Session Locations
These location suggestions are a way to help you narrow down a specific location you'd like for your photos. By no means are these the only spots you can choose from. If you have a different location in mind, just let me know! All of these spots are great for any type of session.
Windansea Beach
Pros​
- Lots of neighborhood street parking available
- One of the prettier beaches (in my opinion)
- The surf shack, rocks and sand add a lot of visual interest to your photographs.
Cons
- During high tide, we are forced to stay on the rocks which can be difficult for families with small children or people who may not be physically able to climb rocks.
- Not recommended for families with small children or with children scared of water. At high tide, the shorebreak is loud and intimidating.
- Can get very busy on weekends or clear/sunny days.
- No public restrooms.
Crystal Pier
Pros​
- Lots of sand to move around in, even during high tide.
- The wooden pier adds another layer of interest to your photos and gives them a classic beach look.
Cons
- Parking can be tricky, but not impossible!
- Can be crowded during clear/sunny days and weekends.
Scripps Pier
Pros
- San Diego landmark.
- Various backdrops such as the pier, ocean, and cliffs.
Cons
- During sunset this beach can be crowded and chaotic. During high tide it is common for the waves come all the way up the beach, so not a good option for family sessions during high tide.
- Be prepared to wait in line for photos underneath the pier. This can eat away at our session time very quickly.
- Parking can be very tricky on weekends.
Coronado beach
Pros
- No matter what the tide is, there's always room to move around on the sand.
- The sand dunes near the water are also great for photos.
- Ample free street parking around the beach, or you can pay for parking at the Hotel Del.
- Public restrooms available either inside the Hotel Del or along the beach.
Cons
- It's a quite a long walk from the street to the water.
seaside beach
Pros​​​
- The cliffs make for great backdrops.
- Parking lot & public restroom.
Cons
- The space to move around can get tight at high tide.
- Can get very busy on weekends or clear/sunny days.
- You have to pay for parking unless you have a California Annual Parks Pass.
Tide Park beach
Pros
- A more low key beach that doesn't get too crowded.
- The cliffs on either side of the beach make for great backdrops.
- Ample street & neighborhood parking.
Cons
- The space to move around can get tight at high tide.
- No public restrooms.
Torrey pines gliderport
Pros​
- Ample parking in a dirt lot right next to the cliffs.
- Epic views, even if it's cloudy.
- Restrooms available (porta potties).
Cons
- Not recommended for families since there's limited space to move around.
- Not recommended for people who are afraid of heights. The cliffs can be pretty sketchy!
Sunset cliffs
Pros
- Great views of the ocean and surrounding cliffs.
- There is beach access during low tide if you want both beach and cliffs
- Ample street and neighborhood parking.
- Iconic spot in San Diego for sunset photos.
Cons
- Can get very busy on clear days since people post up on the edges of the cliffs to watch the sunset.
- Traffic getting out of Ocean Beach after a good sunset can be busy.
- Not recommended for families with small children or people afraid of heights since there are no guard rails anywhere.
- Restrooms available only on the southern end (porta potties).
Mount laguna
Pros
- Gorgeous backdrops if you're wanting your photos to have a mountainous feel to them.
- Not very crowded in the meadow, so you don't have to worry about people in your photos.
Cons
- May incur additional fees for your photo session.
- It's $5 to park at the day use parking area.
- Get ready to walk to your photo spots!
Mission trails
Pros
- A very mountainous vibe without having to actually go to the mountains.
- Multiple place within the park to choose from for photos.
- Ample parking.
Cons
- There's a good amount of walking involved to get to any photo worthy spot within the park.
- Gates typically lock at sunset, so it's crucial we are on time with photos.
Lake cuyamaca
Pros
- Public restrooms.
- Lots of different areas for photos.
- Beautiful backdrops everywhere you look.
Cons
- May incur an additional fee for your session.
- Parking payment is usually cash only if there is an attendant present.
- A good amount of walking to the spot where we'll take photos!
Glamis sand dunes
Pros
- Gorgeous backdrops if you're wanting your photos with the iconic sand dunes.
- Public bathrooms and a good amount of parking.
Cons
- Will incur an additional fee to your session.
- Only available to take photos here during desert season (late October to early April).
Ramona grassland preserve
Pros
- Lots of room to work with around the reserve.
- Great if you're looking for a place with an open field aesthetic.
- Free parking in the dirt lot right when you enter.
Cons
- If you don't live near Ramona, it's quite the drive to get out there.
- Lots of walking to get to multiple spots.
Balboa Park
Pros
- There's so many spots within Balboa Park for your photos.
- Multiple options for free parking.
Cons
- Can get very crowded on weekends or if there's events happening within the park.
Presidio Park
Pros
- A good mixture of architecture & greenery.
- Lots of space to move around if the park is crowded.
- Free parking.
Cons
- Can get busy on weekends and holidays.
- When it's busy, parking can be tricky.
Old poway park
Pros
- Multiple areas within the park for great backdrops.
- The railroad tracks are just so fun to add into your photos.
- Lots of greenery as well as architecture for photos.
- Ample free parking.
Cons
- Popular for photos on weekends, so sometimes we'll have to work around other photographers (totally fine)!
Old Town San diego
Pros
- There's a lot of spots within Old Town with very unique architecture for photos.
- If you like Spanish Revival style architecture, this might be your jam.
Cons
- Very busy on holiday weekends or if special events are happening.
- Free parking is limited and timed, but there's many paid lots to choose from.
Los Penasquitos ranch House
Pros
- So many nature spots within this area for photos to choose from.
- The ranch house adds an extra layer of interest to your photos.
- Ample free parking in the dirt lot.
- It's a short walk in between all spots here.
- There's live goats and chickens on the property!
Cons
- Very popular for photos, so we may be working around other photographers.
Let's document your story
I am looking forward to your upcoming session. Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns as the date gets closer. Also, feel free to check out my complimentary style guide linked below if you're having trouble picking or coordinating your outfits.