Embracing the Marine Layer: A Point Reyes Beach Session

As two only children, my wife and I are intrigued (and a little intimidated) by big families. I arrived to meet this one – mom, dad, and three girls nearing teenagerhood – anxious to find a rhythm.

I needn’t have worried. What I found was a family that’s figured out how to be together in a place where they feel completely at home. Nobody asked me what to do. They showed me how they do it.

A few examples.

Not one person, myself included, wore shoes for a single minute of the session. They ditched theirs the second they got out of the car, and I followed their lead. I didn’t have to suggest dipping toes in the water, either. I had to remind them that if we did it first, our pants might stay wet the rest of the afternoon. “That’s fine,” I was told, as they ran for the water anyway.

The photos of them lying on the blanket? I didn’t stage a single one. This is a family that actually goes to the beach, throws down a blanket, and hangs out. Together.

I’m sure they squabble. I’m sure there are days each of them wishes she were an only child. But they’re close. Deeply, obviously close. It was a beautiful thing to be around for a few hours.

A few hours before the session, I texted mom to offer a reschedule. I don’t mind a marine layer, but this one looked like it might turn to drizzle, maybe rain. She put it to the girls. They voted to embrace the weather. Marin will be Marin, and they’re from Marin.

I’m so glad they did. North Beach, Point Reyes. Overcast sky, cobalt-green ocean. Nothing could look or feel more like home.