Ever since I photographed Bonnie and Beau’s Tiber Canyon wedding several years back, I’ve had the honor of photographing their growing family every year since then. This year they chose an urban theme in downtown San Luis Obispo for their family portraits. They were drawn to the Railroad District and the adjacent Railroad Square building which was the perfect backdrop for what they had envisioned. The building in San Luis Obispo is a gem for urban portraits! Its architecture blends rustic charm with a touch of history, offering a variety of backdrops. The mix of brick walls, vintage signage, and the overall industrial vibe makes it a versatile spot for capturing both classic and contemporary urban looks. From there we moved on to the Jennifer Street bridge which is a stunning rust colored steel bridge that spans the railroad tracks. The bridge is always a favorite for family portraits since it lends itself to the contemporary urban feel of the railroad district with design element of ‘leading lines’ and the creative perspective that is created from the bridge’s construction.

When desired I always welcome the family dog to tag along. For Bonnie and Beau and their three kiddos, this was a welcome treat since their dog is an important part of their family. San Luis Obispo family portraits often include pets, making the sessions even more special. On a few of the settings ‘black and white’ was the perfect option since it complemented the urban elements along with their clothing options.

Whether you prefer a casual urban vibe or more of a traditional setting, the flexibility of locations throughout downtown SLO ensures that your family’s personality shines through. A few of my other favorite locations are the following:

• The San Luis Obispo Mission with with its rustic adobe walls, serene courtyard and peaceful garden area in the back of the Mission itself. It’s an ideal spot for San Luis Obispo family portraits.
• The San Luis Creek which meanders through the downtown area.
• The tree-lined streets, alleyways and storefronts. Just about every corner offers a unique setting for creating memorable San Luis Obispo family portraits.

As a bonus, in early May the seasonal bloom happens along with its splash of natural color and beauty, enhancing the visual appeal for photographs. One of my favorites in early Spring is the sweet aroma of Jasmine that wafts throughout downtown, adding a sensory layer to the San Luis Obispo family portraits experience.

If you’re thinking about having your family portraits done in downtown SLO or anywhere on the Central Coast reach out to schedule your session.

An Extended Family Portrait Session in heart of the Central Coast

Capturing family portraits that celebrate love and connection between grandparents, parents and children is always a rewarding experience. Recently I met up with this precious family at their Airbnb overlooking the hills of Paso Robles. The afternoon was drenched in warm light as everyone was so easy to work with. I’m always impressed when extended families take the time and effort to gather for portrait sessions like this one. The outcome are photographs that serve as reminder of their love and connection between grandparents, parents and children

Paso Robles

The Central Coast of California, especially places like Paso Robles, is the perfect setting for your family portraits for several reasons:

Photographic Considerations: Lighting – You’ve probably noticed ‘golden hour’ light and how it can enhances the landscape and particularly photos. The Central Coast, specifically the North County offers plenty of opportunities for capturing this magical light. Even though I enjoy family photo sessions on the coast, I find the North County and Paso Robles has bright sunshine most of the year and you don’t have to contend with the coastal fog and clouds of the coast. With a stunning variety of backdrops that enhance the beauty of the rolling hills, vineyards, wide open skies and quiet backdrops their is never a shortage of scenic diversity for photography. See more examples of my Central Coast family shoots here.

Accessibility: Paso Robles and the Central Coast are easily accessible from major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, making it convenient for families traveling from different places to gather for a portrait session.

Wine lovers: With more than 200 Wineries ranging from small, family-owned vineyards to large-scale operations, there’s a vast selection of tasting rooms that cater to all types of wine lovers. The rolling hills, sprawling vineyards, and beautiful views make wine tasting in Paso Robles not just about the wine but also about the whole experience. It’s a popular destination for couples, groups, and even for events like weddings and family gatherings—making it a great backdrop for photography, too. View one of my Elopement weddings here.

Our Approach to Extended Family Portraits

At David Pascolla Photography, we specialize in capturing the unique dynamics and connections within multigenerational families. Our approach combines a blend of posed portraits and candid moments, ensuring that we capture the authentic essence of your family. We believe in creating a comfortable, relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere, allowing your family to relax and be themselves, resulting in natural and heartfelt photographs.

FAQs About Extended Family Portraits in Paso Robles

What is the best time of day for a family photo session in Paso Robles? Choosing the right time of day can significantly impact the quality of your photos. We recommend scheduling your session during the golden hour, a few hours after sunrise for AM shoots or an hour or so prior to sunset, when the natural light is warm, soft and flattering.

How should we prepare for our family photo session? To make the most of your session, coordinate outfits that complement each other without being too ‘matchy.’ Opt for comfortable clothing that reflects your family’s style and personality. It’s also a good idea to discuss any specific poses or groupings you have in mind with your photographer beforehand.

What locations do you recommend for extended family portraits in Paso Robles? There’s a wealth of beautiful locations throughout Paso Robles and the surrounding North County. Some of my favorites are simply at the venue or rental home in which you are staying at. If you happen to be staying at the Allegretto Hotel, (a local favorite of mine), you can take advantage of the Tuscan-inspired setting, the landscaped garden areas and all the art and architecture. Note. You need to be a guest at the Resort in order to do photography. Downtown Paso is always a great place with it’s charming park along with the historic architecture and it’s urban backdrop. Vineyards and wineries are always a wonderful settings with rows of grapevines, rustic buildings and scenic landscaping. Note. Call in advance to see if they are open to photo shoots.

At David Pascolla Photography, we’re dedicated to preserving your family’s legacy with timeless and meaningful portraits. Contact us today to schedule your session and let us help you capture moments that will be cherished for generations to come.

Your guide to some of the Central Coast’s best beach photography locations

Before highlighting some the Central Coast’s best beach locations for family portraits, let’s take a deep dive into why the beaches in San Luis Obispo County offer some of the best photo locations.

• Breathtaking Scenery: The Central Coast is home to some of California’s most stunning landscapes. Whether you want dramatic coastal cliffs, rolling green hills, golden fields, or picturesque beaches, this region has it all. Locations like Shell Beach, Morro Bay, and the scenic bluffs of Montana de Oro provide unique and varied backdrops that make your family portraits stand out and provide lasting memories.
• Mild Year-Round Weather: Unlike other regions in California that experience extreme heat or cold, the Central Coast enjoys a temperate climate. Even in the winter, you can often enjoy mild temperatures, making outdoor family sessions comfortable and enjoyable throughout the year. Note, coastal fog is a reality of the Central Coast as well. It can creep in during the summer months and is somewhat unpredictable. If the weather is calling for fog or coastal clouds and your limited with your schedule most of my families make the best of it. I also have a way to edit the photos with a warm tone and bring out the details with my post processing of your photos.
• Variety of Locations: The Central Coast beaches have everything from sand dunes, wide open beaches to the rugged cliffs and beaches of Montan De Oro and depending on the time of year most are uncrowded unlike the packed beaches of Southern California. Most of the beaches north of Pismo beach are often more relaxed, peaceful and quite. The beaches in Morro Bay, Cayucos and beyond provide privacy, so your family can focus on having fun without large crowds in the background..
• Adventure and Memories: Family photo sessions aren’t just about “taking photos-it’s an experience! Many families turn their sessions into a fun outing, exploring tide pools at low tide, playing in the sand, or hiking to scenic overlooks. This makes for authentic, candid moments that truly capture your family’s love and energy.

Monarch Butterfly Grove | Pismo Beach

For something different than the wide open beach, the area just beyond the Monarch Butterfly Grove in Pismo beach offers a creative variety of subtle sand dunes to wind sculpted cypress trees. I like this spot because of it’s easy accessibility and beautiful location. Here’s the scoop on how to get there: The actual directions guide you to the Butterfly Grove on Highway 1. Once you park along the road simply walk through the butterfly grove to an easy trail over a small creek and proceed along the path to the Cypress trees, see photo below. Once your there you can have your family portraits done in the midst of the cypress trees and then walk out towards to sand dunes below the tree line if desired.

Pismo Caves | Pismo Beach

The Pismo caves location can be found on the most northern beach area of Pismo Beach. The best way to access this magical location is by parking at the Sea Crest Hotel, proceed around the pool area and then walk down the public stairs to the beach. Note, not accessible to anyone unable to walk up and down somewhat steep stairs. A few practical tips: The beach and the caves are only accessible at low tide, the lower the better. If you can schedule your session about an hour prior to sunset you can enjoy the benefits of the warm golden hour light. Once your down at the beach take advantage of the variety of cliffs and caves. The white cliffs have the look and feel of Greece. See more images Pismo beach family photo sessions here.

Avila Cove | Avila Beach

Avila Cove has been one of my all time favorite beach locations for family portraits on the Central Coast for so many years now. The town of Avila alone is worth checking out with all it’s shops, restaurants, coffee shops along with it’s colorful and funky beach vibes. Some of my personal favorites are sitting out in the sunshine in front of Kraken Coffee, lunch at Mersea’s (located on the Port San Luis Pier) and of course Ice Cream at the Hula Hut.

To access the Cove simply park anywhere to the south of the pier and walk about a quarter of a mile south. Make sure to go during a low tide as the point that you need to walk around can be unaccessible at a higher tide. Even if the tide isn’t low enough your can still go as far as you can and have your portraits done with the cove in the backdrop. The golden hour light is a must if you are able since the cliffs turn a beautiful amber and golden color. Tip.Start your portrait session 30 minutes prior to the last hour of light since the sunset actually sets about 20 minutes earlier than what your app may tell you due to the sun descending behind the northern end of the beach prior to the actual sunset, if this make sense?

See more Avila beach family photo sessions.

Morro Bay | Morro Rock

Morro Bay, with it’s iconic Morro Rock, offers a offers a picturesque backdrop that perfectly frames family portraits. The large dirt parking lot is easy to find. Once your their it’s an short walk down to the beach. There are two locations that work well for family portraits. One is sand dunes and wheat grass that you will notice from the beach. If you have a smaller family and everyone is able to walk up to the sand dunes your really can’t go wrong with this location as your portraits are framed by both the san dunes and wheat grass along with the majestic Morro Rock in the background. The other location is simply right on the beach with the Rock in the background. Better for multigenerational, large group portraits. The beach itself is quite large, so even if the tide is high you will still find plenty of beach to work with. After or before your session, explore all the shops, restaurants and local charm of Morro Bay on the Embarcadero.

Cayucos Beach | Cayucos

Heading 10 miles north on Highway One is Cayucos Beach. Often when some of the other coastal locations to the south have coastal clouds, Cayucos has it’s own micro climate and can often be bright and sunny. The two primary locations that I photography my family sessions in Cayucos is the Pier area and the beach a tad south of the pier. The top photo is a great example of this and you can often have Morro Rock in the background as well. The beach south of the pier has several access points with stairs leading down to the beach. Low tide is idea, however, there is usually plenty of beach to work with if the tides not super high. Before or after your portrait session be sure to check out this wonderful laid back town. Some of my favorites are Duckies Chowder House in front of the pier and and Schooners, a local favorite. See one of my full Cayucos family sessions here.

Photographing a Fall family portrait session in Paso Robles reminds me of what a majestic place the California’s Central Coast is. This Thanksgiving session was an opportunity for a multi-generational family to gather at a VRBO in Paso Robles and document their family with a variety of relaxed groupings that reflect the bond of love that they all had.

The back hills of Paso Robles provided a breathtaking backdrop that blended natural beauty with laughter, connection and lots of love. The rolling hills covered in oak trees, the sun-kissed vineyards, and expansive views that seem to stretch for miles was the perfect backdrop to capture this precious family. Finding a family portrait photographer near me who understands how to use such a stunning location makes all the difference.

The charm of the Central Coast lies not just in its scenic vistas, but also in its unique light. The soft, warm glow of the golden hour (just before sunset) creates a magical atmosphere, casting long shadows and highlighting the beauty of the landscape. Whether your family enjoys quiet moments together, playful laughter, or candid interactions, the back hills offer a natural canvas for those moments to unfold. Having a family portrait photographer near me who knows when to capture these moments is invaluable especially for portrait sessions in the back hills of San Luis Obispo County.

During the session, the relaxed rural setting allows families to be themselves. The open spaces offer room for kids to run and play, while parents can savor the intimacy of the moment without the distractions of urban life. The hills and vineyards serve as a stunning backdrop, with the landscape changing throughout the year, providing a variety of colors and textures—from lush greenery in spring to golden tones in the summer and fall. This underscores the importance of selecting a family portrait photographer near me who can capture each season’s beauty.

Choosing the North County for your family portrait session is more than just about creating beautiful photos; it’s about preserving a moment in time, set against one of California’s most captivating landscapes. Whether you’re a local or visiting, this serene location offers an unforgettable experience to celebrate family and the beauty of the Central Coast. Hence, finding a skilled family portrait photographer near me can ensure these memories are perfectly captured.

Whether you are considering having your immediate family photographed or extended family reach out for information and open dates. You can view other family sessions here and can find my contact information here.

There’s something timeless and delightful about capturing a family portrait session at San Luis Obispo creek. The soft sounds of the water, the beautiful natural light, and the lush surroundings created the perfect backdrop for this memorable shoot. This precious family has a special place in my heart as I photographed Bonnie and Beau’s wedding at the Tiber Canyon Ranch over 12 years ago and have been photographing their family portraits for the past 10 years.

Before heading down to the creek, we started the session off at the San Luis Obispo Mission as it provided the perfect backdrop with its surrounding architecture, foliage and trees as our backdrop. We chose this spot because it’s not only scenic but also has a laid-back, outdoorsy vibe that really matched their personalities as well as their clothing choices. Right away, we all felt at ease—sometimes nature has a way of bringing out the best smiles and genuine interactions, especially in family photos. We used their playful energy to get some spontaneous shots that really captured their fun, adventurous spirits. The creek itself provided so many different looks for the session. We started with a few classic poses near the edge of the water, taking advantage of the soft reflections and warm afternoon light. It was a perfect way to capture the closeness of this family. We also took a little stroll further down the creek, where the trees open up just enough to let the light stream through.

As we finished up I’m always overwhelmed that I have the honor of documenting all the love and connection with this beautiful family during our San Luis Obispo creek family photo shoot. XOXO

Whether you are considering having your immediate family photographed or extended family reach out for information and open dates. You can view other family sessions here and can find my contact information here.

Celebrate Your Senior Year with David Pascolla Photography

Atascadero and Templeton High School Senior portrait season is upon us. Senior year is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone, marking the end of one chapter and the start of another exciting journey. Whether you’re graduating from high school or college, your senior portraits should reflect your personality, achievements, and style. This is a great time to book your session with David Pascolla Photography. Most of my sessions are in the vineyards and rural settings of Templeton and Paso Robles. However, the coast is always beautiful and clear during the early Fall. See the Senior Portrait gallery here.

Customized Sessions to Fit Your Style

No two seniors are alike, and neither are our sessions. We work with each senior to design a portrait experience that matches your vision. From urban backdrops in downtown San Luis Obispo to scenic natural settings, we offer a range of locations that highlight your individuality. Whether you’re looking for something classic or modern, Celebrate Your Senior Year with David Pascolla Photography. We make sure your photos capture the essence of your personality and passions.

Showcasing Your Achievements

Your senior portraits are more than just pictures—they’re a way to celebrate your accomplishments. Bring along your sports gear, musical instruments, or anything else that tells your story. We love incorporating personal touches that highlight your talents and hard work. Caps and gowns, letterman jackets, or even your college acceptance letters can all be part of the fun and the experience with David Pascolla Photography.

The David Pascolla Photography Experience

We pride ourselves on creating a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere during every shoot. We know how to make you feel comfortable in front of the camera, ensuring your authentic self shines through in every shot. From the initial consultation to the final gallery delivery, we’re with you every step of the way. All my sessions come with up to 20 lightly retouched, full resolution images. Celebrate Your Senior Year with David Pascolla Photography. You can learn more information along with pricing here.

Let’s make your senior year memorable with stunning portraits that you and your family will treasure forever. Contact David Pascolla Photography today to book your session and let’s capture the magic of your senior year!