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Not everyone signs up for the photoshoot. But they’ll thank you later.
Real talk: half the time, I’m not even photographing willing participants. As your go-to vacation photographer San Diego, I’ve seen it all — bribes, threats, promises of ice cream and screen time. (Whatever works. No judgment… OK, maybe a little.)

But let’s hit pause for a second. When it comes to getting your kids on board, here’s a truth bomb: the bigger the bribe, the bigger the red flag. If you tell them they can have a cookie, candy, or movie after they “just do this one photoshoot and behave,” you’re basically announcing: “This will be dreadful and torturous, but hey, there’s sugar at the end!” And kids? They pick up on that vibe fast.

Instead, hype it up. Talk about the beach photo session like it’s what it actually is — a fun day at the beach. Yes, that means maybe getting dirty. (You’re at the beach, ya know….sand happens.) When you frame the whole thing as playtime with a bonus paparazzi moment, they show up way more ready to have fun.

And dads? Well, even the most reluctant family member usually warms up once I let the kids be kids, and they realize this isn’t about forced smiles and stiff poses.

That’s exactly what went down during the La Jolla family beach photoshoot with the Hellums crew. A few were all in from the jump. The others? Free spirits on a mission. I rolled with it, chased the chaos, and captured art in motion. That’s what real family portrait memories are — sun-soaked, sandy, a little wild, and 100% honest. And La Jolla beaches? They always deliver the goods. Soft light, rolling waves, happy chaos — it’s a built-in recipe for magic. You bring the family. I’ll bring the camera. Together, we’ll make something unforgettable..

 

Are YOU looking for a vacation photographer San Diego style?

Do you need a professional vacation photographer who’s fluent in kid logic, dad side-eyes, and turning beach play into beautiful portraits — I’ve got you. Let’s make your next beach day one to frame.

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.