Torrey Pines Family Photoshoot

You may recognize these two because I tend to photograph them almost every year. Kendra and Jake have become some of my very close friends over the years, and every time we plan a session together, it feels less like “work” and more like spending the day with people I love—who just happen to be incredibly photogenic. They’re fun, easygoing, and always up for an adventure, which makes documenting their growing family such a joy.

This October, I flew down to California and set aside a full day just to be at the beach with them. We decided on Torrey Pines State Beach, and it was the perfect backdrop for a Torrey Pines Family photoshoot. The cliffs, the soft sand, and the waves rolling in all created that dreamy Southern California feel that I will never get over. As the sun started to dip, the light turned golden and soft, wrapping everything in that warm glow that photographers live for. It was one of those evenings that made this Torrey Pines Family photoshoot feel extra special.

Southern California beaches will always have my heart—probably because that’s where I grew up. Being back near the ocean instantly brings back a flood of memories: salty hair, sandy toes, and those endless summer evenings when you never wanted to go home. Getting to combine that nostalgia with photographing dear friends made this Torrey Pines Family photoshoot even more meaningful. I found myself thinking over and over, “I wish I could come back here all the time.”

Kendra and Jake showed up perfectly themselves—relaxed, playful, and completely at ease in front of the camera. Their connection is so natural, and the way they interact with each other and their family is a photographer’s dream. They chased waves, played with their kids in the sand, and snuggled up as the breeze picked up. The whole Torrey Pines Family photoshoot flowed so easily because they weren’t trying to “perform” for the camera. They were just enjoying time together at the beach, and I was there to quietly capture it.

If you’re dreaming of your own Torrey Pines Family photoshoot, here are a few ideas based on what works so beautifully in a location like this:

• Wardrobe: Soft, beachy colors—creams, taupes, soft blues, and muted earth tones—always look gorgeous against the sand and cliffs. Flowy dresses, linen shirts, and barefoot feet photograph beautifully.

• Timing: Sunset is truly the magic hour here. Planning a Torrey Pines Family photoshoot for golden hour means you get that warm, glowy light and softer shadows, which is especially flattering for families with little ones.

• Vibe: The best photos come when you’re willing to get a little messy—letting your kids splash in the water, running along the shoreline, or sitting together in the sand. Don’t stress about perfection. Focus on connection.

Torrey Pines itself is such a gem. With the dramatic cliffs of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve above and the Pacific stretching out forever, it feels wild and peaceful all at once. It’s the kind of place where you can just imagine a romantic elopement, an intimate beach wedding, or, of course, a family session filled with laughter and movement. I caught myself more than once thinking, “Can you just imagine a wedding here?!”

By the time the sun finally slipped below the horizon, we had a full gallery of images that felt like them—joyful, relaxed, and full of love. Walking back up from the beach with Kendra and Jake, I was reminded again how lucky I am to call them friends and to be invited into these moments year after year.

This Torrey Pines Family photoshoot was more than just another session on my calendar; it was a blend of friendship, nostalgia, and the kind of California beauty that will forever feel like home to me.