What do you do when you’re 18, live in Texas, but your soul screams beach vibes only? You pack your cutest sundresses, hop on a plane to San Diego, and book a pro to capture your senior portraits in San Diego. Because if you’re going to commemorate the golden era of high school, you might as well do it with sand between your toes and ocean waves as your personal hype squad.

That’s exactly what Allison did. Well, technically, she also had a practical excuse—her sister is in med school here in La Jolla. So she turned her dream photo session into a double win: visit the sister and get senior portraits that make it look like she casually grew up in a breezy coastal town, instead of, you know, landlocked Texas.

La Jolla: The Ultimate Beach Backdrop

Of course, when it comes to senior portraits on the beach, I always suggest La Jolla. Why? Because it’s insanely scenic. Think rugged cliffs, golden sand, and that perfect golden hour glow that makes everyone look like they belong on a magazine cover. And let’s not forget the thatched hut. You know the one. It’s giving “spontaneous island getaway” without the need for a passport.

Allison rocked multiple looks—from effortless flowy dresses to the classic jeans-and-barefoot beach combo. We played around in the surf, chased the perfect sun-kissed lighting, and even found some dreamy rock formations that added a little extra drama to her shots (the good kind, not the high school kind).

Beach Portrait Pro Tips (So You Don’t Look Like a Drenched Tourist)

Shooting senior portraits on the beach sounds like a dream—and it is—but there’s an art to nailing that effortlessly cool, I-woke-up-like-this beach look. A few quick tips:

☀️ Timing is everything. Golden hour (aka the hour or two before sunset or early in the morning) is your best friend. Midday sun? Not so much. Unless you want your senior photos to double as a squinting contest.

🌊 Outfits should move. Breezy fabrics? Yes. Heavy, stiff materials? Nope. The goal is for your dress (or whatever you’re rocking) to catch the wind, not weigh you down.

🌴 Embrace the elements. Wind will happen. So will a little sand. But that’s what makes beach photos feel alive. Messy hair? Romantic. Sandy feet? Part of the aesthetic.

Make Your Senior Portraits Iconic

Senior portraits aren’t just about looking pretty in front of a camera. They’re about capturing you—who you are right now, in this wild, exciting, once-in-a-lifetime stage. And what better way to celebrate that than with an epic beach session?

Looking for your own Senior Portraits in San Diego?

If you’re dreaming of senior portraits on the beach that look straight out of a travel blogger’s feed (without the stress of figuring it all out yourself), I’ve got you. As a San Diego photographer specializing in senior portraits, I’ll help you find the perfect spot, nail those natural poses, and capture the kind of photos you’ll obsess over for years. Sound good? Let’s make it happen—reach out and let’s start planning your session! 🌊📸

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.