San Diego Fall Family Mini Session with Mountain Views

There are moments when everything just falls into place, the light, the weather, and the people. It’s the kind of magic you can’t plan, but when it happens, you just know it’s going to be special. The forecast called for rain and I was bracing myself for a possible reschedule, but on the day of, there was this soft haze hanging in the air. The sun peeked through just enough, and I could feel it, it was going to be beautiful.

Tender moment of a mom hugging her daughter with eyes closed during a fall photo session in San Diego surrounded by autumn leaves
Smiling mom standing with her daughter and son during a fall family photo session in San Diego with mountains and autumn foliage in the background
Smiling mom holding her son during a fall photo session in San Diego with autumn trees and mountain views in the background

I remember Heather and I were texting on the day of her fall family photo session in Santee. I asked Heather if she’d be okay with coming a little earlier, and thankfully, she said yes. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. The backdrop? Breathtaking. Heather’s family? Absolutely wonderful, as always. This was my second year photographing her family, and it’s such a joy to watch her kids grow.

Smiling mom with her two kids sitting on a blanket under a tree with fall leaves during a family photo session in San Diego

During the session, I asked the kids what fun word we should yell, and her son confidently shouted, “Skibidi!” I had no idea it was tied to some hilarious trend involving toilets! So then, I’m like, Okay, everybody say “Skibidi!” Haha. It’s these kinds of moments, silly, lighthearted, and genuine, that make me fall in love with family photography all over again.

Brother and sister smiling at each other during a fall photo session in San Diego with autumn leaves and soft mountain views in the background
Portrait of a smiling woman standing in a field during a fall photo session in San Diego with natural light and autumn colors in the background

Looking back at these photos, they truly capture the cozy essence of fall. As a San Diego family photographer, one of the things I love most is how much variety we have at our fingertips. In under an hour, you can go from the beach to the mountains. It’s a photographer’s dream to have such diverse backdrops so close by.

Mom and her two kids holding hands and walking through an open field with mountain views and fall foliage during a family photo session in San Diego

As I reflect on this session, I’m reminded of why I love photographing families, especially during the fall season. It’s about more than just the photos, it’s about capturing memories, laughter, and those little moments that feel like home. That’s the heart behind everything I do.

Brother and sister smiling and posing together during a fall family photo session in San Diego with autumn leaves in the background
Mom walking hand-in-hand with her two children during a candid fall family photo session in San Diego with mountain views and autumn leaves
Mom and daughter laughing and hugging during a fall mini session in San Diego with autumn leaves in the background

Whether it’s the cozy haze of a crisp autumn day or the golden glow of a summer sunset, I’d love to help tell your story through natural light family photography.

Ready to book your San Diego family photo session? Click here to reserve your spot today!