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Pajaro Dunes · Davenport · Santa Cruz · Capitola

Pajaro Dunes

Coast · Beach · Dunes · Resort

Beachfront vacation community in Watsonville with private homes opening directly onto the dunes. Quiet, wide, and undeveloped feeling — beloved by multi-generation families staying together for a week and wanting beach portraits without crowds.

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You may see a few photos from nearby locations here. Many shoots span multiple spots in the same session.

What it costs
$550 – $1,850
Typical range for a session at Pajaro Dunes

Where you land comes down to the session you choose. A shorter weekday session sits at the low end; a weekend session with more time and more edited photos sits at the top. There's no deposit, and you pay after the shoot, not before.

Ready when you are

Pajaro Dunes

Not sure yet? Start with a free 10-minute call. Otherwise, jump straight to booking.

Portrait session here →10-min call →
From the photographer
Chris Schmauch
by Chris Schmauch, owner of GoodEye Photography

Beachfront vacation community in Watsonville with private homes opening directly onto the dunes.

Beachfront vacation community in Watsonville with private homes opening directly onto the dunes. Quiet, wide, and undeveloped feeling — beloved by multi-generation families staying together for a week and wanting beach portraits without crowds.

The Full Guide

Pajaro Dunes

The Pitch

Beachfront vacation community in Watsonville with private homes opening directly onto the dunes. Quiet, wide, and undeveloped feeling — beloved by multi-generation families staying together for a week and wanting beach portraits without crowds.

What to expect

The lay of the land

Footwear
Anything works. Paved paths, lawns, and indoor-adjacent locations throughout. Heels are fine; expect to walk between spots.
Best Time of Day
Late afternoon through golden hour for the warmest light. Many resort settings have indoor and outdoor options — we can pivot if weather shifts.
Best Season
Year-round. Indoor options as backup means we shoot in any weather. Spring and fall give the cleanest outdoor light.
Weather
Multiple indoor/outdoor options means weather rarely blocks us. Plan around heat in summer (75–95°F midday).
Privacy
On-property use, often coordinated with the venue. Expect other guests in shared areas but most sessions find quiet pockets easily.
Drive times

Getting here

Downtown Santa Cruz10 min
Capitola15 min
Aptos20 min
San Jose45 min
San Francisco1 hr 30 min
Approximate, off-peak driving.
Worth knowing

A few things about Pajaro Dunes

  • Parking is on-property and close to the photo locations.

  • Dog-friendly in most areas; leash rules vary by season.

  • West-facing — stay from the last of the sun through blue hour, especially clear winter evenings.