For the last two years we have taken a trip to California during my off season. In 2019, we planned a three week road trip. First, we saw family in Sacramento. Then we headed to Disneyland in Los Angeles, and ended in San Diego with friends. For some reason, I got it into my head that we should take our son to Disneyland that year. My husband and I had never been before, but I could not get that thought out of my head. So, we planned it and made it happen! I’m so glad that we did because who could have known that just a few months later the world would shutter because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

San Diego and Ramona Grasslands Preserve

Despite the pandemic still happening in November of 2020, we felt relatively safe to go visit our friends again in San Diego. While we were there we took family photos of them and got to enjoy the most beautiful weather! I love my November escapes because the weather starts getting crummy in Idaho and Wyoming. My trips mean I’m able to go chase the sunshine after wedding season has finished.

This family lives on the outskirts of San Diego and so we chose to do their family photos at the Ramona Grasslands Preserve. The landscaping in California is so different than what I’m used to seeing in Idaho and Wyoming. Ramona is very hilly with plenty of wine vineyards, palm trees, and huge rocks. The Ramona Grasslands Preserve is a beautiful spot for family photos. It has tall grass that turns golden in the fall. There are trees that look like they’ve come straight out of the Lion King, and it’s really easy to access. The staff are pretty strict about not wandering far off the trail, and the preserve closes at sunset and they lock the gate to the parking lot. Even with those restrictions, it was the perfect place for this little family to take photos. It’s an easy walk with wide trails perfect for photos. I always snag individuals of each of the kiddos, but didn’t include those in this post just for safety.

Fall Family Outfit Inspiration

Jordan knocked it out of the park in choosing her family’s outfits for their fall family photos.  Their combination of Red, Gray, and White was so perfect for the outdoor location. Their vibrant and bold color choices allowed them to stand out against the neutral background. When choosing your outfits for family photos, or engagements, or any other kind of session, you should always consider the background you’ll be in. Despite the warm weather during the day, the evenings can still cool down a bit. So having long sleeves was nice for the majority of the family.

Returning to San Diego for a Fall Wedding Reception

This year, I am going to San Diego for the main purpose of photographing a dreamy reception at Ranch Events. I photographed the couple’s wedding in September of 2020. They chose to elope in Jackson Hole with only their very closest friends and family members due to restrictions. Now they are having opportunity to celebrate with their extended family and friends in San Diego. I am so excited that we are going back to San Diego again this November. I look forward to seeing our friends again and going to visit some of our favorite places like Blacks Beach and Torrey Pines State Beach. If you need a family photographer in Ramona, California or San Diego, California, contact me through my website form!