Frequently Asked Questions

Planning a portrait session can bring up lots of questions, and I want to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible. Below you’ll find answers to the most common questions I receive about my San Diego and La Jolla portrait photography sessions—from what’s included in each package, to the best time of day for beach portraits, to how many images you’ll receive in your gallery. My goal is to ensure you feel fully prepared, excited, and confident that your session will be a fun and memorable experience for you and your family.

1. What is included in San Diego and La Jolla portrait photography sessions?

Every portrait session includes my time and professional guidance before and during the shoot, a curated online gallery delivered within 2–3 weeks, and high-resolution JPEG files ready to download according to your selected package: Mini Session (5 images), Starfish Collection (10 images), Sereia Collection (20 images), and Ohana Collection (30 images). You’ll also have the option to order professional-quality prints directly through your gallery or use a lab of your choice. Each session comes with a personal-use license, giving you full rights to print and share your portraits with family and friends.

2. Where will our San Diego portrait session take place?

Most of my sessions take place at scenic spots in La Jolla, Pacific Beach, and other coastal areas around San Diego. Popular locations include sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, lush parks, and charming urban backdrops. My favorite spots are La Jolla Shores by Scripps Pier, Pacific Beach by Crystal Pier, and Windansea Beach, each offering its own unique beauty and atmosphere. For clients who prefer an inland setting, I also love photographing at Balboa Park, open fields, and hidden canyons that bring a natural, timeless feel to your portraits. If you have a special location in mind, I’m happy to work with you to make it happen. Sessions within the La Jolla 92037 zip code and up to 15 miles from this area include no travel fee; additional fees may apply for locations beyond that.

3. Do you retouch or edit the photos from my session?

Yes! All images in your gallery are fully edited and receive global enhancements such as exposure, color correction, and removal of background distractions to reflect the signature Sereia Photography style. Each package also includes a set number of detailed retouches at no additional cost—Mini Session (5 images), Starfish Collection (10 images), Sereia Collection (20 images), and Ohana Collection (30 images). Detailed retouching may include removing distractions, softening skin, sky replacements, body shaping, or even head swaps when possible to ensure everyone looks their best. While not every edit is guaranteed, I always welcome requests by filename and will do my utmost to make adjustments so you’re completely thrilled with your portraits.

4. How much are additional digital photos?

Additional digital images are available for $50 each, or you can purchase the entire remaining gallery for $200. Many clients love this option since it allows them to keep every moment captured from their session.

5. How long does a portrait session usually take?

Sessions range from 15 minutes to 1 hour depending on your package. Mini Sessions are quick and perfect for holiday cards or seasonal updates, while full sessions allow more time for outfit changes, multiple poses, and capturing a variety of looks.

6. When is the best time of day for portraits?

The most flattering light happens during golden hour, right before sunset. The soft, golden light creates a beautiful natural glow, minimizes harsh shadows, and makes beach sessions feel especially magical as the crowds thin and the wind settles. That said, I also offer early morning sessions around 8 a.m. to accommodate family schedules. Morning light is soft and filtered, with cooler temperatures and fewer people around—and for families with little ones, early mornings often work best before nap times or mid-day crankiness set in. Whether morning or evening, prioritizing the right light makes all the difference in creating portraits you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

7. Why isn’t bright midday sunlight ideal for portraits?

While San Diego is sunny almost year-round, photographing in the middle of the day when the sun is at its brightest can create harsh shadows, squinting, and unflattering highlights. Bright overhead light often causes uneven skin tones and deep shadows under the eyes (what photographers call “raccoon eyes”). The softer light of early morning or golden hour near sunset is far more flattering—it adds a warm glow, smooths skin tones, and creates the dreamy, timeless look you see throughout my portfolio.

8. What should I wear for my portrait session?

I provide a What to Wear Guide to help you choose clothing that photographs beautifully. In general, stick to coordinated colors instead of perfectly matching, avoid busy patterns, and select outfits that make you feel confident and comfortable. In my experience, soft pastels and lighter tones—such as blush, sage, ivory, light blue, and sand—create an ethereal, timeless feel on the beach, blending seamlessly with the natural tones of the sand, sky, and ocean. Flowing fabrics also photograph beautifully, adding movement and elegance to your portraits.

9. How many images will I see in my gallery?

The number of images in your gallery will depend on your selected package, but most clients can expect to see between 50 and 200 images.

10. Can you help me with posing?

Absolutely! You don’t need to worry about being “photogenic.” I’ll guide you through natural poses and candid interactions that feel comfortable and highlight your best angles.

11. How far in advance should I book?

I recommend booking at least 2–4 weeks in advance to secure your preferred date, especially during busy seasons like spring, summer, and fall or around the holidays.

12. Do you offer vacation packages or group portraits?

Yes! My portrait sessions are flexible and designed to fit your needs—whether it’s an individual headshot, a maternity shoot, or a full family session. I’ve been photographing families and travelers vacationing in La Jolla for over 12 years, and I love helping visitors capture their time here with beautiful, lasting memories. Packages are available for solo portraits as well as groups of up to 15 people, and I also frequently photograph extended family gatherings—perfect for celebrating milestones or creating heirloom images with multiple generations.

13. What if the weather is bad?

If we’re shooting outdoors and the weather isn’t cooperating, we’ll reschedule at no extra cost. I always keep an eye on the forecast and communicate in advance so you can feel confident about your session.

14. Do you travel for sessions?

Yes! Most sessions take place in La Jolla, Pacific Beach, or nearby San Diego areas. I also travel beyond those locations—additional travel fees may apply depending on distance.

15. How do I receive my photos and how long does it take?

You’ll receive a private online gallery where you can view, download, and share your portraits. Turnaround time is usually 3–4 weeks after your session.

16. Do you offer prints or albums?

Yes! You can order professional-quality prints, wall art, and albums directly from your online gallery. They make perfect keepsakes and gifts.

17. Do you provide digital files or RAW images?

You’ll receive high-resolution digital JPEG files of your final edited images. RAW files are not included, as they don’t reflect the polished style I deliver in every gallery.

18. What rights do I have to my images?

Your gallery comes with a personal-use license, which means you’re free to download, print, and share your images with family and friends. You may also post them on social media, and though it’s completely optional, giving credit or tagging Sereia Photography is always appreciated. Images cannot be used for commercial purposes (such as advertising, resale, or business promotion) without prior written permission and a commercial license. If you’re interested in licensing your portraits for business use, I’d be happy to discuss custom options.

19. What makes your portrait photography different?

With over a decade of experience, I specialize in creating portraits that feel authentic, relaxed, and beautifully timeless. My approach combines expert direction, natural light, and an eye for detail—so you’ll not only love your photos but also enjoy the experience. I’m known for making sessions fun and stress-free, especially with kids, which keeps the atmosphere lighthearted and enjoyable for every age.

20. What does Sereia mean?

Sereia means “mermaid” in Portuguese. The name reflects both my heritage and my love of the ocean, which inspires much of my work in La Jolla. Just like a mermaid, my brand embodies beauty, freedom, and a connection to the sea—elements that shine through in the portraits I create.