San Diego Family Photos | A Return to the Beach with Donna’s Family

Some families come to San Diego for the zoo, the parks, the tacos. Donna’s family comes for one thing: the beach. When I asked what they did while they were in town, her answer was “Nothing but beach!” That’s my kind of vacation, too.

I first photographed this sweet crew from New Mexico two years ago, and getting to see them again was such a treat. Grandma Donna booked this session to keep documenting her grandkids as they grow — Clover, a brilliant and inquisitive four-year-old, and Clay, a very busy 19-month-old. These two kiddos have personality and are SO fun. Donna kept saying how patient I was, but honestly? I love a kid with ENTHUSIASM — I will chase that kiddo all day long. Their mom Emily is an elementary school principal, and dad Ross is a stay-at-home dad who, in Donna’s words, “deserves extra pay.” Ha! They describe themselves in three words: hilarious, devoted, and compassionate. Every one of those showed up in front of my camera. Being near the water together is this family’s favorite place to be, and that’s exactly the feeling we set out to capture. Little ones, golden light, splashing at the water’s edge… these are the sessions I live for.

Donna told me she keeps finding more favorites she “must have.” That might be the best compliment a photographer can get. Thank you, Donna, for trusting me with your family two beach trips in a row. I hope I get to watch Clover and Clay grow up one session at a time.

Emily, Clover, and Clay with Ross under Crystal Pier, golden hour light
Clover stands alone on sand near Crystal Pier, smiling at camera
Clover and Clay hold hands and walk together on sand at Crystal Pier
Clay and Clover run toward the ocean near Crystal Pier Pacific Beach
Clay stands on sand looking toward the waves at Pacific Beach
Clover and Clay sit together in sand playing with toys near the pier
Clover holds a pink shovel while Clay stands beside her on the sand
Ross holds Clay high in the air with Crystal Pier behind them
Family of 4 standing together in shallow water at Crystal Pier Pacific Beach
Close-up of Ross and Clay embracing on the sand at the beach
Emily holds Clover, mother and child smiling together at the beach
Emily and Clover stand in shallow water near Crystal Pier Pacific Beach
Clay plays on sand while Ross kneels beside him at the beach
Ross and Emily stand together on sand with the pier in the background
Clover sits on Ross's shoulders, toddler and dad at the beach
Emily and Ross walk hand in hand in shallow water near the beach
Emily and Ross face each other smiling on sand at Crystal Pier
Ross and Emily kiss, an intimate moment shared on the sand at the beach
Emily and Ross walk together in shallow water holding hands
Ross lifts Clover high in the air, father and child playing on the sand
Ross and Clover run together on wet sand, playful activity at the beach
Close-up portrait of Emily smiling with ocean waves behind her
Ross smiles at camera wearing a blue floral shirt at the beach
Clover runs on wet sand reflecting in water at Crystal Pier Pacific Beach
Close-up, Clay holding a toy sailboat, playing on the sand at the beach
Clay explores with a stick in shallow water at the edge of the beach
Clover, Clay, Emily, and Ross stand together in shallow water near the pier

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