The JOURNAL

A white family of 4 poses on the Jeffrey Open Space Trail for family portraits in Irvine, California by Kate Noelle Photography. There is a mother, father, and their two boys-a toddler and a baby. They are all smiling at each other.

FAMILIES

Jeffrey Open Space Trail is one of my favorite spots to take my clients for family portraits. Winding 3.5 miles through the city of Irvine, the paved path is a key link between the mountains and sea of Orange County.  From open meadows to rustic bridges and wooded areas,  it offers a diverse range of […]

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A family of three stands in Trabuco Canyon in Orange County. They are all holding hands and posing for family photos with Kate Noelle Photography.

FAMILIES

Last fall, I hosted a special round of family photos mini sessions in the picturesque beauty of Trabuco Canyon.  This hidden gem of Orange County is a wilderness oasis that lies just north of Rancho Santa Margarita. Nestled in the heart of a quiet subdivision, it’s just a short trip from the coast and the […]

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A White family of five laugh together at eucalyptus grove during an Orange County Mini Session. A dad, mom, two daughters, and a son.

FAMILIES

When it comes to picking locations for my Orange County Mini Sessions, it’s so fun finding beautiful spots off the beaten path.  These eucalyptus groves have become one of my favorite secret spots, providing a tranquil backdrop- and that forest is just magical. Not to be annoying and redundant, but I really mean that forest […]

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FAMILIES

Cloudy beach days can be pretty magical. These fun Montage Laguna Beach family portraits are proof that the beach is a great place for photos whatever the weather might be like! When you’re a Southern California family, you know off-season is the best time to go to the beach. You can bundle up in cute […]

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family photos on a bridge at junipero Serra trail in san diego

FAMILIES

The Klingaman family chose to take their annual family photos at Father Junipero Serra Trail, a beautiful outdoor trail in San Diego. We explored the trails together, stopped to pick wild flowers, and spent some really special family time together. 

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FAMILIES

The first light of day creeps through the curtains and little bodies begin to stir at the sounds of early chirping birds. The smells of morning coffee waft in spirals, dancing with the whispers of good morning. Blankies are dragged and little hands find yours to hobble down the stairs. Activities and breakfast start soon […]

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Adorable-family-lifestyle-portraits-in-home-california-kohlenberg

FAMILIES

These San Diego family lifestyle portraits are #familygoals and just the most adorable thing you’ve ever seen. Since they just finished moving in and renovating their beautiful new home, we decided it would be fitting to take some relaxed family photos of the four of them before baby boy number three joined the party. Again, […]

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san-diego-family-photographer-blankenship-2017

FAMILIES

It won’t be long until the three musketeers add a fourth; life is at such a special place for the Blankenships! For almost two years, it’s been just Billy, Alissa, and Claire… and what a sweet sweet time it’s been. While they’re over the moon about baby number two coming this fall, they asked me […]

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california-family-photographer-schneider-family

FAMILIES

The Schneider family began with just the two of them, then Ezra Monkey joined the party, and now with Kolja bear they are four. Though life looks a little different with their two little munchkins than it did when it was just the two of them, there’s still a “sameness” to it. Music still holds the baseline to their […]

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newport-beach-family-portraits-orange-county-california

FAMILIES

Growing up near the beach allowed for many a fond memory for my family and I. I remember countless hours of swimming, boogie boarding, sand crab catching, sand castle making, and bonfire enjoying. Some of the most nostalgic photos documenting my childhood took place at the beach. So for me, there’s still a sense of […]

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Behind the Camera

Kate Noelle

Kate Noelle is a Southern California wedding photographer with nearly 20 years of experience, celebrated as much for her art as she is for the way she is loved by clients, their families, creative partners, and publications alike. Named Best Photographer in Orange County by California Wedding Day Magazine three years running, she is known for her calm presence, refined artistry, and ability to navigate high-stakes moments with confidence and discretion.

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Named 'Best Wedding Photographer in California' by California Wedding Day, and Proudly featured by

“Always fresh, fun, and fashionable, Kate Noelle's work attracts editors and discerning couples alike. Sought after in Southern California and luxury destinations around the world, she is trusted by other top professionals and adored by her clients who can't say enough good things about her work.” 

From Blair deLaubenfels, Editor at Worlds Best Wedding Photos —

“Sought after in Southern California and luxury destinations around the world, she is trusted by other top professionals and adored by her clients who can't say enough good things about her work.” 

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