You know what’s better than a sunny day in San Diego? A sunny day in San Diego with a family that’s bringing decades of memories to the beach—plus a ridiculously photogenic dalmatian. As a Pacific Beach photographer, these are the sessions that light me up: real people, real stories, and a whole lot of heart. This particular family wanted to recreate a beach portrait session they did 20 years ago. Yes, twenty. Two decades. Back when their original dalmatian stole the show and their now-grown son was still running around in sandy sneakers.

Fast-forward to today, and their crew has a few new additions: one human-sized and the other with spots and four paws. The location? Pacific Beach in San Diego—a place loaded with nostalgia for them, especially since their son spent his childhood playing in the surf and hanging out near the pier. Honestly, Pacific Beach has seen their whole story unfold.

And here’s a little twist I loved: I booked the shoot with the dad. Yep, the dad! He was the one who reached out and started telling me all about their original beach portrait session and how important it was to include their new dalmatian this time around. We love a sentimental dad moment.

The family photography session itself was low-key in the best way. Just the parents, their son and daughter-in-law, and of course, the star of the show—the dog (IMO). The whole vibe was relaxed, intimate, and totally them. I kicked things off with a few couples shots of the parents (because 20 years together deserves a little spotlight), then moved into family group photos that included everyone. The dog was a total pro—basically a supermodel with spots—and seeing how much love this family poured into their furry family member made my heart melt.

And yes, we recreated the iconic beach portrait from 20 years ago, right down to the pose and the backdrop. It was like flipping through the best kind of time capsule, and they were all glowing.

These are the moments that make being a San Diego family photographer feel less like a job and more like a front-row seat to something meaningful. It’s not just about pictures—it’s about legacy, love, and bringing the past into the present in the most beautiful way.

Need a Pacific Beach Photographer?

If you’ve been thinking about capturing your own story—whether it’s a full-circle moment like this or just a “let’s finally get some nice photos with everyone in them” kind of thing—now’s the time. As a Pacific Beach photographer specializing in family photography in San Diego, I’m here to help you turn a casual beach day into heirloom-worthy art. Let’s create something you’ll treasure for the next 20 years (and beyond).

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.