Fun and Colorful Family Beach Photos in La Jolla

Oh, La Jolla, you are so much fun! There’s nothing like a sunny California day, the salty sea breeze, a gorgeous beach, and the carefree vibes. I recently had the best time ever with a family session. It was amazing!

The beach was packed, but you would never know by these photos, right? High tide decided to make an unexpected appearance, and we had to quickly pivot from our original beach and move over here. (Honestly, isn’t that just the best thing about being a family photographer? There’s always something new and exciting around the corner!) So, we rolled with it, went to their second favorite beach, and had fun in the water.

In the midst of the shoot, I looked over in the distance and found THE CUTEST staircase that literally went nowhere! But I loved the white wall, the colorful stairs, and the blue sky up above. It was absolutely perfect! (And, I totally want to do more photos there.) Kids with their toes in the sand, parents laughing and splashing, and everyone just soaking up the sun—it’s what family sessions are all about. Plus, I got to play around with some of my favorite film photography tricks. Double exposures? Check! (You know I couldn’t resist.) Seeing those layered moments—waves blending with joyful faces—just adds that little extra magic. I absolutely adore how film photography captures these authentic, raw emotions. Ektar film, with its vibrant colors, was the perfect choice for this sunny, beachy vibe.

California, you’ve got my heart! And guess what? I’m already counting down the days until I’m back there next month for more sessions. If you’re in the area and looking for colorful family photos that capture the real, beautiful chaos of life, I’m your gal! Whether you’re splashing around on the beach or just hanging out in your backyard, I’m all about creating those fun, lifestyle family sessions that you’ll treasure forever.

And hey, for all my fellow film enthusiasts out there—I see you! I’ll be diving into more film photography workshops soon, so stay tuned if you’re curious about how I capture these vibrant, candid moments with film. From Chicago to California, I’m here to chat all things film, family photography, and the beautiful mess that is life. Let’s connect and create some unforgettable memories together!

Ektar 100 | 35mm + 120 | Pentax 645n + Canon 1v | The FIND LAB | Kodak Professional