Natalie Chiles Photography

And now we are at Coronado Beach! Coronado is a beach were we don't have to worry about low tide because it's such a deep beach- even at high tide it works. We lucked out on this day- it was low tide and there was tons of room! Good thing, too- it was busy at the shoreline with a wedding at the boulders and lots of folks enjoying this gorgeous spot. This family was adorable- both girls listened very carefully to my instructions that were really just for mom and dad, but they did them too! Another lovely sky with clouds, sunshine and mist. Picture perfect! #coronadoisland #coronadobeach #lowtidelove #walkingportrait #sandiegofamilyportraits #coronadophotographer #coronadofamilyphotographer #coronadolove #coronadomoms #coronadokids #sandiegokids

Some more forest love. I have known this family since their daughter was an infant- they are growing up to be such cool kids! A new pup full of energy made our session quite energetic as well, but thankfully my squeaker came in handy for a few traditional poses. #ucsd #eucalyptusgrove #middleofnowhere #caris2minutesaway #snuggleintheforest #meetmeintheforest #sandiegofamilies #sandiegofamilyphotographer #sandiegokids #sandiegoteens #sandiegomoms

It's not often that a mom in white pants will ask during an urban session to sit on the ground in front of a cool wall. This is why I love this woman. Even dad said, "Are you sure?!" This was towards the end of their session and sweet pup was ready for a break, too. My absolute favorite part of urban sessions is variety. You walk 50 feet, half a block, and you are instantly in front of different textures, colors and light. #urbansandiegoportraits #eastvillage #downtownsandiego #sandiegofamilies #sandiegokids #sandiegomom #sandiegophotographer #woodwall #brownisnotabadthing #whitepantwonderwoman

The pillars of the Geisel Library function in so many ways. They are great to lean on, and great for shade, too, depending on the time of day for your session. This little miss was in love with every aspect of our session and was happy to have some time with mom and dad. Happy Birthday to this guy, too- his birthday is tomorrow! #ucsdlibrary #geisellibrary #ucsd #ucsdalumni #goldenhour #sandiegofamilyphotos #sandiegophotographer #sandiegofamilyphotographer #sandiegoportraits

One of my most favorite moments ever. For reals. This family was the epitome of living in a "busy time." A kindergarten kiddo and a busy walking infant. This was just a moment where mom needed to make sure the little miss didn't run full force into the ocean, so she tossed her in the air for some fun distraction from what she really wanted to do. Meanwhile, we have big brother marveling at the ocean, and then THAT SKY YOU GUYS. I just love this photo. It is the definition of parent life, family portrait hilarity and love all in one. #sandiegomom #sandiegolove #sandiegophotographer #torreypinesstatereserve #torreypines #torreypinesbeach #lowtidelove #manyhumanswereremovedfromthisphoto #retouchedwithlove #familymoments #freezetime

Happy New Year! I have so many things I want to accomplish this year. Most of all I want to see you! What are your goals this year? Do you have any? Or, like many, are you just happy to switch that zero to a one? ;)

It's hard to predict what will be going on at the beach, and when we arrived for this session it was BUSY. Often my clients will look around when it's busy and, with some hesitation, ask if all the people in front of them will be in their images. Nope. They will not. That's part of why you hire a professional. Some if it's in the angle of the camera, some of it is retouching- when it's super busy like it was this night, it's both! This couple celebrated 30 years in 2020, and I was honored to photograph them! #anniversary #30years #celebratelove #walkonthebeach #lajollaphotographer #sandiegophotographer #milestones #marriage

Just a few spots left for my fall family minis, and then I will be booked up for the year! Check out my website for more details- I can’t wait to see all the folks who are already coming! #sandiegofamilyphotos #sandiegokids #sandiegofamilies #sandiegoportraits #sandiegophotographer #sandiegolocations #downtownsandiego #waterfrontpark

This guy- also an NCP veteran! He tried to be shy, but as soon as I started talking that smile popped up and off we went. I just love his curls, too! #sandiegoschoolportraits #modernschoolportraits #schoolphotoscanbebeautiful #lamesaphotographer #sandiegopreschoolportraits #schoolportraitsdonthavetobeterrible

One thing I love about the black backdrop is it allows the child to be the brightest part of the image. Distracting backgrounds, props and colors make your eye look around, but I want you to gaze at the subject with no direction needed. The one was stunning in her dress, too! She was so pleased with herself when I showed her how lovely she looked on the back of my camera. #sandiegoschoolportraits #modernschoolportraits #schoolphotoscanbebeautiful #lamesaphotographer #sandiegopreschoolportraits #schoolportraitsdonthavetobeterrible

Unicorn dress: ! Big smiles: ! Adorable hair: ! No further description needed!... #sandiegoschoolportraits #modernschoolportraits #schoolphotoscanbebeautiful #lamesaphotographer #sandiegopreschoolportraits #schoolportraitsdonthavetobeterrible

Can you believe that this is her first day at this school?! Mom and Dad dropped her off, crossed their fingers and they let her get settled into her classroom. COVID is making things seriously tough- parents can’t walk into school right now, so they literally dropped her at the front door. She was a little shy, but as soon as we brought out a certain mouse that many kids know, she was ALL SMILES! #sandiegoschoolportraits #modernschoolportraits #schoolphotoscanbebeautiful #lamesaphotographer #sandiegopreschoolportraits #schoolportraitsdonthavetobeterrible

Sibling swipe! Big brother is a veteran. A ago he felt the same as sister, but this year he helped his friends who were feeling shy. So many big smiles from him! Sister was not so sure- but even her shy gaze is stunning- such a beautiful girl! #sandiegoschoolportraits #modernschoolportraits #schoolphotoscanbebeautiful #lamesaphotographer #sandiegopreschoolportraits #schoolportraitsdonthavetobeterrible

This one needs no caption- she was smiling before she sat down! I’ve photographed her for several years now- she knows the drill and loves to have fun! #sandiegoschoolportraits #modernschoolportraits #schoolphotoscanbebeautiful #lamesaphotographer #sandiegopreschoolportraits #schoolportraitsdonthavetobeterrible

What you see vs. what really happened! This little guy, like many in his group, was not sitting as stable as I’d like. He was also not so sure about me, and wanted a familiar person with him. I love having teachers/caregivers stay with them when they are in this phase- they are more comfortable and we’re more likely to get a sweet smile. Parents can also choose to leave the caregiver in the photo or have them removed- many leave them in because they want a reminder of how the photo actually happened, and that their little one had lots of folks who loved and helped them! #sandiegoschoolportraits #modernschoolportraits #schoolphotoscanbebeautiful #lamesaphotographer #sandiegopreschoolportraits #schoolportraitsdonthavetobeterrible

Double trouble time! These two (swipe to see!) are identical aside from one little difference. Can you see it? Neither of them were too keen on me- and that’s ok. Can you blame them? Some stranger sits across from you with a big black camera, 5 puppets and a goofy face shield and I’m supposed to smile? No thanks. What was interesting with these two is that one was slightly more comfortable with me, and after brother saw him take his turn, he did a few more and was a li...ttle more relaxed. With this age you have to work with them a bit, have lots of patience, and honestly, be willing to sweat a bit. 100% worth it. Soon these two will get haircuts, start walking and RUNNING, and lose all those baby rolls. #sandiegoschoolportraits #modernschoolportraits #schoolphotoscanbebeautiful #lamesaphotographer #sandiegopreschoolportraits #schoolportraitsdonthavetobeterrible

It’s school portrait time! I tried for a while to have a separate account for my school work, but that account is covered in dust and spiders. I dislike spiders. So we’re going to share some cuteness here- if you dislike adorable babies, preschool sillies and kinder cuteness, then keep scrolling! Starting with this little miss! Miss K is an observer- she was not scared in the least, and was definitely amused by my antics. This one is a wise little soul! #sandiegoschoolportraits #modernschoolportraits #schoolphotoscanbebeautiful #lamesaphotographer #sandiegopreschoolportraits #schoolportraitsdonthavetobeterrible

Oh my heart and soul- it's school portrait time! This little homeschool group lifted my photographer heart more than they could ever know. These were taken earlier this week, and yesterday I did a preschool of 30. All COVID safe, and believe it or not, somehow this week there was not a single tear! Photos can be overwhelming for little ones, but these three hammed it up for me quite easily. Parents will see both color and black and white versions in their galleries- mainly because I just love a good black and white! If you need school portraits for your preschool, homeschool group, or just want to get an elevated school portrait for your kids, please message me! I am available for photos this school year and would love to help you out! I also offer in studio "Simple Studio" sessions, which you can reserve right on my website!

Waterfront Park on 11/21- so many options. Colorful sculptures by Niki de Saint Phalle, pathways, fountains, and let’s not forget the views of San Diego harbor! This spot is a new hub in San Diego. To set expectations- unless things change the amazing playground here may still be closed. #waterfrontparksandiego #waterfrontpark #sandiegofamilies #sandiegokids #familyportraits #sandiegofamilyportraits #sandiegophotographer

Torrey Pines and Geisel Library are sold out! Come see other options- still lots left!