As a San Diego beach photographer, I get to step into some pretty cool moments. This one? Hunt family photos in La Jolla, CA. Total full-circle moment.

The Hunts are from Arizona and basically have a long-term love affair with San Diego. They vacation here all the time. Years ago, they had engagement photos on these very cliffs in La Jolla. Different professional photographer, different era. Fast forward to now—they’re married, have two little girls, and reached out to me to photograph their family right where it all started.

It was our first time meeting, but it didn’t feel like a first date. It felt like I walked in on the middle of a story that was already going strong.

Their girls? Three and one. Typical happy one year old and one high energy three year old who had a low tolerance for standing still, just how I like it.

The three-year-old made it clear: she was here for the beach vibes, not the posing and being told what to do (relatable). She ABSOLUTELY LOVES the beach, but on her own terms—which meant we let her do her thing and chased the moments where her joy exploded mid-sprint.

The one-year-old was a total cling-on—in the best way. Velcroed to mom and dad, flashing these giant, toothy baby grins that emphatically make my day. She wasn’t running around like her sister, but she was locked in—snuggly, happy, and just quietly winning at life.

La Jolla delivered the best beach lifestyle photography, as always. That view? Can’t beat it. But what really makes it my go-to for San Diego beach photography is the way it holds memories. It’s not just a pretty background. It’s the kind of place that turns into a chapter in your family’s story.

Looking for a San Diego Beach Photographer?

If you’re heading to San Diego and want family photos that don’t feel like yearbook poses with ocean spray, I’m your girl. Especially if your kids are wild cards and your “perfect” looks more like beach sprints, rock climbing and sandy toes rather than matching outfits and everyone smiling straight forward. Let’s make some chaos look good.

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.