Contact

First, fill out the form on my Contact page. This helps me check my availability for your requested date and get to know you a little better.

I’ll then reach out to confirm my availability so you can move to the next step.

To reserve your date, a non-refundable booking deposit is required.

Once the deposit is confirmed — uhuu! — your date will be officially locked into my calendar.

From there, we’ll keep in touch as your session approaches, and I’ll help with styling ideas, tips, and anything else you might need to make your shoot amazing.

My San Diego family sessions start at $500. I occasionally offer exclusive discounts to my email subscribers and social media followers, so make sure you’re connected with me on IG and Facebook.

All sessions include:

• A pre-session video call to connect and plan your shoot.

• Wardrobe consultation for the whole family (with store recommendations).

• A personalized online gallery with 70+ images to view, select, and share.

• 40 high-definition digital images (30 for newborn sessions).

• Print release and rights.

Session Details:

• Couples Session: 1-hour shoot at a location of your choice or one of my hand-picked spots.

• Family Session: 45-minute shoot at a location of your choice or one of my hand-picked spots.

• Extended Family Session: 1-hour shoot at a location of your choice or one of my hand-picked spots.

• Maternity Session: 45-minute shoot at a location of your choice or one of my hand-picked spots.

• Senior Session: 45-minute shoot at a location of your choice or one of my hand-picked spots.

• Newborn Session: 1-hour shoot in your home (includes 30 high-definition images).

Your outfits help set the mood and style of your session, so choosing them is one of the most fun parts! Whether we’re barefoot on the beach, exploring the cliffs, or cozy at home, your wardrobe will help tell your story.

During your styling consultation, we’ll talk about colors, textures, and tones that work beautifully with your location. I’ll send you hand-picked outfit combinations for the whole family, along with links to my favorite stores (Joyfolie, Zara, H&M, Nordstrons, Marshals, TJ Max, Old Navy, Target, and many others) making it simple and stress-free to look and feel amazing on your shoot day.

Not at all! You’re welcome to use outfits you already own. However, wardrobe is one of the most important elements of your photo session, the right clothing can completely transform the look and feel of your images.

That’s why I offer a free wardrobe consultation for every client. We’ll talk about colors, styles, and textures that photograph beautifully, and I’ll explain why certain choices work better for your location and setting. You’ll also receive curated outfit ideas for the whole family, along with links to where you can shop, making it easy to decide whether to use what you have or add a few new pieces.

Your personalized gallery is usually ready within 3 weeks after your session. Each photo is individually edited to ensure you receive the full Rafa Pires signature style.

Once your gallery is ready, you’ll be able to view, share with family and friends, and download your high-resolution images — all from a convenient online gallery.

I love capturing moments outdoors with natural light , it brings warmth and authenticity to your images. (Newborn sessions are the exception, and are always done in the comfort of your home.)

Your session location sets the scene for your story, so we’ll chat about what feels right for you and your family’s personality. Imagine wandering along sun-dappled trails, laughing together on the beach, exploring vibrant city streets, or sharing an intimate moment on a quiet rooftop. For couples, we can even find more unique spots like deserts, canyons, hangars, or airports , places that create truly unforgettable images.

During our pre-session video consultation, I’ll help you choose the perfect setting to bring your story to life. If you are coming for other staste, you can always check the beauty of San Diego at Visit San Diego or San Diego Parks

Absolutely! Pets are family too, and I love capturing their personality alongside yours. From wagging tails to playful cuddles, they add so much life to your photos.

The only thing to keep in mind is that some locations don’t allow animals. Just let me know during our consultation if your furry friend will be joining, and I’ll help choose a spot that’s perfect for everyone, paws included!

Absolutely! Including grandparents, aunts, uncles, or cousins is possible, but extended family sessions are treated as a separate package because they require extra planning, coordination, and time. This ensures everyone feels comfortable and relaxed, and that we capture beautiful images without rushing.

If you’d like to include extended family, please select the “Extended Family” option in the booking form. This lets me know in advance and allows me to send you the right details and package information to make your extended family session a smooth and memorable experience.

My photography is all about capturing real life as it happens — the laughter, the quiet moments, the playful chaos, and the love that makes your family unique. I don’t do “say cheese” or stiff poses. Instead, I guide sessions in a way that feels natural, fun, and effortless.

Think of me as a storyteller with a camera — I’m there to witness your moments, not stage them. Whether it’s a spontaneous hug, a shared glance, or a burst of laughter, my goal is to preserve the genuine emotions and connections that make your story yours. Every image is a page in your family’s storybook, created to be cherished for years to come.

I typically schedule sessions around sunrise or sunset, when natural light is soft, warm, and perfect for capturing beautiful, glowing images.

I also recommend booking on weekdays whenever possible, as locations tend to be quieter and less crowded, allowing us to focus fully on your family and create uninterrupted, magical moments.

If it’s raining, no worries! We’ll reschedule for another date so your session can take place in the best conditions. Your comfort and the quality of your photos are my top priorities.

If it’s just cloudy, we usually go ahead with the shoot. Soft, overcast skies create beautiful, even lighting that enhances colors and textures, often resulting in photos that are more flattering and dreamy than bright, harsh sunlight. A little cloud cover can turn your session into something truly magical!

Yes! Every session comes with a curated set of images from your gallery, but your full collection includes many more beautiful moments captured throughout your session.

If you fall in love with additional images, you can purchase them individually, or even the entire gallery at a special discounted rate. This way, you can preserve all the memories from your session and have a complete story of your family to cherish forever. Every photo is a piece of your story, and I want you to have as many as you can love!