There’s nothing better than a golden hour session with happy dogs and their favorite human, especially when it’s at one of the most scenic spots in town. As a San Diego dog photographer, I love capturing the joy and personality of every pup I meet, and this session at Coronado Dog Beach was no exception.

Meet our stars—two adorable Chugs, Dewy and Darla, who also happen to be sisters from different litters. These two were full of energy, running through the sand, chasing waves, and occasionally stopping to strike a pose. Their mom wanted to capture their playful bond, but like true siblings, they had their own ideas. Sometimes they’d sit together perfectly, and other times… not so much. When they refused to pose at the same time, we rolled with it, taking individual shots and later working some Photoshop magic to bring them together.

The afternoon light was perfect, casting a warm glow on the sand and highlighting their expressive faces. Whether they were sprinting across the beach or giving me their best head tilts, every moment was a joy to photograph. By the end of the session, we had a collection of images that truly captured their personalities—sweet, spunky, and full of life.

After the session, Mom chose to preserve these special memories in the most beautiful way—by purchasing an heirloom album featuring all her favorite photographs. Crafted by Blacksmith Print Co., this stunning album showcases her Chugs in all their beachside glory, from playful action shots to sweet, soulful portraits. It’s a timeless keepsake that she can flip through for years to come, reliving their perfect day at Coronado Dog Beach over and over again.

If you’re looking for a Coronado Dog Beach photographer to capture your pup’s unique spirit, let’s make it happen! Whether your dog is a pro at posing or more interested in zooming around, we’ll create photos you’ll treasure forever.

If you’ve ever wanted to be surrounded by the most charming, mischievous, and downright adorable hairless cats, our Sphynx Cat Meetup in San Diego was the place to be! We had a fantastic turnout, with about 20 cat lovers (and their equally lovable felines) gathering for an afternoon of fun, games, and of course—photos!

White Labs Brewing was kind enough to provide the perfect space for our get-together, giving our social Sphynxes plenty of room to roam. Some confidently strutted around, soaking up all the attention, while others preferred the VIP treatment in their strollers. No judgment here—we support all levels of cat socialization!

The festivities kicked off right on time at 1:00, and we kept the energy going with games and prizes. A huge shoutout to Dexter’s Deli for donating the most amazing gift bags. Our cat parents were just as excited as their kitties to dive into the goodies!

Of course, no cat meetup would be complete without photos, and we captured some true stars. A few Sphynxes really hammed it up for the camera, proving once again that they were born to be in the spotlight. As San Diego’s go-to professional photographer for Sphynx cats (and all feline friends), I absolutely loved documenting these unique personalities.

We’ll definitely be doing this again next year, and if you have a specific breed and want to organize a meetup, let’s make it happen! Whether it’s Maine Coons, Bengals, or Ragdolls, I’d love to help bring your cat community together—and capture every whisker-filled moment.

Looking for a cat photographer in San Diego? Let’s chat! Whether it’s a one-on-one pet session or your own breed meetup, I’d love to create something special for you and your feline family.

Meeting Marley was so special. She is s 15 yr almost 16yr old American Staffordshire Terrier. Mom was seeking both studio and beach portraits of Ms. Marley so we decided to do a studio session and also head down to Coronado Beach for sunset. Let me tell you, Coronado Beach for sunset portraits rarely disappoints! A little (ok a lot) sad, but Marley is sick. We designed the session with Marley's comfort in mind. When the flooring on the cream background was too slippery for her little legs, we switched to a black vinyl with more grip. Before we made the switch Marley struck this pose with mom and it was an absolute favorite of mine! She is SO happy with her mama!

When we arrived at Coronado Dog Beach we considered putting her in a wagon, but Marley was happy to walk. Marley and mom both took a little dip in the ocean (sorry about that mom) and we were able to capture some amazing shots. When we were leaving Mom told me this was probably Marley's last visit to the beach. I hope she is wrong, but in case she wasn't I'm so glad that Marley had an amazing last visit to the beach. Much love to Marley and her mom!

UPDATE: Grab your tissues. 

Marley's mom reached out to me on 2/24 about a possible portrait session. I don't know what made me do it, but during our initial chat I went ahead and wrote Marley down on my calendar for 3/8. 

Marley's mom checked with a couple other photographers and got back to me on 3/3 and told me that 3/8 was the only day she had available. I thought PERFECT because my weird self has already scheduled you for that day anyway (but she didn't know that.)

During the entire session I was laser focused because I wanted Marley's mom to have the most beautiful portraits of her baby. During the Portrait Reveal Session after the photoshoot Marley's mom chose some beautiful art of MarMar and also ordered the heirloom keepsake book of her most favorite images. 

On 3/20 I opened Instagram and saw the news I didn't want to see. Just 12 days after Marley's portrait session she went to the rainbow bridge. Now, these photos and memories are all Marley's mom has left. 

The majority of the art order had already arrived at the studio, so I took it over to her house on Sunday. Marley's mom told me sweet stories of Marley and we laughed and we cried together. Why am I telling you all of this? Because I don't want memories and moments to pass you by. I want you to have beautiful and treasured artwork of your pets and people to have not just today, but for the rest of your life. 

Whether you have a young pupper or a faithful companion who has been by your side for over a decade, it's always a great time to book a session and create these lasting memories. If you're curious about a session reach out to me! I'd love to hear from you! 901-848-0668 https://www.instagram.com/gretchenoterophotography/www.GretchenOtero.com

Although I'm bringing them up last, this certainly doesn't mean the Photographic Print should be counted out as an amazing finish for your portrait. Within the category of Photographic Print there are a variety of sub-finishes that was can choose from to enhance the beauty of your wall portrait. Metallic, Luster, Glossy, Matte and Watercolor are all amazing options depending on the print you are displaying. All of my Photographic Prints come mounted for ease of handling and durability. I offer these as both a traditional frameable art print and also as a standout print that hangs without a frame 3/4" off your wall. 

The photographic art print is what photographers have been offering to clients for years. It it time tested and beautiful. In a frame you can display it with or without glass over the print. I offer framing from my lab, or you're welcome take your print to the shop of your choice. I also know the best spot in San Diego to score amazing vintage frames, so if that's your jam (it's also mine, by the way) let me know and I'll give you all the details on my secret spots!

Seeing is believing, so if you'd like to swing by the studio to see a traditional photographic print, let me know!

Durable. Washable. Magical

If I had to pick three words to sum up a metal prints, those are the three I would choose. Maybe you have little fingers in your house that like to touch everything. Maybe you want to hang your image in your kitchen but are worried about gunk build up from cooking. Metal is the solution. It's completely waterproof and cleanable with any non-ammonia based cleaner. You could even hang it in your shower if you wanted! It's amazing. They are also scratch resistant which adds another level of durability on top of everything else and they are resistant to sun fading. It's an all in one package that checks so many boxes!

The magical part comes from the iridescence of the metal which shines through your image. It elevates outdoor portraits and sunsets to a level never seen before in a regular photographic print. Colors pop and the image itself seems to glow.

Metal prints are only a few millimeter thick and come with a stand out backing which allows them to float away from the wall. They are delivered to you (by me) ready to be hung directly on your wall. You don't need a frame! If you'd like to explore framing options, I recommend a float frame, pictured below, to finish off the look of your image! They are not overly heavy and are easy to hang.

Seeing is believing, so if you'd like to swing by the studio to touch and feel a metal print, let me know! We can even spray it down with water and wipe it down so you can see it's astonishing durability!

Coronado Dog Beach is nothing shy of magical! Recently I headed out to scout the location and see what they had to offer. It's a short 12 minute drive from downtown San Diego and totally worth it if you're looking for the best beach dog portraits in San Diego.

There is ample space for everyone to spread out and plenty of room for dogs to run! I was able to capture some amazing action shots, rainbow sunset portraits and lots of close ups and cuddles. By far this was one of my most favorite scouting adventures ever!

This couple is leaving San Diego in the spring and they are both SD natives (a rarity). All I could imagine was photographing them together with a quintessential San Diego sunset so they could have a magnificent memory and perhaps a grand metal print made and take a piece of San Diego off to Idaho with them. We arrived at Mission Bay Park and y'all, the sunset was flat - pitifully flat. We captured what we could and the images are nice, but it wasn't the amazing San Diego sunset I had in my mind. 

As a photographer, it's my job to provide people with not only what they know they want, but also anticipate what will meaningful to them later. So fast-forward to me laying in bed awake thinking about how I can get them this quintessential photo I wanted them to have so badly, and then Gasp! I remember that I have the most gorgeous sunset photos taken from the exact.same.spot. and I am a photoshop genius! Seriously- I even have my own YouTube channel teaching the latest and greatest photoshop techniques! Anways, the finished image turned out amazing! I hope they love it as much as I do! Heck, maybe it wasn't important to them to have a quintessential SD sunset, but I know I feel better knowing this portrait exists!

ProTip #1 Let's talk about clothing. Ideally, it should be seen & not heard. Does that make sense? Depending on where your session is taking place I might have different recommendations. Generally, for outdoor sessions I’m going to suggest well-saturated colors, like deep reds, blues, and greens, paired with darkish colored pants. Comfort is also so important. If you are uncomfortable in your clothing and every time you sit down you have to readjust your shirt, that outfit is not going to be the best for portraits. Pick something that when you put it on you think, Wow! I look great! And it's an outfit you could wear from 8am -7pm and be comfortable. For your kids, I have different recommendations for different ages, so let’s chat about your specific family.

I also recommend wearing a shirt with sleeves. Short sleeves at a minimum, but ¾ and full length sleeves are great as well.

ProTip #2 Be prepared and be on time! Your session is at 8:00am. You have to dress yourself, your three kids, and your husband and get out of the house by 7:30am to make it to your shoot at 8:00. To make this morning as smooth as possible:

- Lay everything out the night before.

- Wake up 30 minutes before you think you need to.

- Plan to leave 15 minutes earlier than you actually need to

This will give you an easier& more relaxed morning and set the tone for the rest of your day. I really want you to arrive feeling fresh, excited and relaxed because we are about to have a really great time!

ProTip #3 Discuss your goals with me as early in our conversations possible. By this I mean, what do you want to accomplish from your session? Are you looking to update an old family portrait that is currently hanging in your home? Do you need gifts for grandparents? Do you want to get a funny family photo for your holiday cards? Let's talk about these goals so we can make sure your session meets them. The earlier this conversation takes place the better because that can help me decide where to shoot and will also help me guide you in clothing options as well.

ProTip #4 EAT SOMETHING! Everyone should have a light meal before your portrait session. I'm serious. I promise I ate right before your session so I would be in a great mood and at my best and I need your mood to be the same! Babies, kids, adults, and even pets are just a little more jovial with a little meal in their belly. Have a little cup of fruit or some turkey and cheese rollups & I promise your session will be at least 37% more enjoyable.

ProTip #5 Relax! You tried your best to follow ProTips 1-4. Your shoot was scheduled for 8:00 and you are showing up at 8:20. Isabelle couldn't find their shoes. Your shirt fits weird. You totally forgot to tell me that you needed a headshot for your business card during your family portrait session and your husband & 4 yr old are both starving. Pshhhhhh.. No worries! I got this! This is why you hired a professional! Let me tell you, no amount of planning can change what is meant to be, and whatever happens before, during, and after your shoot just becomes part of the story. Later you can look back at your photos and say, "Remember this? Isabelle couldn't find her shoes that morning, so we all decided to go barefoot & it's my all-time favorite portrait. We look so relaxed and happy" I'm not saying this so you throw ProTips 1-4 out the window (please don’t), I'm telling you this because relaxed people look best in portraits and my number one goal is to set the stage to make you and your family look the absolute best in your portraits!

Thanks for reading! I really hope this helps you to make the most out of your portrait session! If you have any questions please comment below and I’ll get back to you! Check me out on FB at Gretchen Otero Photography or on the web at GretchenOtero.com. Want to chat? Call me @ 901-848-0668

Show me your GIANT breed in San Diego! I want to meet those Great Danes, Rottweilers, Dobermans, Irish Wolfhounds and more! I am the photographer for your gentle giant! I can't wait to photograph your 120lb lap dogs! Giant dog photography makes me so happy! And if I leave your session without getting "leaned on," my feelings are going to be low-key hurt a little. 

Your large dog photo session can take place in your home, in my studio or on location depending on what you're looking to achieve from your session. We'll discuss everything and come up with the best plan! Maybe your Rottweiler wants to get out and explore like Brutus did!

Or maybe you have a pack of 5 and it's easier for you to keep everyone at home! I'll bring the lights and camera to your house and your large breed dogs can supply the action! Multiple dogs are no problem and just add to the fun!

Small dog photography in San Diego is always a fun adventure. Whether it's your rescued pup, Maltese, Yorkie, Pomeranian or other toy breed, I am here to capture those adorable head tilts, sploots and personality from your teacup dog! Luckily for me these toy breeds tend to have tons of personality, so even though they are pint size, getting their larger than life personality to translate through the lens never seems to be a problem!

Your toy breed portrait session can take place in your home, on location or in my San Diego Studio! We can discuss what is best for you and your pet during our initial consultation! I'm already excited to meet you and hear all about your pets! Reach out today!

Family Reunions are a party that is not to me missed! When planning your San Diego Family Reunion photography is a MUST! It is the best opportunity to photograph the whole family in one amazing shot. And while everyone is there we'll also do an assortment of different family photos and set ups so everyone has something to cherish forever! Image that portrait of the grandparents with all of their grandchildren, all in one photo! Amazing! 

Don't leave these photos to chance! There is only this one opportunity to capture your family in this moment. Your family photos will be the lasting memories from your San Diego Family Reunion. Hire a qualified photographer! If not me, then here is a resource for REAL professional photographers in the San Diego area. These are important memories and after the reunion your photos, portraits and pictures will be all you have left to remember your 2021 San Diego Family Reunion!

I can't wait to meet you and your family! If you are all from out of town, and need help planning your San Diego Family Reunion, let me know and I'll gladly give you some insider places and must do's while you are here! Join me on my website here, Family Portraits in San Diego or go ahead and reach out today by phone at 901-848-0668 or Send Me a Message!

Let's make sure you get the most from your dog or cat's portrait session! I'll mostly saying "dogs" in this post, but please know, cats are included in the sentiment! 

When you book your appointment, talk to me, tell me your goals! Are you trying to match a print of a previous pet? Do you have this beautiful idea for a portrait you would like to hang over your fireplace? What is your driving force to having these portraits made? Let's discuss this! Together we'll come up with the perfect session for your pup! This might mean a studio session, or a location session at Balboa Park or Tecolote Canyon. Maybe it's at your house in Rancho Penasquitos because you want his picture made in the same yard he grew up in, and on the couch he grew old on. Every portrait session is uniquely designed to meet your goals! I have favorite places in and around San Diego to shoot, but I also LOVE hearing your ideas and discovering new locations!

On the day of your session I recommend keeping your dog's schedule fairly similar and maybe add a few minutes onto his walk to get a little bit of extra energy out. If you're coming to the studio, please please utilize the grassy area by the parking for potties, prior to coming into the studio. Even if he went right before you got in the car, they never mind going one last time! 

Once we begin our session I'm probably going to kindly ask you to let me take over "talking" to and instructing your pet. Dogs, the same as kids, sometimes take instruction from strangers better than they do their owners, at least for a short period of time. It's also less confusing for the pupper to hear a request from one person. And I know what I'm looking for and what is going to make a great portrait, so allowing me to be one-on-one with your pet is a great way to ensure you the most from your portrait session. Your session is a great opportunity to sit back and watch the magic unfold. You are welcome to be hands off during your session and just watch and see what happens. When I need you, I'll let you know.

I'm 100% going to try to talk you into being in at least one portrait with your dog or cat so be prepared. Nope, you aren't into it now, I know it, but in 20 years when you look back at these portraits, you'll thank me! 

After your session, we'll schedule a time to "virtually" (thanks Covid) view your portraits together through a screen share. During that screen share session, I'm going to help you narrow the images down to the ones you truly can't live without and then you'll have the opportunity at that time to purchase your wall prints, prints and digital images. Anyone who might want to make a purchase from your session should be "present" for this virtual viewing as this is the only time set to view and order portraits. Sounds scary, but it's totally not! Once the viewing session is completed, your ordered portraits will be on the way!  

I'm always excited to chat. Shoot me an email to Gretchen@GretchenOtero.com or give me a call at 901-848-0668

Cheers,

Gretchen O

In an ideal world all sessions would take place in a perfectly curated location with the best light or my studio but that's just not always possible. Butters is a 13 yr YOUNG Golden Retriever with some mobility issues. As she grows in age, it was important to mom to capture her personality and joy. It was easiest for Butters to stay close to home, so I popped on my creative angle hat and I planned a session within .10 of a mile from Butter's front door. This session wasn't a Phoebe's Photo (read more about that here) but I do meet my Phoebe's Photo's clients on the same level as this when we work together. 

Within our .10 of a mile walk we were able to find some great places to photograph Butters and her mom. I adore this sweet shot we got (as the grounds crew watched). If you have a senior dog you know these sweet moments, kisses and cuddles are the best! You should contact me to schedule your senior dog's photo session.

After exploring outside we went back to Butter's apartment where she continued to show off her modeling skills for the camera.

Senior Dog Photo Sessions are incredibly special to me and senior owners. I am not trying to instill fear but You.Will.Regret NOT having a professional portrait of your dog, so even if you don't book me, please don't miss this opportunity. I always encourage the search for a photographer to start with the Professional Photographer of America.