location guide

 

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.

 

 

crystal pier

 

meet me here

 

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.

 

Coronado Beach

meet me here

 

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.

 

sunset cliffs

meet me here

 

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).

 

Lake Poway

meet me here

 

Pros

  • Great for families & mini sessions.
  • Never too crowded, just the occasional hiker or jogger.
  • Free parking.

Cons

  • A good amount of walking to the spot where we'll take photos!

 

Torrey pines state beach

meet me here

 

Pros

  • Public restrooms
  • Less crowded than more central beaches (depending on timing)
  • Cliffs+beach landscape

Cons

  • Requires walking on sand/trails (not ideal for heels)
  • Limited free public parking but there is a paid parking lot ($15)
  • Windy conditions are common

 

presidio park

meet me here

 

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.

 

Mission trails

meet me here

 

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.

 

balboa park

meet me here

 

Pros

  • There's so many spots within Balboa Park for your photos.
  • Options for free parking for San Diego Zoo Pass Holders.

Cons

  • Can get very crowded on weekends or if there's events happening within the park.
  • Most of the main lots are pay to use.

 

Iron Mountain

meet me here

 

Pros

  • A good mixture of mountain landscapes & greenery.
  • Free parking.


Cons

  • Can get busy on weekends and holidays.


 

old Poway Park

meet me here

 

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)!