There’s something so special about family photos in Encinitas at Swamis—the golden sunsets, the relaxed coastal vibe, and the way the beach seems to bring out the best in everyone. This sweet family of three wanted to celebrate their little guy, Santiago, turning one, and their session at Swami’s Beach was the perfect way to mark the occasion.

We started the session in the neighborhood, where Santiago got to show off his very cool remote-control Toyota Tacoma. Watching him light up as he cruised around the streets was the perfect way to kick things off—it gave them something fun to focus on and set the tone for a relaxed, natural session.

Once we made our way down to the beach, the family spread out their favorite blanket and snuggled up with each other. The best family sessions are the ones that feel personal, and incorporating activities is one of the best ways to make that happen. Whether it’s playing, snuggling up on a blanket, or—like this session—ending the evening with dad flying a kite by the water, these little moments create the most meaningful images. When families have something to do, the photos feel more natural, the emotions come through effortlessly, and the experience is that much more enjoyable.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, we wrapped up with the most stunning golden light, creating the perfect, dreamy ending to this session. Family photos in Encinitas don’t have to be stiff or overly posed—the best ones capture real connection, joy, and the simple moments that make your family yours.

And if this blog post feels a little extra sentimental, you can thank ChatGPT for helping me write it. 😉 Sometimes AI can be useful—sometimes it gets a little cheesy. Either way, I promise the photos themselves will always be 100% real.

If you’d like to book a family photo session with me, you can do so here.