SAN DIEGO FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER
Relaxed, candid family photos in San Diego
From a photographer kids actually like. Natural light, simple direction, and zero stiff lineups
“Working with Derriel was the easiest thing ever!” -McClean Family
WHY FAMILIES BOOK ME
What parents tell me after every session
Great with kids
Kids set the pace. We play, take breaks when we need them, and the photos happen in between. Even the shy ones come around.
Directed, not posed
I tell you what to do (walk, whisper something, chase the kids), never how to tilt your chin. You'll see the shots on the back of the camera as we go.
Comfortable, even fun
During the week I'm a Physical Therapist Assistant, so helping tense people relax is what I do all day. Your session should feel like an evening out with your people.
Recent Sessions
Find the right session for your family
SESSIONS
Travel is included anywhere in San Diego County.
20 minutes - limited dates
Holiday Minis
$225
10 edited photos
Selected locations
Gallery in 7 days
60 minutes - up to 6 people
Family Sessions
$400
30 edited photos
Your choice of location and time
Next day sneak peak
Full Gallery in 2 weeks
MOST BOOKED
90 minutes - 7 to 12 people
Extended family
$600
50 edited photos
Grandparents, cousins, the whole family
Individual family groupings included
Outside San Diego County? Travel starts at $50. Full pricing, travel, and add-ons →
How it works
One
Free 15-min call
We talk about your family, the date, and the vibe you want.
Two
Hold your date
A $100 deposit and a simple contract lock it in. The balance is due before your session.
Three
Plan together
I suggest locations and help with outfits so nobody stresses.
Four
Your session
Direction, not poses. You'll see shots on the back of the camera.
Five
Your photos
One sneak peek the next day. Your full private gallery within 2 weeks.
Kind words from families
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![A diverse family walking barefoot on the beach, smiling, with two children, one being held. The family is dressed casually, and the ocean waves are in the background.]()
Washington Family
Growing up I always envied the families that had professional photos taken throughout the years. My husband and I are a bit out of the ordinary and never had a wedding so the only professional photos I have live in a school yearbook. That is until I met Derriel. The first year we took pictures my daughter was a year and a half and had a bit of that stranger danger when meeting anyone new. But Derriel never lost his cool. He was wonderful with her. He was patient, warm, funny, flexible. The fact that he somehow got a smile out of her and miraculously got photos of just my husband and me still shocks me. It was like hanging out with a friend working with Derriel for the first time. He walked and talked with us and captured us in completely natural moments. The following year, I swear my daughter remembered him. She took to him immediately and was a ham in front of the camera. A complete 180 from the last year. A testament to his demeanor and presence. We will continue to work with him year over year and have his framed photos hanging all throughout our home. He has captured some of our favorite family moments and I can’t believe we get to be that family with the professional photos.
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![A family of four walking hand in hand along the shoreline at the beach, with a cloudy sky and cliffs in the background.]()
McClean Family
Working with Derriel was the easiest thing ever! He was kind, patient and professional. Our kids were all over the place and somehow he managed to capture the most beautiful photos. Would highly recommend booking him for any family photos
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Sum Family
Derriel is our first choice when it comes to capturing our sweet family moments since having our little girl. He has an impeccable eye and has the ability to keep a shoot relaxed and comfortable. He is great with kids - our daughter loves Uncle D!
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![A couple standing together on a beach under a pier, holding a bouquet of flowers and smiling at the camera.]()
Yamasaki Family
Derriel has been our go-to photographer for years, capturing everything from casual moments to our proposal and engagement. He’s incredibly easy to work with, offering valuable tips for posing and making us feel completely comfortable in front of the camera. He listens attentively to our requests and provides excellent recommendations if you have a specific location in mind for your shoot. His turnaround time for photos is quick, and his editing skills are top-notch. We highly recommend him for any photography needs!
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![A happy family of four outdoors, with the father kneeling on the grass, holding a young boy in a blue shirt, while the mother and another young boy are sitting on his back, all smiling at the camera, surrounded by trees and greenery.]()
Lujan Family
Derriel is so easy to work with. If you have kids that you want photographed, he is super patient and he knows how to get the kids engaged! He’s amazing at capturing candid photos. I love that you get the photos back quickly too! I have used Derriel for many family photo shoots and I highly recommend him because he knows how to capture all the special moments
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![A couple holding hands and walking on a road in a desert landscape with rocky hills in the background, accompanied by a woman wearing a pink dress, a wide-brimmed hat, and a small dog, all smiling.]()
Sanchez Family
Derriel is an amazing photographer. He captures the perfect moment every time. Derriel genuinely cares about how your photos turn out and doesn't stop until he knows he has the perfect shots. He has a natural eye when capturing the perfect shot and makes great recommendations on location and time. He uses his surroundings to his advantage and it creates great photos. He’s taken photos of my family and I for several years now. I would highly suggest him to anyone looking for photographer!
Your Photographer
I'm Derriel — a San Diego portrait photographer who spends the rest of the week as a Physical Therapist.
That second job is more relevant than it sounds. I put people at ease for a living. I explain what's about to happen before it happens, I read body language, and I know what it looks like when someone's tense versus when they've finally relaxed. That skill set shows up in every session — and it's why a three-year-old once held my hand walking between locations.
Let get your family on the wall
Most families book 3 to 6 weeks out. Grab a free 15-minute call and we'll find a date and spot that works for your crew.