A Chance Meeting on the Shores of Monterey

Some of the best moments in photography aren't planned—they simply happen.

Last week, while visiting the Monterey area, I spent some time exploring Marina State Beach in search of a new location for future family portrait sessions. Whenever I travel, I love discovering places that offer beautiful natural light, wide-open spaces, and scenery that tells its own story. The beach that morning was peaceful, with rolling waves, soft sand dunes, and the fresh ocean breeze that makes the California coast so special.

As I walked along the shoreline with my camera, I noticed a wonderful family enjoying their time together. They were visiting from Florida and traveling across the United States, making memories along the way.

After introducing myself, I told their mother that I was a photographer from Mendocino County visiting Monterey to photograph the coastline. I asked if she would mind if I captured a few portraits of her family. She smiled and said, "Sure!"

I also let her know that I would place the images on my website for them to download at no cost. Photography has always been about more than creating beautiful images—it's about sharing moments with people and giving them memories they can treasure long after the trip is over.

What happened next reminded me why I love what I do.

The children immediately forgot about the camera. They hugged each other, laughed, ran toward the crashing waves, and simply enjoyed being kids. There was no pressure to pose perfectly. Their excitement, curiosity, and joy created the most genuine photographs of the day.

Watching them play together was a beautiful reminder that the best family portraits often happen between the poses. It's the laughter, the hugs, the sandy feet, and the spontaneous moments that become the memories families cherish most.

As photographers, we can spend hours planning sessions, scouting locations, and waiting for perfect weather. But sometimes the most meaningful photographs come from unexpected encounters with kind people willing to share a small part of their journey.

To this wonderful family from Florida—it was a pleasure meeting you, and I hope these photographs will always remind you of your adventure along California's beautiful coastline.

Sometimes all it takes is saying hello.

Those unexpected moments often become the stories we remember the most.

With gratitude,

Mary Lee Richardson
Mary Lee's Photography

"Capturing life's meaningful moments—one story at a time."