Family photos La Jolla beach style hit different when you’re photographing the guy who’s literally seen inside your mouth.

Yup—Dr. Sharafi just so happens to be my oral surgeon. The one who’s made my teeth feel like a million bucks and somehow still manages to be charming while asking me questions I can’t answer because I’ve got gauze stuffed in my face. But outside the scrubs and exam gloves? He’s just a regular awesome guy with an equally awesome family.

Getting to hang out with them—on dry land, no dental tools involved—was honestly such a treat. They chose Scripps Pier in La Jolla for their session, which is one of my absolute favorite spots for family photos. The golden light, the open sand, the iconic pier stretching out into the horizon—it’s like the San Diego version of a movie set. If you’re thinking about booking a session, this location is a total dream at low tide (only) for natural family portraits on the beach.

And this crew? Total naturals in front of the camera. You never really know how a session’s going to go, especially with kids (or camera-shy ones anyway), but the Sharafi family came ready to soak it all in. Laughs, hugs, barefoot strolls—it all unfolded so effortlessly. It’s one of those sessions where everything just flowed (okay maybe with a little bribery), and I got to capture the kind of candid moments that don’t feel posed, don’t feel forced—just real, joyful family connection.

That’s the beauty of beach family photography in La Jolla. It’s not about stiff smiles or “say cheese” energy. It’s about chasing waves, letting the kids run wild (and maybe a little wet), and catching those blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments of love and chaos and togetherness.

I especially love photographing families like this—people I know in a totally different context. Because guess what? Everyone looks better on the beach at golden hour. Even your oral surgeon.

If you’re considering professional family portraits in San Diego and want something a little more laid-back, a little more “us,” and a whole lot more fun than a studio backdrop, beach lifestyle sessions might just be your new favorite thing. Trust me—Scripps Pier is a showstopper, whether you’re a San Diego local or driving down the coast for a weekend escape.

Ready to trade scrubs for sandals and get your own magic on camera?

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Ready to book your own family photos La Jolla beach style?

Whether you’re looking for casual, candid beach family portraits in San Diego or dreaming of those golden hour shots under Scripps Pier, I’m here to help you capture the good stuff. Let’s ditch the stress, chase the light, and make memories that look just as good as they feel. Reach out now to schedule your session for unforgettable family photos on La Jolla beach. And dont forget to check the tide. This part of the beach is underwater at high tide.

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.