You know what makes a beach session in La Jolla unforgettable? A beach lifestyle photographer and a family who show up ready to embrace the chaos, the salt, the sand, and maybe even a little splash war. Shannon reached out to me because she wanted to create something truly meaningful for her parents—who are both pushing 80 but still showing up with more love (and energy!) than most people half their age. This wasn’t just any San Diego beach portrait session. This was the first ever time their whole crew had come together for professional family portraits on the beach. Can you believe that? Generations of love, laughter, and stories—documented in salty air and golden light for the very first time. That’s the kind of legacy moment that gives me goosebumps.

As a San Diego beach photographer, I get a lot of first-timers. And I totally get it—most people think portrait sessions mean awkward posing, fake smiles, and staying perfectly still while a camera clicks endlessly in your face. Nope. Not on my beach, and definitely not with Elle G Photography. My style is about capturing what’s real. The genuine connections. The wind-blown hair. The unexpected belly laughs when the tide sneaks in a little too far. And yes, the kids kicking up sand while Grandma throws her head back laughing—because that’s what memory-making looks like.

The McClaughry family got it. From the moment they stepped foot on the beach in La Jolla, it was clear this was going to be fun. They showed up in the best way—open-hearted, playful, and completely unbothered by the possibility of getting a little sandy or soaked. And that’s when the magic happens. The grandparents beamed with pride. The grandkids wrapped their arms around them like human hugs weren’t going out of style. The photos we captured weren’t just pretty—they were alive. Honest. Tangible proof of how much love lives in this family.

And let me just say, La Jolla Beach brought her A-game. That dreamy pastel sky, the waves crashing just right, the kind of breeze that makes everyone’s hair look like they belong in a shampoo commercial—it was perfection. But it wasn’t the setting that made this shoot special. It was the way this family let their guard down and just enjoyed being together. That’s what turned their session into art.

Looking for a San Diego Beach Lifestyle Photographer?

If you’ve been putting off beach family portraits because you’re worried about what to wear, how your kids will behave, or whether it’ll all feel too “posed”—stop right there. I specialize in capturing beach family portraits in San Diego that are natural, joyful, and bursting with personality. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, gathering the generations, or just wanting to freeze time before your babies grow up overnight, I’ve got you. Let’s turn your family story into something you’ll treasure forever. The sand is waiting.

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.