San Diego Holiday Mini Sessions

No, I do not require a deposit for mini sessions. While I do require a deposit for weddings, mini sessions can be scheduled without one.

Yes. Weekends are busier for me due to weddings, but we can definitely find a weekend date if needed. I recommend reaching out early so we can reserve a spot.

I offer mini sessions year round, and weekday availability is usually easier to find. However, if you are looking for a date between mid October and late December, I recommend booking as soon as you know your availability. Holiday mini sessions in San Diego tend to fill quickly, so early booking helps secure a spot.

I offer sessions both in the morning and afternoon.
Afternoon sessions usually begin about one to one and a half hours before sunset depending on the location.
Morning sessions typically start shortly after sunrise depending on your family’s schedule.
Most locations work well in the morning, but for beach sessions I generally recommend afternoons since the sun sets over the ocean and creates ideal golden hour lighting.

Yes. The listed locations are suggestions based on places where I know the lighting and backgrounds work well for photography. If you have another location in mind, let me know and I will gladly give you my opinion. A travel fee may apply depending on the distance.

Yes, we can reschedule. San Diego usually gives us great weather, but occasionally we get darker or rainy days. If conditions are not ideal, I will reach out and we can decide whether to move to a different date.

If someone is sick, we will simply find another date for the session.

Mini sessions are scheduled around sunset to get the best light. If you arrive late, that time will be taken from your session. I recommend reviewing the location guide beforehand so you know the meeting point and parking situation and allowing extra time for traffic.

Yes, absolutely. I am very used to working with families who have never been photographed professionally before. I will guide you so we can create natural and relaxed photos together.

During the session we capture a mix of candid moments such as walking, holding hands, and laughing, as well as traditional photos with everyone looking at the camera. The session is really about your family’s connection and enjoying time together. You do not need any previous experience.

Children, especially between the ages of 1 and 6, usually do not cooperate the entire time and that is completely normal. I keep sessions relaxed and fast paced so they stay engaged as long as possible. We use gentle direction and play so the experience stays positive. The goal is not perfection but documenting your family as it is right now.

Absolutely. The session is about your family and how you naturally interact with each other.

I believe a complete gallery includes both candid and posed photos and my style is a balance of the two. That said, I can certainly lean more candid or more posed depending on your preference.

Yes. With larger groups I try to photograph each family combination. With smaller families I typically capture individual children, parents together, each parent with the kids, and the full family together. I am also happy to include any specific combinations that matter to you.

Yes. I usually try to get individual photos of the kids and I am happy to take outdoor headshots for adults if needed.

Since the session lasts about an hour and I like to use multiple spots for variety, there is usually some light walking involved. Whether it is a beach, trail, or park location, we move a little to change scenery. Old Poway Park involves the least walking since everything is close together. If walking would be difficult for your family, please let me know and we can plan accordingly.

Yes, pets are welcome in family photo sessions. Most San Diego locations I suggest are pet friendly, but please let me know in advance so we can confirm rules for that specific location and time. I also recommend bringing someone who is not part of the photos so we can capture some images without the pet.

Some locations allow parking very close to where we photograph. Rancho Penasquitos Ranch House is one of the easiest, and Solana Beach is a good beach option without stairs. We can also photograph certain group members near the parking area and then explore a little more with the rest of the family.

Yes, snacks usually help a lot. Different ages respond to different things, but snacks are often the easiest way to keep younger kids happy during the session.

Yes. Please check the guide linked below called “How to get the best out of your family photography session.”
It covers location choice, outfit recommendations, props, and more. If you have any questions after reading it, feel free to email me at hello@fonyatweddings.com.

Not at all. You do not need to know the location ahead of time. I provide a detailed guide for each recommended location so you know what to expect from parking, walking distance, and meeting points.

Yes. Feel free to bring blankets, signs, ultrasound photos, flowers, hats, sunglasses, a letter board, toys, balloons, bubbles, a dog bandana, jackets, or a picnic basket.

Please keep props small and easy to carry. Large setups take time and the goal is to keep things simple and meaningful.

Of course. You are welcome to bring ideas and I will gladly create something similar.

You are welcome to do a quick outfit change. Since sessions are timed around good lighting, I recommend keeping changes simple so we do not lose shooting time. Swapping a jacket, sweater, or accessory works great. Full outfit changes will take a large portion of the session.

No. If a shorter session fits your family better, let me know and I will adjust the timing so we still get the best lighting.

Every family moves at a different pace. Some families are ready right away while others, especially with small children, take a little time to warm up. The longer session keeps things relaxed and allows us to use multiple spots within a location for different lighting and backgrounds.

I generally ask for two weeks to have the gallery ready. I often deliver sooner, but during peak season I may have multiple sessions per day, so it can take a little longer.

You will receive a link to a private gallery where you can view and download the unmarked high resolution images to your computer. You can also purchase prints directly from the gallery, but prints are not included in the mini session price.

All photos are professionally edited in my signature style with adjustments for color, exposure, contrast, and overall polish.

Additional retouching such as skin retouching, flyaway hair fixes, leash removal, or removing distractions is available for an additional fee. I usually recommend applying these adjustments only to favorite photos that will be printed or shared.

Yes. You can let me know beforehand or select the images from your gallery and I will convert them to black and white.

Yes. You can order prints in different sizes directly from your gallery. If you would like an album, contact me and I will explain the options and pricing.

Your private gallery stays available for six months and you have unlimited downloads during that period. You are welcome to share the link with family and friends.

The gallery can be password protected so only people you share it with can access it. I can also send a Dropbox transfer instead of using an online gallery if you prefer.

I accept cash, check, Venmo, or Zelle.

Yes. Mini session gift certificates make a great gift. I provide a digital certificate after purchase and the recipient can contact me to schedule their session.

No. I currently focus on outdoor lifestyle photography sessions.

Each photographer has a consistent editing style. My style is natural, warm, and timeless with realistic skin tones and balanced contrast.

If you have a specific request, feel free to reach out and we can discuss it.

Yes — I offer San Diego mini sessions year round, not just during the holidays. Whether you are looking for spring family photos, a summer beach session, or fall portraits, I am available throughout the year. Visit my San Diego mini sessions page for full details.