A California Adventure: Torin’s Senior Photo Session at Moonlight Beach

This October, I had the honor of experiencing something I never thought would come my way—my first trip to California to photograph my cousin’s daughter, Torin, for her senior portraits. When they approached me during their visit to Connecticut and asked if I’d be willing to travel to Encinitas and they would fly me out, I was immediately intrigued. I had never been to California before, and this was the perfect opportunity to combine my passion for photography with a new adventure.

Encinitas, California, is a stunning coastal town, and our chosen location, Moonlight Beach, was nothing short of magical. The golden hour light was the prettiest and softest I had ever seen, creating a dreamy backdrop for Torin’s session. The beach itself was breathtaking, with its serene waves and vibrant colors complementing Torin’s natural beauty.

And then there was Torin herself—what an incredible young woman! Torin has been playing softball since she was just eight years old. She is a member of her high school team at Santa Fe Christian High School and competes on travel teams as well. Despite being recruited by colleges to continue playing softball, Torin has chosen to focus on her academic pursuits.

In addition to her accomplishments on the softball field, Torin is also a member of her school’s water polo team and is the captain of both teams this year. She exemplifies dedication and leadership, and her 4.6 GPA is a testament to her hard work and determination. Torin plans to study Biomedical Engineering in college and is exploring several incredible schools, including the University of Florida, Clemson, Georgia Tech, Michigan, Vanderbilt, and the University of Texas. Any of these universities would be fortunate to have her.

When Torin isn’t excelling in school or sports, she enjoys reading, spending time with her family and friends, and caring for her two beloved dogs, Gus and Harper. She is fun-loving, kind-hearted, and full of life, and I have no doubt that her future will be as bright as the California sunshine.

This trip wasn’t just about the photo session; it also allowed me to explore the beauty of California. I extended my stay for a few days and visited some iconic locations, including the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, Coronado Island (and the famous Hotel Del Coronado), and the USS Midway Museum. I even got to see dolphins and tiger sharks in the wild!

Thank you, Torin, for inviting me to capture this special time in your life. It was an honor to photograph you and to share in this exciting chapter of your journey. And thank you for loaning me “Roderick” (the family car) so I could explore San Diego in between! This experience was unforgettable, and I’m so grateful to have been a part of it.

Wishing you all the best as you decide on your next steps—wherever you go, I know you’ll shine!