5 reasons why I love being your San Diego family photographer
There are so many reasons why I love being your San Diego family photographer, but here are just five.
Seeing the beauty in the everyday.
As a family photographer, the first thing you learn to do isn’t how a camera works, but recognize beautiful light. How it filters through the living room windows and falls on my son as he plays Legos. The glow of the setting sun as I walk the dog. And all the other little moments of my very normal life that become illuminated into picture-worthy moments by yummy, glowy light.
Another skill that I’ve learned as a photographer is to notice the present moment. The gifts that are hiding within plain site are unwrapped by being present. As a San Diego photographer, I’ve trained to notice those sweet and tender moments that are happening right in front of me. The giggle of a toddler as they run away from you. The look that a teenager gives you out of the corner of their eye. The quick peck on the cheek from your partner. All of these little present moments are what make up our everyday, and the things I want to photograph for you. One hundred little moments of love and connection for you to hold and cherish for years and years. Recognizing light and the practice of presence are the first reasons why I love being your San Diego family photographer.
2. Seeing Families and Kids grow over the years.
Some of my Albuquerque family photo clients have been with me for many years. I have had the greatest honor to photograph them each and every Summer or Fall. I have seen little babies grow into elementary school age. And young kids become high schoolers. Families who started with one kiddo who now have many. It is such a joy to meet each year and see how these kids fun personalities just overflowing out of their little bodies. Teens who are coming into themselves. And couples whose respect and love for each other deepen. My heart just expands with the opportunity to view families in this way for sure making me love being your Albuquerque photographer.
3. Discovering the stunning landscape of San Diego.
San Diego’s landscape is a dream—where golden light filters through the towering Torrey Pines, waves crash against the rugged cliffs of Sunset Cliffs, and the warm, rolling dunes of Coronado Beach stretch into infinity. I love photographing families in these breathtaking spaces because they provide the perfect blend of natural beauty and emotional connection. At Windansea Beach, the textured rocks and endless ocean make for an epic, moody backdrop, while the open fields of Mission Trails glow at sunset, wrapping families in a golden embrace. Each location offers something unique—soft, sandy intimacy, dramatic coastal energy, or the quiet magic of a hidden grove. There’s something about placing families in these wild, gorgeous spaces that reminds me why I do what I do: to capture not just faces but the feeling of being fully present in a moment, surrounded by nature’s art.
4. Making Art is my job, how amazing is that!?!
When I was growing up I didn’t say that I wanted to be a manager or work in public relations (even though those jobs are great, for realz) I wanted to be a ballerina or painter. I wanted to be an artist. I am living my childhood dream and is why I love being your San Diego family photographer (this body wouldn’t have been so great on point shoes and my painting skills are lacking). Every week I get to make art. Art that I love and that my clients love. The ability to tap into my creativity, explore emotions, and see and make beautiful things is just so mind-blowing. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world to be a photographer.
5. The opportunity to push myself into growth mode.
Being a photographer doesn’t just mean buying a camera at Best Buy and reading the manual. There are so many aspects of learning that go into being a photographer and business owner. Honestly, when I started this family photography journey, I had NO idea how much work it would be. But I am so grateful for the challenge. I have had to learn how to face uncomfortable situations and not back away but tackle them head-on. I have had to tap into who I am more and more with each new goal, and am loving the woman I am becoming as I reach that accomplishment. I am proud to call myself an artist now, something I would not have said even two years ago.
Now you know a little more about why I love being your San Diego family photographer. Hiring someone to take your family’s photos is a personal process. I value the relationship I create with clients to ensure that not only your photo session goes smoothly but that I meet all of your expectations and more. The only way I can do that is by getting to know you and letting you get to know me.
I am now booking family in-home and outdoor sessions in North County San Diego Beach Cities, San Diego proper, San Clemente, and Dana Point.
Hi, I’m Alison
A published & award winning photographer who offers families authentic, artful photographs—where romance meets creativity—captured on timeless analog film in San Diego’s iconic landscapes or the intimate spaces of their own homes.
I am a mom to three (not so little anymore) boys, avid knitter, plant mama, and lover of all flowers.
