Not only was this Gold Hope Project special to shoot because I got to meet Gigi and her family and hear her cancer story, it also happened to be a ton of fun! 

What’s the Gold Hope Project? It’s a non-profit whose mission is to raise awareness of childhood cancer through photography. The Project gifts families battling a pediatric cancer diagnosis a free portrait session for their little warriors. Here’s a lovely quote from their website: 

“The Gold Hope Project’s goal is to make sure that these already over-burdened families have everlasting documentation of the joy and whimsy of their children while simultaneously raising awareness of and funds for pediatric oncology research and treatment.“

Read more about the Gold Hope Project at their website here. And please consider a donation to help them carry on their mission! 

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Getting Ready for the Photoshoot 

One service my clients all receive (including my Gold Hope clients) is unlimited wardrobe assistance, and this session was no different. A week or two before the session, Mom and I FaceTimed and put together outfits straight from their closets, after which I sent over a few links to additional pieces of clothing to complement what they already had. 

We settled on a warm palette of neutral earth tones, punctuated by a burst of mustard yellow (maybe still an earth tone?). As you can see from the photos, their colors created a lovely contrast against the overcast skies. 

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Family Fun During the Shoot

Their lifestyle beach photoshoot was a ton of fun! Why? Because all they did was play and run and hang out while I documented their time together. That’s one of the huge advantages of this genre of photography known as “lifestyle photography” – there’s no expectation that you’ll be anything other than yourselves, your family that already knows how to spend time together. I give a bit of direction during the shoot so no one feels like they are just standing around, and your family takes it from there with your own unique dynamic. 

Read more about what lifestyle photography is, and whether it’s right for your family, here. 

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What can you expect during your San Diego beach family photoshoot? 

Here’s what families who book a photoshoot with me experience: 

1. Helpful hand holding throughout the process: from the aforementioned unlimited wardrobe assistance (I’ve even shopped for clients!), to an in-home wall art consultation, to a complete Welcome Guide that explains everything, clients never feel in the dark.
2. A fun session where the kids are welcome to just run around and play and be themselves. Your family just shows up and I handle the rest! 
3. Beautiful family photographs that are also meaningful, bursting with life and movement and connection. These are photos you’ll be so excited to show off!
4. Lasting photographic heirlooms to display and enjoy in your home, from beautiful custom wall art to handcrafted albums. All you have to do is pick your favorite photos during your photo reveal appointment, and I handle the rest. 

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Finally

It was such a joy and honor to meet and photograph Gigi and her family during this incredibly meaningful time in their lives, and I am thankful to the Gold Hope Project for the opportunity. 

And if a lifestyle family photoshoot like Gigi’s sounds like what you’re after, explore what I offer here, and contact me here. 

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