. Planning a family, maternity, or senior 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 […]

. 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.”) […]

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 […]

. One of my favorite parts of being a San Diego school photographer is getting to create beautiful fine art school portraits. These are school photos that are so much better than the “say cheese” and bright flashes we are used to seeing. And I love doing it not just for traditional schools, but for families who […]

. 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 […]

Fall in San Diego is one of the best times of year for photos. The weather is cooler, the golden light lasts longer, and the colors of the season make for stunning backdrops—whether you’re planning a family session, senior portraits, or just wanting to capture this time in the life of your family. But with […]

. “But That’s Bedtime!” – Why Sessions Are Scheduled Later If you’ve ever scheduled a family photo session during bedtime and thought to yourself, “Wait… that’s when I’m usually putting my baby or toddler down for the night!” — you’re not alone. This is one of the most common concerns parents of young children share with me before their session. It might […]

One of the first questions families ask me is: “What do we wear for fall family photos in San Diego?” The answer is simpler than you think. Outfits don’t need to be complicated, but they should be thoughtful. The right clothing makes your photos look polished and cohesive while still reflecting your personal style. San […]

If you’re looking for a fun, stress-free, and totally YOU way to capture your senior year, you’ve just landed in the right place. I’m Michelle, your go-to senior photographer in San Diego, and I’m here to make your senior session an experience you’ll actually enjoy (no awkward posing or stiff smiles here). Whether you’re celebrating […]

. What do you gift a woman that’s been growing a human? YOUR (shared) human? How about a gift she’ll never even think about returning? A gift she never thought about adding to the registry? A gift she’ll find joy in, for decades to come? A gift that new human you’ve created together will look […]

Preparation is everything, right? Especially when it comes to school photography. Life is busy, so that day always seems to creep up on us. I’ve been there, and I would bet just about every parent has been there, too. That’s why I’ve created a guide for parents, “San Diego School Photography Prep.” School photography is […]

Fine art school portraits are so much more than the traditional school photos we all grew up with. Genuine expressions replace forced smiles, and beautiful lighting replaces bright flashes. But how to dress your child for these elevated images? As a San Diego-based family photographer (and a mom who’s lived through picture day), I’ve written […]

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 […]