Senior portrait photographers —yes, that’s me, and yes, I was absolutely thrilled to work with Ava, a powerhouse in pointe shoes with a head full of ambition and sunlight. This girl? She’s not just stepping into her senior year; she’s strutting into it with intention. Ava knows who she is and isn’t afraid to show it, which makes my job as a San Diego beach photographer basically a dream. Capturing her confidence on camera wasn’t just fun—it was electric.

Now, let’s talk logistics. The waves? A little extra that day. We were dealing with a king tide—big, bossy waves rolling in like they owned La Jolla. Not exactly ideal for beach photography in La Jolla, where the coastline already plays hard to get. But we rolled with it. The sun was a total show-off, lighting Ava’s hair like a halo, and the weather? Couldn’t have been better if I’d special-ordered it.

We kicked off our session around the charming neighborhood near her rental home, where the architecture and soft light gave us a relaxed, editorial vibe. Later, when the tide finally chilled out, we headed down to the sand. As a dancer, Ava moves with purpose and poise, and I wanted to capture more than just a pretty smile. I wanted strength. Motion. Soul. From windswept candid shots to thoughtful portraits that showed her graceful, grounded energy, this session felt like Ava’s own personal highlight reel.

Every outfit she chose brought out a different side of her personality—from flowy, beachy textures to bold, clean lines. Each location felt intentional, each pose, effortless. This wasn’t your standard senior portrait session. This was Ava’s story, framed in golden hour light and powered by tide, talent, and tenacity.

Are You Looking for Senior Portrait Photographers?

If you’re looking for a senior portrait photographer in La Jolla who’s all about showcasing personality, confidence, and a little bit of magic—you found her. I’d love to create something just as meaningful for you. Call or text me at 858-344-1068 and let’s chat about your vision. Let’s make your senior photos as unforgettable as this time in your life.

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.