Brooke chose a beach in San Diego, specifically Crystal Pier, for her senior portraits pacific beach style. I knew we were about to make something really special. I consider it a total privilege—and a little bit of magic—to photograph young women in that wild, beautiful moment between childhood and adulthood. Senior year is this blur of big feelings, countdowns, cap and gown fittings, and about a million “lasts.” And then, just like that, they’re off.

Brooke didn’t just pick a pretty backdrop for her senior photos. She chose a piece of her story. That pier? It’s where so many of her favorite high school memories live—sunset hangs, deep talks with friends, and maybe a few “mom, I swear I’ll be home by ten” moments. So yes, we took the classic senior portraits: the dreamy close-ups, the full-body twirls, the wind-in-hair shots that scream confident, cool, college-bound. But we also captured her. The real Brooke—laughing, grounded, and very much at home by the ocean.

And here’s the part that makes me emotional every time: I grabbed a few sweet shots of her and her mom, too. Because listen—senior photos aren’t just for the senior. They’re for the people who helped her get here. The late-night project helpers, the snack-pack makers, the emotional rockstars standing quietly (or not so quietly) behind the scenes. Spoiler alert: those mother-daughter shots? Always end up being the most treasured ones.

Here’s what I tell every parent:
If you love being on the beach with your kids—even if they’re technically “grown” now—and you want to mark this moment in a way that feels real, not staged or overdone, this kind of beach session might be exactly what you need. No big production. Just connection, great light, and photos that hit you right in the feels.

Ready to plan your Senior Portraits Pacific Beach style?

Whether you’re thinking of beach portraits in La Jolla, Crystal Pier, Sunset Cliffs, or that quiet little cove only the locals know about, I’m here for it. Let’s make it easy, meaningful, and a little bit magical.

📍 I’m Lisa G of Elle G Photography—your go-to beach lifestyle photographer for senior portraits in San Diego. I photograph seniors all over San Diego County, barefoot in the sand or sneakers on the boardwalk? Let’s make it you.

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.