Some families grow on you. Others? You grow with them. That’s how it’s been with the Hartos family. As their beach photographer in Coronado, I’ve had the honor of photographing their family portraits every single year since Kirstin was pregnant with their youngest, Matthew. And let me tell you—watching a family go from “just the two of us and a bump” to wrestling in the sand with a growing baby? That’s something special.

This year, they chose Coronado Beach for their session—a perfect call. Wide open sand, soft light, and a salty breeze that makes even the stiffest adult shoulders finally relax. They wanted their lifestyle beach photos to reflect the real stuff: that laid-back, easygoing rhythm of a family that truly loves being together. No stiff poses. No forced smiles. Just the five of them in their element, sand between their toes and joy written all over their faces.

We kicked things off right before golden hour—my favorite kind of natural light for family portraits on the beach. The Hartos showed up dressed in outfits that said, “we tried…but not too hard.” Coordinated but comfortable. Polished but still ready to roll around on the sand. That’s the sweet spot for lifestyle family sessions in Coronado: relaxed, coastal, and totally real.

I caught them mid-laugh, mid-chase, mid-wrestle, and fully present. The older kids tackled each other while mom and dad exchanged looks that said, “this is chaos, but it’s ours.” And then there was Matthew, the youngest, whose bond with his parents is pure gold. I made sure to slow things down a bit and focus in on the three of them. Those quieter moments, the little glances, the bear hugs—they speak volumes. The connection between them is something you feel instantly. You don’t need to pose it. You just need to be ready when it shows up.

That’s the thing about beach photography, especially in a place like Coronado. The backdrop does a lot of the work for you, but it’s the in-between moments—the ones you can’t script—that make the best photos. It’s the reason I love lifestyle beach sessions. There’s room for real life. Real movement. Real connection.

Need a Beach Photographer in Coronado?

If you’re the kind of family who values tradition, loves the beach, and wants photos that don’t just sit on a holiday card but live in your memories—let’s talk. Whether it’s your first family session or your tenth, I’m here to capture the moments you’ll look back on and think, “Yep, that was us.” Reach out to book your Coronado beach family photo session. Let’s make some magic in the sand.

Lisa G (Elle G) is a San Diego beach photographer based in Pacific Beach, CA. Proudly serving San Diego’s coastal communities: La Jolla, Del Mar, Encinitas, Mission Beach, Mission Bay, Sunset Cliffs, Ocean Beach, Point Loma and Coronado. 858-344-1068. To chat about booking your own portrait session click HERE.