Freedom, Movement, and Real Connection
An ocean session is always about freedom, movement, wind, laughter, and the true rhythm of your family.
Each San Diego beach has its own personality, creating a unique mood for your photos.
The ocean gives you a living backdrop you don’t need to decorate.
Kids relax quickly here, they can run, explore, feel the breeze, and simply be themselves.
Ocean photos feel timeless — like moments you want to keep forever.
Best Time to Come
The most beautiful light happens at sunset.
It’s warm, soft, and gentle — perfect for families and especially good for kids who feel calmer toward the evening.
One note:
If the tide is high, some beaches may have limited access to the water line.
I always check conditions in advance and guide you to the safest, most photogenic spot.
What to Wear
Your outfits will depend on the type of beach:
Wide Sandy Beaches
(Del Mar, Coronado Beach)
Think light, airy tones: beige, warm browns, soft pastels, whites, light blues.
These beaches are bright and open, so soft colors blend beautifully with sand and sky.
Beaches with Cliffs
(Solana Beach, Sunset Cliffs)
Natural, earthy tones work best: cream, brown, olive, muted neutrals.
Very bright colors can clash with the depth and texture of the cliffs.
Shoes? Not needed.
Bare feet create the most natural, relaxed energy — especially for kids.
Beach-by-Beach Guide
Solana Beach - a beach with character
Hidden below tall cliffs, this spot feels like a natural amphitheater.
The sand is clean, perfect for kids to run barefoot.
The only nuance: during strong high tide, the water can come up to the rocks, in that case, we stay on the upper level instead of going down.
Del Mar - sand + greenery
A great choice if you want variety.
You get both the ocean and a nearby park with grass and shade.
The beach is wide, so even during high tide there’s usually room to photograph near the water.
It can get popular in summer, and parking may require a bit more time.
Coronado Beach - warm, welcoming, atmospheric
Especially good for families visiting San Diego for the first time.
Dunes, golden light near Hotel del Coronado, low-flying planes, and a very open shoreline — everything here feels cinematic.
Warm browns and beige tones look incredible in this location.
Sunset Cliffs - powerful and dramatic
A stunning place, but not ideal for small children.
High cliffs, strong wind, and no fences mean we shoot only in safe areas.
It’s best for families with older kids or couples who want an adventurous, moody setting.
La Jolla - beautiful but unpredictable
Cliffs, rocks, sea lions, and many amazing angles,
but also many people, occasional seaweed, and sometimes an unpleasant smell.
I use this location less often for families with young kids.
If someone requests “rocks,” I usually recommend a cleaner, safer alternative.
The Most Important Advice
The ocean is alive.
It changes every day - tide, wind, waves, even the sand.
That’s why flexibility and trust always lead to the best experience.
Come with an open heart, enjoy the moment, and let your family simply be together.
That’s when the most genuine, emotional images appear - the ones you’ll treasure for years.
If you’re dreaming about an ocean session for your family, I’d love to help you find the perfect spot and guide you through the whole experience.
Every beach has its own mood, and together we can choose the one that feels right for your family.
Want to explore more locations?
Take a look at my guide with the 10 Best Places for a Family Photoshoot in San Diego, it will help you see which beaches and parks match your style, energy, and vision.
And when you’re ready,
I’m here to create something warm, honest, and beautifully for you.
