There are plenty of beautiful places around San Diego for family photos.
The beach. Balboa Park. Trails. Gardens. Your own backyard.
But every once in a while, a family wants something completely different.
Something dramatic.
Something adventurous.
Something that makes you look at the finished photos and think, Wow. We actually did that.
That's when I recommend a Glamis photo session.
The Glamis sand dunes are about a two-hour drive from San Diego, but once you're surrounded by miles of sand and dramatic dunes, it feels like you've traveled much farther.
And that is exactly what makes Glamis so special for photography.
Why I Love Photographing at Glamis
What I love most about Glamis is how different the images feel.
There are no busy backgrounds. No buildings. No crowds of people in the background. Just sand, sky, light and the people I'm photographing.
The dunes create these beautiful sweeping lines and layers, and the landscape seems to go on forever.
That gives me so much room to create images that feel almost editorial while still photographing real connection and personality.
And then there's the light.
When the sun is low, the dunes become incredibly soft and sculptural. The shadows create dimension in the sand, and the entire landscape takes on this beautiful, warm quality.
It's one of those locations where you can create a gallery that looks completely different from anything you would get during a typical San Diego family session.
Glamis Isn't a Simple Photo Session
This is probably the most important thing I want people to know before booking.
A Glamis session is an experience.
We're driving about two hours from San Diego to get there. Once we arrive, we'll be walking through the sand and climbing the dunes.
And walking in sand is different from walking on a trail.
It takes more effort.
Depending on the month and the weather, it can also still be warm, particularly earlier in the season.
So while the finished photographs may look effortless, getting to some of those locations takes a little bit of adventure.
And honestly, I think that's part of what makes the photos so special.
You aren't just showing up somewhere and standing in front of a pretty background.
You're going somewhere completely different and creating something together.
When Do I Photograph at Glamis?
The summer months are simply too hot for the type of sessions I want to photograph there.
I start going back to Glamis at the end of October and continue through the cooler months and into the beginning of the year.
The desert is also a very popular destination during this time of year, which is why I only schedule Glamis photography sessions Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.
If you have a particular date in mind, it's a good idea to reach out early so we can plan around the days I am available to make the drive.
Who Is a Glamis Session Good For?
Glamis can work beautifully for several different types of sessions.
Families
If your kids are old enough to walk, explore and have a little fun with the adventure, a Glamis family session can be incredible.
There's room to run, walk, climb and explore, and we can incorporate movement rather than having everyone stand still and smile at the camera.
The result can include both beautiful portraits and genuine moments between everyone.
Maternity
Glamis can also create absolutely stunning maternity photographs.
The contrast between the soft sand and a beautiful flowing dress can be incredible.
That said, I do want to be realistic about the physical side of the session.
Because we're walking and climbing on sand, I don't recommend Glamis for someone in the very last month of pregnancy.
If you're pregnant and love the idea of desert maternity photography, it's worth planning the session earlier enough that you can comfortably enjoy the experience.
Couples
You don't have to have kids to enjoy a Glamis session.
Couples can create beautiful, dramatic portraits in the dunes, especially if you're looking for something different from the usual beach or urban photos.
Senior Photography
Glamis is also a really fun option for high school seniors.
In fact, if you're the parent of a senior who will be graduating next year, this can be a great way to get your senior photos done before the busy spring season.
Instead of a traditional senior session, imagine your senior walking across a giant sand dune in a dramatic outfit with nothing but the desert behind them.
The result can be pretty spectacular.
What About Babies and Very Young Children?
This is another consideration before booking.
I love photographing babies and young families, but Glamis isn't necessarily the easiest location for a very young baby.
The drive, the heat that can still happen earlier in the season, the sand and the amount of walking involved all need to be considered.
For families with very young babies, I'd generally recommend one of my easier-access locations instead.
For families with older children who can handle a little adventure, however, Glamis can be an amazing experience.
What Should You Wear for Glamis Photos?
This is where you can really have fun.
Because the landscape is so neutral, color looks amazing against the sand.
Flowing dresses, movement, texture and colors that contrast with the desert can create some really dramatic images.
You don't have to dress everyone in beige just because we're photographing in the desert.
In fact, I love when families bring some personality and color into the session.
The landscape is already beautiful and minimal, so clothing can become part of the visual story.
And if you're planning a maternity or senior session, this is definitely a location where you can go a little more dramatic with your wardrobe than you might for a typical family session.
Glamis Sessions Are Full Sessions Only
Because of the travel and the nature of the location, I don't offer mini sessions at Glamis.
These are available as Regular or Plus sessions only, and there is an additional driving fee for the trip from San Diego.
This is a location I reserve for clients who want to spend more time creating a full gallery rather than trying to squeeze an entire experience into a few minutes.
And I think that's important.
The dunes are huge. There are so many possibilities. We can move around, explore different areas and create a variety of images instead of staying in one small spot.
Is a Glamis Session Worth the Drive?
If you're looking for a simple, quick photo session, Glamis probably isn't what you're looking for.
But if you want something epic, adventurous and completely different, that's exactly why I love it.
The two-hour drive is part of the adventure.
The walk through the sand is part of the adventure.
Climbing the dunes is part of the adventure.
And then you end up with photographs that don't look like they could have been taken anywhere near San Diego.
That's the magic of Glamis.
Ready to Plan a Glamis Photo Session?
I begin scheduling Glamis photography sessions at the end of October and continue through the cooler months and into the beginning of the year.
Sessions are available Monday through Wednesday, and Regular and Plus packages are available with an additional driving fee.
If you're interested in a Glamis family session, maternity session, couples session or senior photography session, contact me early so we can find a date that works.
And if you're wondering whether Glamis is the right location for your family, I'm happy to talk through the logistics with you before you book.
Because these aren't just photos.
They're an adventure — and the finished gallery is going to be pretty amazing.
