Sun soaked family beach session


I would say that half of my family sessions these days are at one of the many beaches in San Diego and I don't mind that one bit, especially because each beach in San Diego has it's own little personality. This Encinitas beach is one that only works during low tide but is is worth it when that happens. The dramatic cliffs and lack of crowds makes it the perfect backdrop for tiny running feet and sandy snuggles.


This is also a great opportunity to point out how a simple change of clothes for mom can also change the entire vibe of a session. So if you've ever worried over weather to wear a dress or more casual outfit, do both. You don't even need to change anyone else's clothes, just one person's, to still get totally a different feel. Another trick is layers... adding and removing sweaters, beanies, or other accessories can also go a long way in adding variety to a session and can act as props giving you something to do with your hands (ahh, the dreaded, what to do with my hands question... don't worry, I'll have more tips for you on this during our session).

Family sitting against a sandy cliff wall on a beach, enjoying a sunny day together.
Family of four posing against white wall outdoors, mother in floral dress holding baby, father sitting with toddler.
Happy family playing outdoors on a sunny beach, parents lifting laughing child upside down against blue sky.
A mother holds a baby while reaching out to her young daughter on a sandy beach near the ocean.
A joyful father lifts a laughing baby on his shoulders while a young girl leans against him outdoors.
A mother and young daughter walk hand-in-hand along a sandy beach in matching white dresses near ocean waves.
Woman crouching on sandy beach smiling at toddler boy in striped shirt walking toward rocky cliff.
A mother holds her baby in a striped outfit while standing on a scenic ocean beach.
A joyful family with two young children playing outdoors against a white wall in soft natural light.
A mother holds her baby while her toddler stands beside her on a sandy beach with cliffs in the background.
A joyful mother lifts her toddler in a striped shirt outdoors while another child plays nearby under a bright sky.
A mother tenderly fixes her young daughter's hair while sitting together on sandy ground in matching white outfits.
Black and white photo of a father carrying his toddler on his shoulders outdoors.
Happy family of four enjoying a beach day, parents playfully holding young children with ocean backdrop.
Happy family of four posing against a white wall, parents holding two young children, dressed in casual summer outfits.
A smiling mother crouches beside her toddler near a white wall, both barefoot, as she holds small wildflowers.
Two young children sitting on sandy rocks, girl in pink cardigan and boy in striped sweater with yellow hat.
Family of four in neutral tones standing barefoot against white wall in golden sunlight.
Black and white photo of a toddler's bare feet standing on sandy ground, wearing rolled-up pants.
A mother holds her baby who gives her a sweet kiss on the cheek outdoors on a sunny day.
Young girl in floral dress standing barefoot on sandy beach with ocean waves in background.
Family with two young children playing on a sandy beach with cliffs in the background.
A young mother holds her toddler on a sunlit beach, both gazing toward the ocean waves.
Family of four posing against white wall outdoors, parents holding children in light summer clothing.
Two young children stand barefoot on sandy beach with parents, girl in white dress and boy in striped shirt wearing yellow hat.
Family walking barefoot on a sandy beach near ocean waves, parents with two young children enjoying a seaside outing.
Black and white beach photo of a joyful family with two young children, parents smiling outdoors.
A young girl in a floral dress kisses a toddler's hand while looking up at an adult holding the child.
Two young siblings sharing a sweet moment on a sunny beach while their parents embrace in the background near the ocean.
Family walking barefoot on sandy beach in black and white photo, children playing in sand.
Father kissing baby while daughter holds his hand on a sandy beach at sunset.
A smiling couple cuddles their newborn baby wrapped in a knit blanket on a beach in black and white.
Happy family at beach, parents playfully lifting two young children against sandy cliffs and blue sky.
Two young children sit together on sandy beach, girl in floral dress and boy in striped shirt.
Two young children sit together in the sand beneath a dramatic sandstone rock formation in black and white.
Family relaxing on sandy beach, two adults sitting against wall with toddler while young child walks toward them.
Happy couple laughing and dancing together on a sunny beach, wearing casual jeans and sweaters.
A smiling father carries his young daughter on his shoulders outdoors near a white wall with green hedges.
A young girl in a pink cardigan and floral dress walks barefoot on a sandy beach with her father behind her.
Family of four posing against white wall outdoors, parents playing with toddler girl while baby crawls nearby.