A few things to consider when choosing a location
Your Home Decor Colors/Style: Do you live in a beach house? A city high-rise? Do you tend to choose certain colors for your furniture and wall art?
Convenience: Is this photo session scheduled for a weekday afternoon and will someone need to drive directly to the session from work? Will you be coming from your house?
Season: The beach can be a bit chilly and windy during the fall/winter months and then overly crowded in the hottest days summer. We get sometimes deal with May-Gray and June-Gloom in San Diego. Depending on rainfall, early spring can be a time of green grass and blooming flowers. In the summer, certain types of plants have dried out and the chance of possible rattlesnakes increases.
Age and Ability of Participants: Are there small children? Are there participants who have difficulty walking uphill or across sand? Due to all of the environmental factors of beaches (like sun, sand, ocean, wind), I discourage beach photography sessions for children under 3 years old but I will accommodate your request either way.
Ashley's Opinion
Easiest location:
- Balboa Park. Variety, easy for small children and large groups.
- The Ranch House at Del Sur. Excellent for young children and no crowds.
Makes me say "wow" everytime:
- La Playa Walkway and Docks in Point Loma.
Best beach/nature Combo:
- Torrey Pines Natural Reserve and then drive 5 minutes to the beach below. Requires some hiking so not recommended if you want to take it easy.
Favorite beach for large groups:
- Coronado Beach. Palm trees, lifeguard towers, and Hotel Del Coronado.
Most colorful beach
- Fletcher Cove, Solana Beach. The orange cliff sides add a distinct beauty to the images.
Beach with most variety:
- Scripps Seaside Forum and Pier. Location with the most variety, including beach, pier, gardens, and modern architecture.
For Nature Lovers:
- La Orilla Trail near Rancho Santa Fe (good for dreamy field and forest look)
- Torrey Pines Natural State Reserve
- Marian Bear Park (Best in Fall)
- Mission Trails (beautiful and no hiking shoes necessary)
- The Ranch House at Del Sur (near I-56)
- Presidio Park (tall green trees, Spanish Architecture, similar to Balboa Park)
- La Playa Walkway and Docks in Point Loma
For a Cool & Colorful Look:
- Point Loma Boat Docks, Preppy/Nautical
- Broadway Pier in Little Italy
- Seaport Village and the Headquarters
- Old Town
- Little Italy (near Train Station)
- Little Italy (near El Camino Bar)
- Petco Park neighborhood (for sporty types)
- Surf Shops (Encinitas)
- Mission Beach (playful)
- Balboa Parks Artist Walkway/Spanish Village
For a Modern Look:
- Cedros Design District in Solana Beach (contemporary look)
- City Streets (downtown sd, near train station and waterfront)
- Point Loma Nazarene University
- Broadway Pier
For Sentimental Value:
- You home and neighborhood
- Your wedding location
- Your favorite landmark in San Diego
- Your child's favorite playground
For Beach Lovers
- Coronado Beach
- Scripps Seaside Forum and Pier/Beach
- La Jolla Cove (sand has interesting patterns, must check tides, some crowds)
- Fletcher Cove Beach and Playground (must check tides first)
- Torrey Pines Natural State Reserve Beach
- Stonesteps in Leucadia
*Beautiful family beach images are 60% photographer skill, 40% weather luck. Beaches can sometimes be overcome with a heavy fog layer, especially during May/June. When the beach is foggy and gray, the color of the ocean and water will not show up at all and in photos it will appear that you are in a completely grayish white environment (plus it feels extra cold and windy). In anticipation of a potential foggy day, we choose a backup location that will be able to provide us with reasonable color and comfort for the best images possible. Please tell me your backup non-beach location choice upon booking a beach session.
For dog lovers
- You home and neighborhood
- La Playa Walkway and Docks in Point Loma
- Marian Bear Park (Best in Fall)
- La Orilla Trail near Rancho Santa Fe
- The Ranch House at Del Sur
Check Availability
See what days and times are available for a consultation call and your photography session