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Finding the perfect location for your senior portraits in San Diego is such an important part of the process.

The right setting should reflect your personality while offering plenty of variety so your gallery gives you plenty of looks to choose from.

Recently, I photographed a high school senior at the Rancho Peñasquitos Ranch House, and it’s quickly become one of my favorite spots for senior photos.

Here’s what you should know if you’re considering this location for your senior portrait session.

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Is the Rancho Penasquitos Ranch House the Right Location for Your Senior Portraits?

If you’re looking for a spot that feels both rustic and classic, with wide open fields, weathered wooden fencing, and plenty of green, the Ranch House might be the perfect location for your San Diego senior photoshoot. It’s especially great for seniors who want a mix of natural and textured backdrops without needing to travel to multiple spots.

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A Variety of Backdrops in One Place

The Ranch House offers so much in one spot. In just one session, at one location, my seniors have the following settings to choose from: a rustic barn (with goats!), weathered wooden fencing, an open field, tall trees, a white fence, and a neat red wooden fence that will really make their portraits stand out.

In a single session, we capture a mix of natural and textured backgrounds, without ever having to get back in the car. That variety means your senior portraits will have plenty of different looks, without a bunch of running around.

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Easy, Convenient Parking

Another great thing about using the RP Ranch House for your senior portraits is how easy parking is. Just pull up right next to the barn and park!

So no lugging outfits and props on a long walk to your location. This convenience makes outfit changes quicker and helps keep the experience low-hassle.

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A Central San Diego Location

Located in Rancho Penasquitos, just a mile or two from both Interstate 15 and Highway 56, the Ranch House is a convenient drive from just about anywhere in San Diego. Whether you’re coming from Poway, Rancho Bernardo, or along the coast, you won’t be spending the day stuck in traffic. Again, this location is all about a low-hassle experience!

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Two Things to Note: No Restrooms and The Occasional Wedding

The only downside to this otherwise fantastic location is that there are no public restrooms available on site (unless you don’t mind a porta potty). For those seniors who are planning several outfits, I just bring my changing tent, so it’s no big deal.

One more heads up: occasionally this historic ranch house is used for weddings, though I always find out ahead of time if this will be the case. And even if it is, it’s only the house itself that’s off limits – the field and fencing are still accessible.

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Styling Suggestions for Senior Portraits at the RP Ranch House

Because the Ranch House offers a mix of rustic and natural scenery, neutral tones and earthy colors photograph beautifully here. Go for soft creams, muted greens, and warm browns that complement the surroundings. Flowing dresses, denim jackets, or simple layered outfits work especially well against the barns and fences. If you’d like to add a pop of color, jewel tones (like deep burgundy, rust or navy) look stunning against the greenery.

I always provide full wardrobe guidance with an in-home styling consultation, so you don’t need to worry about whether you’ll look and feel great for your portraits.

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Meaningful, Unstaged Senior Portraits That Last

Your senior portraits should feel like you, and they should live somewhere more meaningful than just your phone.

That’s why, when you work with me, I handle everything. From helping you choose a location and planning outfits, to designing albums and wall art so your portraits can be admired in your home for years to come, I’m there from start to finish.

High school seniors who come to me value natural, emotive and dynamic images that don’t feel or look staged or stiff.

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Ready to plan your San Diego senior portraits?

If you’d love a session at the Ranch House (or another one of San Diego’s gorgeous photo spots), and you’d love a fun, fast moving session that results in stunning artwork that will live in your home, not just on your hard drive, let’s talk!

Just contact me here, and I’ll take it from there.

And, of course… congratulations!

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