As a lifestyle beach photographer in San Diego, I’ve done it all—sunsets, extended families, wild toddlers, you name it. But sessions like this? Where there’s love, movement, and just a dash of chaos? That’s where the good stuff lives. The family hadn’t had professional portraits since baby #2 arrived, so this wasn’t just another day at the beach. It was a long-overdue celebration of how far they’ve come, how much they’ve grown, and how dang fast that “newborn” turned into a giggling, sand-eating one-year-old.

There’s something about a La Jolla beach session that just hits different. Maybe it’s the cliffs. Maybe it’s the way the light melts into the ocean at sunset like it was made for family portraits. Or maybe—just maybe—it’s because the beach has a way of bringing out everyone’s real selves. Not the posed, stiff “say cheese” version. I’m talking sandy toes, wind-in-your-hair, kids-laughing-their-heads-off kind of real. That’s exactly what unfolded during this milestone session for a sweet family celebrating their youngest child’s first birthday.

We chose La Jolla for its mix of wide open beach, rocky cliffs, and that iconic San Diego coastal vibe. Nature really came through for us: golden light, calm waves, and just enough breeze to give everyone that effortless, beachy hair moment. No filters required.

The parents kept it simple—barefoot, breezy clothes, zero stress. We didn’t force the poses. We let things happen. A tickle here, a group hug there, and a few rounds of “chase mom into the water.” These are the kind of lifestyle beach portraits I live for—the ones where you can almost hear the laughter through the photo.

What really stood out was how connected this family was. Not in a “look at us being perfect” way, but in a “this is our life, messy and beautiful” way. The kind of love that doesn’t need fancy backdrops or props—just a beach, a little sunlight, and space to just be.

By the end of the session, the oldest child had sand between every finger, the baby was soaked, and everyone had that salty, glowy look you can’t fake. It wasn’t about getting the shot. It was about getting their story.

Need a Beach Photographer in San Diego?

If you’ve been putting off family photos, waiting for life to slow down or for everyone to coordinate schedules and outfits—here’s your sign to just go for it. Whether it’s a first birthday, a family reunion, or just “because we haven’t done this in forever,” the beaches in San Diego (especially La Jolla at low tide) are waiting for you.

Let’s capture the now, before it changes again. Reach out to book your laid-back, lifestyle beach portrait session in San Diego. I’ll bring the camera—you bring the real stuff.

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 family portrait session, click HERE.