AN Afternoon with the Schuman Family: Friends, Fun, and Photos

Recently my family and I spent the afternoon with my friend Jackie and her family at Seaport Village in downtown San Diego, CA.  Jackie had asked me to photograph her daughter and family, and she'd chosen the location for it's diversity.  I took along my wife and son, and together we had an amazing afternoon creating photos for Jackie and her family.

About the Location
Seaport Village is located in downtown San Diego and borders the Coronado Bay which provides some amazing back drops, including the Coronado Bay Bridge, ferries, and the aircraft carriers berthed at Naval Air Station North Island.

Within the Seaport Village, including the Embarcadero Marina Park North, there are a plethora of shops, garden areas with trees and flowers, a water fountain, and a board walk which winds its way around next to the sea wall.  All of this makes it an ideal place for tourists and residents to enjoy eating, shopping, and walking along the board walk enjoying the sights and sounds of the Coronado Bay.  As a photo location, it is an exceptional spot!  The only downside being how crowded it can get during peak tourist season, but for us in mid-December the crowd was low and more than manageable.

Seaport Village - Click the image to go to Google Maps

You can find out more about Seaport Village and lots of other San Diego locations by checking out the Go San Diego website at:  www.gosandiego.com

With the sun setting around 4:45pm, we met up around 2:15pm to give us time to enjoy the sunlight as it moved its way through the sky.  The weather was perfect (as expected most of the year in sunny San Diego), sunny with blue skies and a few clouds scattered about and a mild, although slightly unseasonably warm for December.

Throughout our time together we wandered around Seaport Village with only a few specific places in mind.  Letting the our kids play and explore a little as we meandered to the sea wall, fountain, a pond with a bridge and some ducks playing, and back out to the Embarcadero Park and rocky area beside it.

My almost 4-year old son was acting as my "assistant" and "second shooter" carrying around my flash and often getting Melanie to smile and look his way; and with a little direction from my wife and Jackie they were able to move him into some advantageous spots to help me create some great shots of Melanie.

We ended the session with the sun still above the horizon, but setting quickly, near the rocky coast of the Embarcadero Marina Park North.  As the kids were both anxious to play, we captured a few quick family photos near the rocks and then let the kids loose to play on the grassy hill of the park.  All in all, a super fun and successful family session at an amazing location.

Here are some of my favorite photos from the session:

Of course when I have the opportunity, I also have to get some photos of my son.  He happened to be in rare form, and was happy to "pose" for a quick shot or two before he darted off to "help" or play.  

I can't get over how quickly he's growing, and how some days he just seems so much older.  Here are a few of the photos I managed to get of him:

So.  A great day with some amazing folks, creating some awesome photos, and enjoying smiles, laughs, and toddler antics - What a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon!

I can't express my gratitude enough to Jackie and her family for the opportunity to help capture and preserve some of those special moments as a family.  I had a ton of fun doing it, and I know my wife and son enjoyed the time we all spent together. 

I'd love to connect with you!!  Click on the "Connect" link here or at the top of the page and let me know how I can serve you and your family!