San Diego Maternity | Stanley Family | Windansea Beach La Jolla, CA
San Diego’s beaches are perfect for maternity photo sessions; am I right!?
Sweet Baby Number 2!
This military family met up with me on Windansea Beach here in La Jolla for their Maternity photo session. Mom brought this olive/army green dress, and I brought the burnt orange / Amber color Jersey Knit Chicaboo gown! Which, is in my client closet for ANY client to use, Maternity or not.
Don't forget to take as many breaks as you need!
Sadly, our photo session only lasted a few minutes before the sky lit up beautifully at sunset and momma needed a little extra help because babe was pushing on her nerve. Just to be safe, we ended the session and momma got the medical attention she needed! YOU and your babies health come before photos <3
Hope you enjoy a few from the session.
If YOU are looking for Maternity portraits like these, please let me know right HERE; I can’t wait to talk with you and start planning your dream session!
Instagram Journey

Photographing military events and milestones are one of the most rewarding types of sessions I have ever photographed. I consider it a huge perk of living in a military town that I get to shoot them very often and am always honored to do so.
I am dedicated to serving others in a NEW way, that doesn’t involve active service in the military. I want to capture your special moments and help in any way I can; even if that means we are not that right match.
Community Over Competition
&
Servant Leadership
If YOU are looking for Maternity portraits like these, please let me know right here; I can’t wait to talk with you and start planning your dream session!
Other Portrait Related Shares & Tips
"No Tripod? No Problem! How I Captured Self-Portraits in Wild Landscapes"
Forget the tripod—self-portrait photography is all about creativity and problem-solving. From wedging my camera in my car during a snowstorm to balancing it on a jacket in the desert, I found ways to capture sharp, cinematic portraits using what I had. In this post, I’ll walk you through my setups, focusing techniques, and how I work with natural light to create dynamic images—no fancy equipment required.
Getting a degree while active duty is hard enough… What about graduating with honors while deployed!?!
Here is why this US Navy Sailor, PS1 Travis Houston, is making waves in San Diego. Personnel Specialist First Class Travis Houston is a dedicated sailor with eight years of service under his belt with an unwavering commitment to advancing in his Navy career. It hasn’t always been this way. PS1's story isn't just about military service; it's a testament to the ability to balance service and education while setting one's sights on a brighter, even more challenging future.
Looking for a unique way to add some personality and character to your maternity photos?
Consider including your fur family, However, before you do, it's important to plan ahead and make sure your dog is calm and well-behaved during the photo session.
Keep reading to find 3 reasons why you should include your fur family in maternity photos, some tips to do it the right way, and some reasons NOT to.
The ultimate guide to say 'I do' with your four-legged friend by your side! Discover the charm of a San Diego Courthouse wedding with your furry best friend. Why an outdoor civil ceremony? So your pup can join of course!
Tying the Knot with Furry Friends: 3 Reasons Courthouse Weddings are the Purr-fect Choice in San Diego, How to include them, how to prep your pup, and restaurant/brewery recommendations for after the alter.
Newborn Session | Thanksgiving Baby | San Diego, CA
Having three sons is like having an unpredictable roller coaster ride. There’s never a dull moment, and you never know what’s going to happen next. One minute they’re playing video games and the next they’re off on some wild adventure - You are guaranteed to have a huge grocery bill!
When it comes to sports and activities, having only sons can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s great to have them all playing soccer or basketball together. On the other hand, it can be a bit overwhelming to try and wrangle them all into one place at the same time.
Life with three sons is a lot of fun. It can be chaotic at times but it’s always full of laughter and joy. So if you’re a parent of three sons, just remember to buckle up and enjoy the ride!
Here are a few photos of all three brothers together and some with dad.
Couples, Cuddles & Coffee…. what more could you want? Oh! A Dog! Having your pup join in on a couples photoshoot, engagement session, or wedding is far more fun and exciting. Special shout out to Portal Coffee for the beautiful backdrop, hot coco, and pastries for this couple to enjoy.
Here are couples photo ideas to take with your dog in the cozy winter time in San Diego, CA.
Why an outdoor civil ceremony? So your pup can join of course! If you are planning to ditch the big wedding for now, and go for something more intimate, a San Diego Courthouse Civil marriage deserves huge consideration!
Here is why you should consider an elopement and Civil Ceremony at the Courthouse with your pup(s) when wanting to join your partner in marriage in San Diego County (or anywhere really!)
The Couple.
Lets start with describing this couple. Both are from San Francisco and wanted to get married! Sophia and Pramod are in their mid-20s and live in San Francisco with their Husky mix, Flash. they enjoy relaxing at home with Flash, eating vegetarian food with a glass of red wine and occasionally doing snow/water sports! Flash is a very friendly, easily distracted & lazier husky/pit mix. He loves food! They wanted family and friends to be able to join in on the celebration but were having trouble finding a venue that didn’t have a cap on persons that could attend. They decided to fly to San Diego (where grooms family lives) and get married at the court house!
Blog about the Civil Ceremonies in Downtown San Diego Courthouse
Tips for parents who are having an in-home newborn photo session and want to know more about what to have on hand, what to focus on cleaning, and how to relax knowing you’re about to have an amazing experience!
Morgan L So Cal Newborn Photographer
Extended Family Photo Session Ideas for the family on Vacation in Southern California.
It's not just about the kids.
A family portrait should celebrate all generations. The special bond between grandparents and their grandchildren is worth capturing with a multigenerational family portrait. These images will celebrate the full family story can become an invaluable part of YOUR family history, and will also look great on the walls.
I will always encourage adding a generational component to anyone’s yearly family session. Weather it be family jewelry or a framed portrait of great grandma that’s recently passed away - It may not be something you have even thought of, but you are sure to love the images captured. Capturing a few extra frames with the children and grandparents doesn’t add too much time to your session and often having another set of hands-on set to assist with the kids can be extra helpful, especially when your children are small.
Here are 3 ideas to incorporate multiple generations in your next family portraits.
Annual Birthday Portraits | Novalee | East County San Diego, CA
Last week we went down the way from our home and decided to take a few quick photos of our little lady to remember her last week as a three-ager. I am so glad we did. She was starting to feel better from sickness so we only stayed for about 10 min and it was so worth it! hope you enjoy this quick mini photo session.
Grandma Carol found this beautiful dress at a thrift store and Nova fell in love!
Fresh 48 Newborn Boy Session | Balboa Naval Hospital | San Diego, CA
Lets talk about the 4 most important things to remember when going into a dark and small hospital room for Fresh-48 Newborn photo session.
1. Make the Most of the Natural Light…First. I stay far away from flash when working with newborns in a lifestyle fresh 48 type of session. Not that there is anything horrible about it, I just don’t prefer it's disruption.
2. Focus on Details & Emotions Versus Perfection. We’re not here to worry about perfection. Fresh 48 or birth space sessions tend to trend towards the documentary photography end of the spectrum. This means that they are more true-to-life, less styled, and more “real”.
3. Black & Whites Can Improve the Emotional Value of an Image. Sometimes you can just embrace the grain or go with black and white. Honestly, black and white images are really iconic!
4. Utilize High Key Lighting & Silhouettes. In addition to black and white imagery, shooting towards the window allows for highlighting of details like peach fuzzy baby faces, and more.
All Blog Shares
Not sure what to give a new Marine after boot camp graduation? Here are practical gifts, sentimental keepsakes, and simple ways to celebrate from near or far for your NEW Marine.
Marine Corps and Navy retirement ceremony planning works surprisingly differently. Navy veteran and San Diego military photographer Morgan Liberatore explains who starts the process, what commands may provide, and what retiring Sailors and Marines should ask before planning their military retirement ceremony in 2026 … especially in Southern California - San Diego, CA.
Looking for the original Old Glory poem, the history behind “My Name Is Old Glory,” or meaningful ways to personalize an Old Glory military retirement ceremony? Learn where the tradition came from, explore ideas I have seen used at real Navy and Coast Guard retirements, and read an original modern Old Glory poem honoring September 11, Iraq, Afghanistan, military families, homecomings, and a lifetime of service.
This November, I joined twelve other veterans right here in East County San Diego to receive a Quilt of Valor during a special luncheon at Foothills United Methodist Church in La Mesa. I will share with you what the Quilts of Valor Foundation is, how I have personally been “touched by war,” the story of my shipmate whose death changed my path, and how I now get to serve other military families; by telling their stories through photography and journaling.
Even without a crowd or ceremony, a PAX Terminal homecoming holds its own kind of magic. When Marines like GySgt Justin Isabella return early with VMM-161, the reunion is quiet, personal, and full of gratitude; proof that love needs no stage to feel monumental.
Check out this blog and photos of this Dual Mil family reunion.
Discover how to help older siblings feel included and celebrated during Newborn Photo Sessions — backed by research and family-centered photography tips. Including siblings in your in-home newborn session adds depth, emotion, and lasting memories. Whether you're a growing family in East County San Diego or a photographer looking to support your client better, remember—it’s not just about the baby, it’s about the bond. Thank you for letting me share this part of the story with you.
Good Reads for New Military MoMs (Mom of a Marine) | 2025
As a San Diego-based veteran, military photographer, and mother myself, I know firsthand the pride and emotional weight that comes with watching your child become a United States Marine. Whether you're preparing for that first letter from Boot Camp or holding your breath until graduation day, these handpicked reads are for you.
Each book in this 2025 list has been chosen to help new Marine moms find comfort, understanding, and strength—from heartfelt journals to honest stories from fellow military parents. From Be Safe, Love Mom to Rise Up Military Moms, these resources offer more than just information—they offer connection.
Start here if you’re looking to feel seen, supported, and surrounded by others who truly get it.
Discover how water immersion photography provides a gentle, womb-like environment for capturing remembrance photos after infant loss. This guide shares personal experience, peer-reviewed research, and step-by-step instructions using saline solution, helping families create peaceful, lasting memories through neonatal bereavement photography.
Many people confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day, but each honors a different kind of sacrifice. In this post, San Diego military funeral photographer and U.S. Navy veteran Morgan Liberatore shares the important distinction between the two holidays, explores their historical roots, and reflects on what Memorial Day truly means. With local landmarks like Fort Rosecrans and Mt. Soledad woven into the story, this post invites readers to pause, remember, and honor those who gave everything.
"No Tripod? No Problem! How I Captured Self-Portraits in Wild Landscapes"
Forget the tripod—self-portrait photography is all about creativity and problem-solving. From wedging my camera in my car during a snowstorm to balancing it on a jacket in the desert, I found ways to capture sharp, cinematic portraits using what I had. In this post, I’ll walk you through my setups, focusing techniques, and how I work with natural light to create dynamic images—no fancy equipment required.
Getting a degree while active duty is hard enough… What about graduating with honors while deployed!?!
Here is why this US Navy Sailor, PS1 Travis Houston, is making waves in San Diego. Personnel Specialist First Class Travis Houston is a dedicated sailor with eight years of service under his belt with an unwavering commitment to advancing in his Navy career. It hasn’t always been this way. PS1's story isn't just about military service; it's a testament to the ability to balance service and education while setting one's sights on a brighter, even more challenging future.


Discover how to help older siblings feel included and celebrated during Newborn Photo Sessions — backed by research and family-centered photography tips. Including siblings in your in-home newborn session adds depth, emotion, and lasting memories. Whether you're a growing family in East County San Diego or a photographer looking to support your client better, remember—it’s not just about the baby, it’s about the bond. Thank you for letting me share this part of the story with you.