in a frame or an album! If you are you interested in a custom portrait session with Poppy Lea Photography and would like more information, please click here to see the experience.
 For investment information, please click HERE.
  If you would like to reserve your date on my calendar, please click on the contact button above or email me directly at poppyleaphotography@gmail.com.
  Sessions are currently booking into 2020, so please inquire when you know you’d like a session. I find such joy in capturing a family’s story and would be honored to help you tell yours!

xoxo- Laurel 

Read More
Laurel Herzog Laurel Herzog

Orange County Newborn Photographer || Baby Blakely

Poppy Lea Photography Orange county newborn studio session_0112.jpg

I met this sweet mamas years ago when I did a round of Valentine’s mini sessions at The New Mom School studio in Newport. We’re both alumni and it’s always my favorite place to meet new friends. Back then she only had her adorable son so it was such a treat to get to meet her adorable little girl Blakely too.

Blakely is seriously the sweetest baby ever! So calm and tiny and perfect! Here are a few from her perfect little newborn session in my studio in Orange County.

Poppy Lea Photography Orange county newborn studio session_0113.jpg
Poppy Lea Photography Orange county newborn studio session_0114.jpg
Poppy Lea Photography Orange county newborn studio session_0115.jpg

Poppy Lea Photography is a motherhood photographer in Orange County who specializes in maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood sessions and family photography in the Orange County area, including San Clemente, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Niguel, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Mission Viejo and Costa Mesa.

This will give you a glimpse into what you will receive when you commission me as your maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood or family Photographer in Orange County. If you would like to see what an entire gallery looks like, please don’t hesitate to ask. My favorites are posted here, but all of the images you receive are worthy of being in a frame or an album!

If you are you interested in a custom portrait session with Poppy Lea Photography and would like more information, please click here to see the experience.
 For investment information, please click HERE.
  If you would like to reserve your date on my calendar, please click on the contact button above or email me directly at poppyleaphotography@gmail.com.
  Sessions are currently booking into 2020, so please inquire when you know you’d like a session.

I find such joy in capturing a family’s story and would be honored to help you tell yours!

xoxo- Laurel 

Read More
Laurel Herzog Laurel Herzog

San Clemente Family Photographer || Calafia Beach Session

This family right here is one of the most genuine, loving and fun families I’ve ever photographed. This is our 3rd year together for family photos along with motherhood sessions, Santa sessions, birthdays, etc. I’m so honored they choose me time and time again. This session was done at Calafia state beach in San Clemente and its honestly one of my favorite beaches to shoot at. It’s super easy access, it’s always empty and the beach is wide open with beautiful light!

Beach photoshoots have quickly become my favorite, well tied up with my studio but for outdoor they are easily my favorite. I have seriously contemplated only shooting beach and studio sessions, is that crazy?

Without further ado(ramblings) here are a few of my favorites from their gorgeous family beach session in San Clemente.

Poppy Lea Photography san clemente beach family_0111.jpg
Poppy Lea Photography san clemente beach family_0103.jpg
Poppy Lea Photography san clemente beach family_0104.jpg
Poppy Lea Photography san clemente beach family_0106.jpg
Poppy Lea Photography san clemente beach family_0108.jpg
Poppy Lea Photography san clemente beach family_0110.jpg

Poppy Lea Photography is a motherhood photographer in Orange County who specializes in maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood sessions and family photography in the Orange County area, including San Clemente, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Niguel, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Mission Viejo and Costa Mesa.

This will give you a glimpse into what you will receive when you commission me as your maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood or family Photographer in Orange County. If you would like to see what an entire gallery looks like, please don’t hesitate to ask. My favorites are posted here, but all of the images you receive are worthy of being in a frame or an album!

If you are you interested in a custom portrait session with Poppy Lea Photography and would like more information, please click here to see the experience.
 For investment information, please click HERE.
 If you would like to reserve your date on my calendar, please click on the contact button above or email me directly at poppyleaphotography@gmail.com.
 Sessions are currently booking into 2020, so please inquire when you know you’d like a session.

I find such joy in capturing a family’s story and would be honored to help you tell yours!

xoxo- Laurel

Read More
Laurel Herzog Laurel Herzog

Dana Point Family Photographer || Santa Sessions 2019

This year was my 4th year hosting Santa sessions and yet again it was INCREDIBLE! This was also my first year selling out completely and WOW! Knowing that you love and appreciate all the work that goes in behind the scenes for these to happen is just so fulfilling. This was also the first year hosting these at my home and studio and while we still had some logistics to fine tune, I think it was perfect!

Over four hours we hosted 25 families and 62 kids!!!!!

25 families with 62 kids! SO wild!

Here are a few of my favorites from the day…

Poppy Lea Photography dana point santa studio_0091.jpg
Poppy Lea Photography dana point santa studio_0090.jpg
Poppy Lea Photography dana point santa studio_0081.jpg
Poppy Lea Photography dana point santa studio_0085.jpg
Poppy Lea Photography dana point santa studio_0087.jpg
Poppy Lea Photography dana point santa studio_0089.jpg
Poppy Lea Photography dana point santa studio_0082.jpg
Poppy Lea Photography dana point santa studio_0093.jpg
Poppy Lea Photography dana point santa studio_0088.jpg
Poppy Lea Photography dana point santa studio_0083.jpg
Poppy Lea Photography dana point santa studio_0080.jpg

The Set Design

This year we again had a few different sets for you to choose from. The indoor studio set with Santa, the gorgeous wreaths made my Wildflower Florist of San Clemente and the outdoor faux tree lot. Each year these will be a little different, I already know next year we won’t have the tree lot or at least it will be different, this year was a little too messy! 😜

I always suggest coming 15-20 minutes early to your session so kids aren’t rushed and have time to ease into their surrounding before seeing Santa. Outside we had a fun kids table set up so they could do some crafts while they wait or nibble on some delicious snacks and charcuterie board from Masion in Dana Point. A hot cocoa bar and coffee because duh, we all need coffee!

Here are a few detail shots from the day…

Poppy Lea Photography dana point santa studio_0096.jpg
Poppy Lea Photography dana point santa studio_0097.jpg
Poppy Lea Photography dana point santa studio_0098.jpg
Poppy Lea Photography dana point santa studio_0099.jpg
Poppy Lea Photography dana point santa studio_0100.jpg
Poppy Lea Photography dana point santa studio_0101.jpg


If you’d like to join us for Santa next year, be sure to add your email to my newsletter list. Santa sessions book up completely during the summer so make sure you don’t wait too long! If you’d like to guarantee your time, you can put a refundable deposit down now. Just email me to do so!

Thank you so much to each and everyone of you who came to visit Santa! You made the day magical! Merry Christmas friends!

Xo- Laurel


Poppy Lea Photography is a motherhood photographer in Orange County who specializes in maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood sessions and family photography in the Orange County area, including San Clemente, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Niguel, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Mission Viejo and Costa Mesa.

This will give you a glimpse into what you will receive when you commission me as your maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood or family Photographer in Orange County. If you would like to see what an entire gallery looks like, please don’t hesitate to ask. My favorites are posted here, but all of the images you receive are worthy of being in a frame or an album!

If you are you interested in a custom portrait session with Poppy Lea Photography and would like more information, please click hereto see the experience.
 For investment information, please click HERE.
 If you would like to reserve your date on my calendar, please click on the contact button above or email me directly at poppyleaphotography@gmail.com.
 Sessions are currently booking into 2020, so please inquire when you know you’d like a session.

I find such joy in capturing a family’s story and would be honored to help you tell yours!

XO- Laurel

Read More
Laurel Herzog Laurel Herzog

Dana Point Family Photographer || What to Wear Holiday Edition

Ah! The eternal question. The reason many families don’t do photos. The nightmare of picking what. too. wear.

What to wear for family photos is honestly the number one question I get. Not in a happy way but in an exasperated, I hate this stuff way by 90% of moms (including myself and I do this for a living!)

So here I am doing my best to help you do your best… Here are two styling boards filled with gorgeous easy ideas for your upcoming Dana Point Family session with me. Oh and don’t think I forgot links to just click and buy it right now. You’re welcome!

Santa Styling Suggestion #1.jpg
Santa Styling Suggestion #2.jpg

Poppy Lea Photography is a motherhood photographer in Orange County who specializes in maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood sessions and family photography in the Orange County area, including San Clemente, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Niguel, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Mission Viejo and Costa Mesa.

This will give you a glimpse into what you will receive when you commission me as your maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood or family Photographer in Orange County. If you would like to see what an entire gallery looks like, please don’t hesitate to ask. My favorites are posted here, but all of the images you receive are worthy of being in a frame or an album!

If you are you interested in a custom portrait session with Poppy Lea Photography and would like more information, please click here to see the experience.
 For investment information, please click HERE.
 If you would like to reserve your date on my calendar, please click on the contact button above or email me directly at poppyleaphotography@gmail.com.
 Sessions are currently booking into 2020, so please inquire when you know you’d like a session.

I find such joy in capturing a family’s story and would be honored to help you tell yours!

XO- Laurel

Read More
Laurel Herzog Laurel Herzog

San Juan Capistrano Studio Newborn Session || Newborn Asher

Poppy Lea Photography dana point Newborn studio_0072.jpg

Sweetest baby and most beautiful family award goes to…. The Gonzalez Family! Seriously you guys, I’m dying over this studio session at my San Juan Capistrano studio. Asher was just the best! At 9 days old, he was a dream!

It’s soooo good! Wardrobe for mom, sister and baby provided by my collection of clients outfits. Any session is welcome to use my wardrobe.

Poppy Lea Photography dana point Newborn studio_0066.jpg
Poppy Lea Photography dana point Newborn studio_0067.jpg
Poppy Lea Photography dana point Newborn studio_0071.jpg
Poppy Lea Photography dana point Newborn studio_0068.jpg
Poppy Lea Photography dana point Newborn studio_0075.jpg
Poppy Lea Photography dana point Newborn studio_0070.jpg
Poppy Lea Photography dana point Newborn studio_0078.jpg

Poppy Lea Photography is a motherhood photographer in Orange County who specializes in maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood sessions and family photography in the Orange County area, including San Clemente, Dana Point, Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Laguna Niguel, Irvine, Mission Viejo, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Mission Viejo and Costa Mesa.

This will give you a glimpse into what you will receive when you commission me as your maternity, newborn, baby, motherhood or family Photographer in Orange County. If you would like to see what an entire gallery looks like, please don’t hesitate to ask. My favorites are posted here, but all of the images you receive are worthy of being in a frame or an album!

If you are you interested in a custom portrait session with Poppy Lea Photography and would like more information, please click here to see the experience.
 For investment information, please click HERE.
 If you would like to reserve your date on my calendar, please click on the contact button above or email me directly at poppyleaphotography@gmail.com.
 Sessions are currently booking into 2020, so please inquire when you know you’d like a session.

I find such joy in capturing a family’s story and would be honored to help you tell yours!

XO- Laurel

Read More