Meet Daniela Larsen | La Jolla Family & Brand Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Daniela Larsen and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Daniela, we’d love to start by asking you about lessons learned. Is there a lesson you can share with us?
The most important lesson my business has taught me is the power of being present and truly connecting with each family I photograph. Whether it’s a family vacation or a milestone moment, my role as a photographer goes beyond just capturing images—I’m there to create a space where families feel comfortable, seen, and understood.

I’ve learned that every family has its own unique story, and my job is to be a good listener, to connect with them, and to make sure their personalities and relationships shine through in the photos. Clear communication is key. It’s about setting the right expectations, understanding what my clients are hoping for, and being flexible enough to adapt when needed. At the end of the day, the images I create are not just photographs—they are memories, and being present in those moments is what makes them truly meaningful.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart is my deep curiosity and love for beauty in all things. I’ve always had an eye for it, which started when I graduated from SDSU as a graphic artist. Photography was always my favorite subject in college, and it sparked a passion that has grown into my career today. From my early days as a newborn and maternity photographer to transitioning into child and family photography, and eventually adding seniors & grads and brand photography, I’ve continuously evolved to meet the needs of my clients. Over time, as my clients’ needs evolved, I also found myself capturing brand photography for women, especially those who wanted to create powerful visual identities for their businesses. I absolutely love how I can help women see themselves in a whole new way—whether that’s through family portraits or brand photography, it’s all about making my clients feel seen and celebrated.

The journey to get where I am today wasn’t easy, but every step was worth it. I had to put in a lot of hard work, hustle, and marketing to get recognized in such a competitive space like San Diego. It wasn’t always smooth sailing, but I pushed through with determination, built strong community connections, and stayed true to my style. And now, being able to offer my work as La Jolla’s premier beach photographer fills me with so much pride.

What I’m most proud of is that I’ve stayed true to myself and my love for the ocean. Being at the beach, photographing families, and witnessing those unforgettable moments feeds my soul. The ocean has always inspired me, and it’s part of the magic I bring to each shoot. My goal is to create beautiful photographs that not only make it to your wall but also remind you of those beautiful memories you’ll carry forever. I want you to see yourself in a different light through my lenses, to recognize how special and powerful you are.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way is that success doesn’t come overnight. It takes consistency, genuine connections, and a lot of effort to get your work noticed. But it’s that connection with my clients, the ability to capture their essence, and the joy of making them feel beautiful and appreciated that truly keeps me going. At the end of the day, what I want the world to know is that Sereia Photography is about more than just pictures—it’s about telling stories, preserving memories, and helping my clients feel seen in the most beautiful way possible.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting La Jolla for a few days, I’d definitely want to show them the best spots in the area, especially because I’m a huge foodie! Here’s the itinerary I’d suggest for an unforgettable trip:

Day 1:

Start the day with a trip to Java Earth Coffee for their pistachio latte—it’s absolutely divine and the perfect way to kick off the day!
After coffee, head to La Jolla Shores for a relaxing walk during low tide. The beach is beautiful and peaceful, and you can take in the stunning coastal views.
For lunch, I’d take them to Fish Market on Pearl Street for a Halibut sandwich with avocado—it’s a must-try, fresh and delicious.
In the evening, we’d grab dinner at Javier’s for some authentic Mexican food. The ambiance is lively, and their margaritas are the perfect way to wind down after a day of exploring.
Day 2:

Kickstart the morning with a hike at Torrey Pines. The views are absolutely breathtaking, and the trails offer a mix of easy and more challenging options.
For lunch, we’d hit up The Taco Stand for their surf and turf burrito. It’s packed with flavor and perfect for a quick, tasty bite.
In the afternoon, we’d head to La Jolla Windansea Beach for some relaxing sunbathing. Known for its stunning coastline, unique rocky outcrops, and iconic surf shack, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and soak in the beautiful views.
For dinner, I’d treat them to Ambrogio15 for the best pizza in La Jolla. Their wood-fired pizza is incredible, and the atmosphere is cozy and inviting.
Day 3:

On a Sunday morning, we’d head over to the La Jolla Farmers Market to browse the fresh produce, local goods, and amazing food stands.
In the early afternoon, we’d go snorkeling with the Leopard sharks in the summer—it’s such a unique experience and a cool way to enjoy the ocean.
Afterward, we’d stop by Bobboi Natural Gelato for some of the best gelato in La Jolla. It’s the perfect sweet treat to cool off after a fun day in the water!
For dinner, we’d head to Puesto for the best tacos in town—seriously, they never disappoint.
This is just a taste of what La Jolla has to offer, and there’s so much more to explore! Whether it’s food, nature, or just taking in the beauty of the area, there’s always something fun and exciting to do.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d love to dedicate my shoutout to the incredible families I’ve had the pleasure of working with throughout the years. Their trust, warmth, and willingness to open up to me in front of the camera has shaped my journey as a photographer in such a meaningful way. Every family I photograph teaches me something new about connection, love, and storytelling, and I’m beyond grateful for that.

I’d also like to give a shoutout to my mentors and fellow photographers who have guided me along the way. The photography community is so supportive, and I’ve been lucky to have some amazing people offer advice, encouragement, and inspiration when I needed it most. Finally, a big thank you to my friends and family who have always believed in me and cheered me on as I built my business. Their unwavering support has been a constant source of motivation.

Website: https://www.sereiaphotography.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sereiaphotography/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sereiaphotography/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sereia-photography-san-diego-2

Other: Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/DanielaLarsen/

Image Credits
All images by Sereia Photography | San Diego and La Jolla Family Photographer