Portrait Session FAQs

I’m Ashley, the photographer and owner of Ashley DuChene Photography.

I’ve been photographing San Diego families and individuals professionally for more than two decades, and photography has been both a career and a field of formal study for me. My education includes an associate degree in Photography, a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and a master’s degree in Marriage & Family Therapy. I’m also a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and former school counselor.

That combination shapes the way I photograph. I understand light, composition, posing, and the technical side of creating beautiful images, but I’m equally comfortable with the people in front of my camera. Kids can be energetic, teenagers can feel awkward, adults may hate having their picture taken, and families rarely arrive behaving like a catalog ad. That’s all completely normal.

Many of my families have been coming back to me for years, sometimes from the time their children were little all the way through senior portraits and beyond. Those long-term relationships are one of my favorite parts of this work.

I’m also incredibly proud to have earned more than 100 five-star Yelp reviews over the years. (Yelp currently displays only a portion of them because of its review filtering.) If you’d like to get a feel for what it’s actually like to work with me, take a look at a few reviews here.

I also work with a professional post-production team who helps prepare galleries and complete detailed retouching. That allows me to focus my attention where I think it matters most: creating beautiful photographs and making the experience feel relaxed, personal, and enjoyable from start to finish.

My primary focus is family photography, including immediate and extended families.

I also photograph:

• High school and college seniors
• Couples
• Maternity
• Professional headshots and personal branding
• Pets included with family sessions

My work is primarily outdoor, natural-light portrait photography. I do not currently offer studio sessions, mini sessions, or general event photography.

Sessions take place throughout San Diego County at carefully selected outdoor locations.

I have a curated location guide with options ranging from beaches and coastal settings to parks, gardens, urban areas, and more natural landscapes. Once I know the look you’re going for, who will be photographed, and where you’re coming from, I’m happy to help narrow down the best fit.

Because I photograph with natural light, session start times are planned around the location, season, and sunset rather than a fixed clock time. Most sessions last about 1 hour and 15 minutes. During fall and holiday season, my calendar can fill quickly, particularly for weekends and repeat-client dates, so booking early is always helpful. I also keep some flexibility in my calendar for weather-related changes and reschedules.

With hundreds of photographers in San Diego, what makes me different?  I’m an experienced photographer with college education and professional experience in both photography AND family psychology – this means that not only will you get stunning images during your session but also the kindness and care to ensure everyone involved has fun along the way! Ultimately it’s all about creating a win-win situation; one where clients feel heard throughout their experience while delivering beautiful photographs they’ll treasure forever. That’s why my commitment to my client relationships goes far beyond just taking pictures – from returning calls/emails quickly through to treating each family (especially mischievous kids!) with patience & respect…all adding up for frames filled with smiles! Visit this link to find out why my repeat clients come back year after year: HERE. 

Absolutely. I photograph many families who are visiting San Diego or returning to town to see family.

Once I know where you’ll be staying and what type of setting you like, I can help recommend a location and timing that works well for your trip. Everything after the session, including gallery delivery, downloads, retouching, and print ordering, can be handled online.

Yes. Your online gallery includes options for professional prints, enlargements, canvases, and other photographic artwork. You are also welcome to download your digital files and print them on your own

Yes. Portrait sessions include a large gallery (typically 80+) of color-corrected digital images available for download, with personal printing and sharing rights.

A select number of images also include detailed retouching, and additional retouching can be purchased if you’d like more.

You can typically expect your gallery within about 1–2 weeks after your session.

Your gallery will include a large collection of professional images to download, with retouching included for a select number of images. You’ll also have the option to purchase additional retouching, prints, products, and other artwork.

Every delivered image receives professional color and exposure adjustments.

Detailed retouching goes further and may include things like temporary blemishes, flyaway hairs, distracting background elements, clothing issues, or other small refinements. Your session includes detailed retouching on a select number of images, with additional retouching available for purchase.

You don’t have to figure that out alone. Once you book, I’ll send you my Pre-Shoot Guide with tips for coordinating colors, choosing flattering clothing, and avoiding things that tend not to photograph well. You’re also welcome to send me outfit ideas via email if you’d like input before the session

Yes. Gift certificates are available for portrait sessions and can make a great gift for families, grandparents, graduates, or anyone who would appreciate updated photographs.