One of My Go-To Golden Hour Beach Locations
I often find myself returning to this beautiful beach. It is a short walk from the parking lot, it has soft sand and beautiful light. Kye Bay Beach in Comox is one of my favourite places to take photos and I am sure I will be there again soon enough!
Why Kye Bay Is the Perfect Location for Extended Family Photos on Vancouver Island
Kye Bay in the Comox Valley offers everything a Vancouver Island family photographer dreams of: soft, flattering natural light, wide open sandy beaches, and easy access for families of all ages. It’s a location that works beautifully for large, extended family sessions, with room to spread out, play, and relax. The neutral tones of the sand and driftwood, combined with the ocean backdrop, give your photos that timeless, West Coast feel. Whether you’re visiting the Comox Valley or are lucky enough to live nearby, Kye Bay is perfect for a long beach walk or beautiful portraits.
Letting Kids Be Kids in Your Family Session
One of the best parts about photographing families is capturing the candid moments, especially with little ones. At your photoshoot, there’s no pressure to make every photo perfectly posed. I set aside plenty of time to allow children to warm up, explore, and just be themselves. As your family photographer, I bring patience, a relaxed approach, and a few tricks to keep everyone smiling. We’ll definitely grab those frame-worthy group shots with everyone looking, but we’ll also preserve those in-between moments that feel real- laughter, sandy hands, and barefoot joy.
Why Tides Matter for Your Kye Bay Photography Experience
Planning around the tides is key to getting the most out of your Kye Bay family session. When the tide is low, the beach opens up to reveal long stretches of sand, perfect for walking, running, and wide-angle group shots. But high tide can be just as beautiful! During high tide at Kye Bay there are gentle waves, and cozy, intimate settings in the sand close to the driftwood and trees. During this particular evening session, for example, the tide was a little bit higher, and it was still absolutely lovely! As a Vancouver Island photographer, I check tide charts in advance and help schedule your session during the best window for both lighting and beach conditions. We’ll make sure your session is timed just right for your needs, beauty and comfort.

