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 […]

. Planning a family or maternity photoshoot, and wondering about the best photoshoot locations in San Diego? I’m here for you! Choosing a location for your photos can be tricky, since for the best photos, everything has to come together in one particular spot: background, lighting, scenery, accessibility, and the (lack of) crowds. As an […]

. “Mishawna is amazing!! Not only is she wonderful and sweet to be around during your appointment, it is clear that she knows what she is doing and cares deeply about educating herself and her clients on all things hair! I have been going to her for her special “Painted Hair” technique that never disappoints, […]

This is why I’ll always give a military discount. It’s the least I can do.

. If you’ve been in the market lately for a San Diego photographer, perhaps you’ve seen the term “lifestyle photography” or “lifestyle photographer” pop up. But what is lifestyle photography? And how is it different from regular photography? (For the purposes of this post, I’m going to call regular family photography “traditional posed family photography.”) […]

Is your husband’s/partner’s most dreaded time of year family photo time? Here’s how help him hate it a little less.

“That was fun. When can I see you again?” -Isaac, 5, after a session. . As a San Diego lifestyle family photographer, I’ve photographed kids for years. And given my pick, I’ll take kids being their wild selves over standing still and smiling cooperatively at the camera any day. That’s right. I want your kids […]

. As a San Diego lifestyle family photographer who photographs families, maternity, and newborns, I often get the inside scoop on what moms love and recommend. Recently, I took a survey of lots of moms, asking them where to find the best prenatal massage in San Diego. Below I’ve listed the three names that came […]

. As a long-time San Diegan, a mom, and an experienced family photographer round these parts, I’ve had my fair share of all the great stuff there is to do around here. There are the big, obvious things: the San Diego Zoo, Sea World, the beach, Legoland. But maybe you’re looking for something fresh and […]

. If you’re on the fence about having maternity photos taken, or wondering which style of maternity photography you’d prefer (traditional posed photography vs. lifestyle photography), let me give you a little nudge… (And if you’re wondering what the heck “lifestyle photography” even is, click on the link in the sentence above for an explanation). […]

. . Family Photos in Glacier National Park: Here’s What You Need to Know If your family is anything like mine, our gorgeous national parks are some of your favorite places to visit, and the sites of some of your best times together as a family. So…. how incredibly meaningful would it be then to […]

. After a fun day at Legoland or the beach, you’re probably ready for some food that isn’t served from a cart or a plastic bag, am I right? But the kids are tired and maybe even a little cranky, and you don’t want to temp fate by taking them someplace they’ll need to be […]

. Hey parents, if you’re planning a trip to our wonderful city with the little ones in tow, and you’re a human who needs to eat, you’re probably wondering where to find the best kid friendly restaurants in San Diego. Am I right? Fear not, because I’ve rounded up a couple of joints that offer […]

“Our session was such a great time, as always. I’m so grateful to be your client… thank you.” -Karlene . . One of my greatest joys as a family photographer in San Diego is getting to see the same families year after year. Watching people’s children grow is an honor I just don’t take for […]

Summer of 2024 update: unfortunately, due to ongoing issues with waste management at the border, this beautiful beach and community has been experiencing frequent beach closures. You can still enjoy the stunning sand area (sunset beach walk, anyone?), it’s just not advised you go in the water when the yellow signs are posted. Hopefully this […]

. . As a maternity photographer in San Diego, I understand the significance of beautiful photographs. But if you’re anything like I was during my pregnancy, you’re on the fence about whether to have maternity pictures taken. You’re not feeling your best, you’re uncertain when to schedule them, and you have no idea what you […]

Visiting San Diego and looking for some great local suggestions on where to eat? I’ve lived here for more than 20 years, and while I definitely have my favorites (see #1 and #5), I wanted to see what other locals had to say. So I surveyed over 800 people who call San Diego home, and […]

As a San Diego lifestyle family photographer, I’ve visited and used dozens for locations for sessions, some very popular and others a little more hidden (sshhhh….). Choosing the right location for your precious photographs is an essential ingredient of their final look & feel, so I’d love to use my expertise to help you decide. […]

“Even my husband said he would do photos with you again!” -Dani Congratulations to Dani & Adam, celebrating a hard-won 20 years of marriage with a vow renewal on Coronado Beach, followed by a fun and romantic photo shoot to memorialize the day and their love and commitment to one another. They wisely chose Coronado […]

“Thank you so much!! I love them!! They turned out so great!” -Brianna This lifestyle newborn photography session with Brianna and Michael turned so out beautifully. And Ava, their sweet dog: she was so concerned every time their baby made a noise or cried – it was incredibly sweet. See below for all the highlights […]

Spring is coming soon, and with it San Diego’s (short) season of wildflowers and hillsides carpeted with lush greenery. What? You are pregnant, you say? And planning to capture this singularly beautiful time in your life through professional photographs? Proudly biased, I say bravo! to you (and you can read about why you won’t regret […]

Families who have their annual family photos taken in the fall are no doubt familiar with the routine: contact your photographer, squeeze in to one of the few remaining dates they have left during the fall Christmas card rush, and then keep your fingers crossed that you’ll get your photos back in time to get […]

. Your dog is family – which is why many of you want to include him or her in your family or maternity photo session. And as an experienced San Diego family photographer, I highly encourage it, with a few caveats. But how do you include your dog successfully, so things go as smoothly as […]

Yes, we live in San Diego, right on the coast, and the beach works beautifully for family photo sessions no matter what time of year. But it is fall, and, especially with the anticipation of cooler weather, you may be getting that… feeling. You know the one. Common signs include pulling out your apple/cinnamon/hazelnut/pumpkin/latte/spice/whatnot candles […]

Summer’s stretching on for those of us with kids not in school yet, and you’ve probably been hearing it for days or weeks now: “I’m booorrred,” “there’s nothing to doooo…,” etc. Do I have a fun solution for you! I started doing this with my now 10 year old daughter last summer, and found that […]

I say yes! Not convinced? 😆 Here are 3 benefits of hiring a travel photographer for your family vacation: 1. You get to hand pick the photographer you like the most, and aren’t limited by who’s in the area you’re vacationing in. If your vacation spot is in some far-flung location, away from a major […]

So you’re expecting – congratulations! Whether it’s your first baby or your 5th, I’m glad you’re considering having professional photographs taken, and here’s why. But perhaps you’re stuck on deciding between the two main styles of maternity photography: traditional studio posed photography, vs the more documentary-style lifestyle maternity photography Let me help! Yes, I’m biased, but […]

A solo maternity session is always fun (it turns into a lot of laughs and gal-paling around), but this one was especially meaningful because of why the photographs were being taken: Hanayo’s husband is deployed, and is missing out on this extraordinarily special time of expecting their first child together. . So she’s gifting him […]

For those of you looking for suggestions for a north county family photo location, today is your day. 😉 As a San Diego lifestyle family, maternity, and newborn photographer, I’ve visited and used dozens for locations for sessions, some very popular and others a little more hidden (sshhhh….). Choosing the right location for your precious […]

. As a local San Diego family photographer, I was recently featured in a Redfin article after they asked me about my favorite San Diego fun fact. Here’s what I gave them as my favorite San Diego fun fact: Did you know that in San Diego, you can surf and sled on the same day?? […]

“What should we wear for our photo session?” As a San Diego family photographer, It’s a common and reasonable question I get whenever someone books a photo session and this makes me happy! Why does it make me happy? . Though any session booked with me includes unlimited styling assistance (I’ve even shopped for clients!), […]

Congratulations! You’ll be bringing a new baby home soon (or maybe you already have), and you’d like to document this sweet & fleeting time with professional photographs. But perhaps you’re stuck on deciding between the two main styles of newborn photography: traditional studio posed photography (think wrapped babies and froggy poses), and in-home lifestyle photography. Let […]

So you’re expecting a baby – congratulations! First of all, I’m so glad you’re having professional maternity photos taken – I tell you why here. But you’re here to talk about locations, so without further ado, here are 3 location ideas for a maternity photo session in San Diego: Maternity Session Location #1: Mission Trails […]

Congratulations on your sweet new baby! You’re now settled back in at home and your in-home newborn session is on the calendar. But since it’s still early, you and your baby’s schedule is still a bit unpredictable, and your energy level isn’t up to cleaning the house, preparing the perfect outfits, and putting on a […]

. First of all, I’m so glad you’re planning to capture this gestational miracle with professional photographs! I tell you why you’ll be glad you did it in my post here. But when is the best time to have pregnancy photos taken? The answer is, generally, between 28 and 34 weeks (see the next section […]

Sometimes, nothing less than epic will do. As a San Diego lifestyle family, maternity, and newborn photographer, I’ve visited and used dozens for locations for sessions, some very popular and others a little more hidden (sshhhh….). Choosing the right location for your precious photographs is an essential ingredient of their final look & feel, so […]