Kids Photographer in La Jolla & San Diego

A young girl with blonde hair, wearing a floral dress with pink accents, sitting in a field of yellow flowers, smelling a daisy.

Cute Personalities. Sandy Feet. Sweet Moments. Beautifully Captured.

Reserve Your Date
A young girl in a white, colorful dress standing among purple flowers in a garden during golden hour sunlight.
A young girl with blonde, curly hair looking at a small yellow flower she is holding in her hands outdoors during sunset.
A smiling young girl with blonde curly hair, wearing a white dress with colorful flowers, holding a small daisy flower in her hand, standing in a sunny garden with pink and purple flowers in the background.
A young girl with blonde hair, wearing a white dress with colorful patterns, stands in a field of yellow flowers under a blue sky with clouds.
A young girl with blonde hair and a flower hair clip outdoors during daytime, smiling at the camera, wearing a white dress with colorful floral patterns and pink accents.

Kids Photography in La Jolla & San Diego

I photograph babies, toddlers, and children throughout La Jolla and the greater San Diego area, creating images that feel playful yet polished, natural and refined.

Please note: studio newborn photography is not offered.

Sessions are gently structured but never rigid. I follow your child’s lead while offering simple direction and prompts, allowing space for real expressions, movement, and connection. The result is a gallery filled with personality, warmth, and beautifully honest moments.

A boy with dark hair wearing a white shirt and rolled-up jeans standing in shallow ocean water at sunset, with birds flying in the sky in the background.

An Experienced San Diego Kids Photographer You Can Trust

With over 13 years of experience photographing families and children, Daniela brings a calm presence and efficient workflow that helps sessions run smoothly—even with energetic toddlers or shy little ones.

Parents trust her ability to read the room, adapt quickly, and create images that feel both authentic and elevated.

A young girl in a pink and white dress walking through a field of yellow flowers, holding a small flower and a star-shaped wand, with mountains in the background.
Logo for Sereia Photography, featuring a stylized letter S within an oval shape, with the brand name surrounding it.

Parents choose to work with me because I offer:

A baby with dark hair, wearing a yellow bear hat and a yellow blanket, lying on a white textured blanket outdoors, surrounded by fallen leaves.

  • Extensive experience photographing babies, toddlers, and kids

  • A fun, easygoing energy that helps kids engage, and cooperate

  • A relaxed session flow that works around your child

  • A flexible, unhurried pace that allows the session to unfold naturally—never focused on the clock

  • Natural, polished editing that keeps images timeless

  • Fast turnaround—your gallery delivered within 2 week

  • A beautiful online gallery with many images to choose from

  • Fast turnaround time—your gallery delivered within 2 weeks

Client Reviews & Testimonials

  • Daniela did a beautiful job of capturing our engagement. She was so kind and professional and we loved having her be a part of this special day! We would absolutely recommend her if you are looking for a photographer near La Jolla!

    —Emily

  • We had a great family photoshoot with Daniela at La Jolla Shores, she was very professional but warm and made us feel comfortable. The photos turned out amazing and Daniela even ran with us down the beach so we could get photos with the pier before the sun set. Thank you Daniela!

    —Liora N.

  • Daniela was so easy to work with, and I love how our pictures turned out for our first family portrait. We had to reschedule due to a stomach bug, and she was extremely responsive and understanding. I highly recommend her for mini sessions with a little one!

    —Alexandra F.

  • We had a perfect family photo experience with Daniela. We appreciated her flexibility with our large family group and she was so accommodating to requests. The pictures are beautiful! She captured some magical shots at Windansea.

    —Maggie S.

  • Fantastic experience having family photos done by Daniela while on vacation in La Jolla. From start to finish she is fantastic to work with and the photography is fantastic. 10/10 would book again.

    —Kris T.

  • Daniela at Sereia Photography is a true professional! Her communication is timely and accurate. We booked a family session in La Jolla and everything went smoothly, even with small children. I highly recommend Sereia Photography!

    —Katy V.

  • We are so happy with our maternity photos. Daniela is very talented and easy to work with. We really enjoyed our session!

    —Hollyanne

  • Daniela took family vacation photos on the beach and the results were amazing. She was extremely friendly and easy to talk to. She was quick to respond to all communication as well as with our final gallery. We will definitely use her again the next time we are in town and in need of a photographer. I highly recommend her.

    —Chris B.

What if my child doesn’t smile?

A young girl with a blue hair accessory, white top, pastel skirt, and white shoes holding onto a wooden fence on a bridge in a green outdoor setting.
Young child with blonde hair in a white shirt and denim shorts sitting on a trampoline outdoors, with a focused expression, holding onto the trampoline's safety net.
Logo for Sereia Photography, featuring a stylized letter S within an oval shape, with the brand name surrounding it.

That’s perfectly okay. Smiling isn’t required for beautiful photographs. I focus on genuine expressions—curiosity, calm moments, thoughtful looks, and natural interaction—because those often tell a more meaningful story than a posed smile. By keeping sessions relaxed and allowing children to be themselves, expressions unfold naturally in their own time.

Some of the most timeless images are the quiet ones.

Photo Session Planning and Timing

Each session is planned with intention to keep the experience smooth, relaxed, and enjoyable for both kids and parents. I consider your child’s age, energy level, and natural rhythm when selecting the best timing, so sessions feel unhurried and comfortable.

  • Sessions are scheduled around soft, flattering light to create natural, eitherbeautiful images while keeping kids comfortable and engaged.

  • Locations are chosen based on space, safety, and ease—giving children room to move, explore, and play while maintaining a clean, timeless backdrop.

  • Sessions can focus on one child, siblings together, or include parents for a few images. Everything is handled efficiently and with care so everyone feels comfortable and included.

Kids sessions begin with play and ease. By letting children be themselves first, they naturally relax and engage when it’s time for gentle direction. This approach results in a thoughtful mix of natural portraits and candid moments that feel authentic, joyful, and refined.

How do I get kids to cooperate?

A young boy with blue eyes and red hair stands among yellow and white daisies in a lush green field.
Three young boys running and playing on a dirt path surrounded by yellow flowers and greenery on a sunny day.
Three children, two younger boys and a teenage boy, standing among pink and purple flowers in a park with green trees in the background, smiling and enjoying a sunny day.
Let’s Plan Your Kids Photo Session
A young child sitting inside a large seashell on the sandy beach, wearing a bonnet and light-colored dress, with the ocean and sky in the background.

Timing That Works With Little Ones

Babies and toddlers have their own rhythms, and session timing plays a big role in how relaxed and happy they feel. When little ones are well-rested and comfortable, sessions flow more easily and result in more natural, joyful images.

For many families, morning sessions work best, especially for babies and toddlers who nap earlier in the day. Whenever possible, I plan sessions around your child’s schedule to avoid nap conflicts and keep the experience calm, flexible, and enjoyable from start to finish.

Book Your Kids Photo Session
A young child sitting inside a large shell on a beach, with ocean waves in the background, holding a small piece of sand, next to a decorative sign that says "One".
A young girl sitting by a large rock on a sandy beach, wearing vintage-style clothing and a bonnet, with a small starfish nearby, and a blurred background of palm trees and overcast sky.
A young girl dressed in a pink dress and a seashell headband sits in a small boat on the beach, with starfish and shells nearby, and waves in the background.
Young girl sitting on a large seashell on the beach, with the ocean and sky in the background, wearing a sun hat and dress.
Close-up of a young child with brown hair, wearing a bonnet and summer clothes, sitting on the beach with sand in the background, looking at the camera.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • I do not offer posed, studio-style newborn photography. However, I do offer relaxed in-home family sessions, focused on natural moments, connection, and your baby’s comfort in a familiar environment. For beach and outdoor sessions, babies six months and older (sitters) are the best fit, as this is when personality, sitting, and joyful expressions naturally shine. All sessions follow a flexible, outdoor-focused approach tailored to each child’s needs and personality.

  • That’s completely okay—and very normal. There’s no expectation for perfect behavior. Kids are allowed to be kids. I work patiently and intuitively, allowing space for movement, emotions, and breaks when needed. When parents stay relaxed, children often follow, and sessions naturally unfold in a calm, positive way.

  • If weather conditions aren’t ideal, we’ll adjust. Sessions can be rescheduled or relocated as needed to ensure the best possible experience and results. I monitor conditions closely and will be in touch ahead of time to make a plan that works for everyone.

  • Your child’s health always comes first. If your child isn’t feeling well, we can reschedule your session. I understand that little ones get sick unexpectedly, and I aim to handle these situations with flexibility and care. If you give me 24 hours notice, I greatly appreciate it.

  • Simple, comfortable clothing works best. I recommend neutral tones and soft textures that allow your child to move freely and feel at ease. I’m happy to provide outfit guidance during planning to help everything feel cohesive and effortless.

  • Yes. Kids sessions are designed to focus on one child and are not considered family sessions. That said, I’m happy to include siblings for a couple of images toward the end of the session. If you are looking for a session that includes multiple family members throughout, please refer to Family Session pricing.

Choose Your Time

MORNING OR AFTERNOON

Your choice between a morning or an afternoon session should be based on your desired aesthetic, the mood you want to convey, and your available schedule.

Two young boys standing close together on a beach under a pier, smiling at the camera, with water and pier pillars in the background.

The Early Bird (After Sunrise)

Soft, Even Light: In the early morning, the light is often soft and diffused, providing a flattering illumination without harsh shadows, making it ideal for portraits.

Fewer Crowds: Enjoy a virtually private photoshoot as beaches are naturally less crowded.

Cool Color Palette: The early morning light often creates a unique ambiance, with mist or fog adding an ethereal quality to landscapes, enhancing the mood and creating captivating imagery.

A young girl with blonde curly hair and a pink bow, smiling outdoors in front of pink flowering bushes, wearing a white dress with colorful floral embroidery.

The Golden Hour (Before Sunset)

Warm, Soft Light: The golden hour provides warm, soft light that enhances colors and textures, creating a magical and romantic atmosphere.

Flattering Illumination: The low angle of the sun during the golden hour casts soft, flattering light on subjects, minimizing imperfections and creating a natural glow.

Ethereal Glow: During the golden hour, the warm, soft light creates a dreamlike ambiance, adding enchantment to your photos and making them captivating and memorable.

Choose Your Location

My Favorite Photo Locations in San Diego

San Diego has so many beautiful photo locations that it’s hard to narrow them down. To make it easier for you, I’ve put together a blog post that walks you through my favorite spots and helps you choose the best location for your family.

Choose Your Package

Photography Packages & Pricing in San Diego

All sessions include pre-session planning and outfit guidance, a fully guided photo session, professional editing and retouching, and a curated online gallery where you can select and download your images.

Pricing 
Pick Your Date

Start Planning Your Kids Session

Photo Sessions Available

Family
Seniors & Grads
Maternity
Baby & Kids
Couples
Mini Sessions