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

Hi Robin, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
I believe in giving back to my community. I serve as a volunteer photographer for The Gold Hope Project, a national organization which gifts free portrait sessions to pediatric cancer patients. I also serve as resident photographer for Canyonside Equestrian Center, a non-profit organization using the power of equestrian experiences to inspire, educate, and connect people of all backgrounds. Their mission is to create a welcoming sanctuary where the joys of horsemanship are accessible to everyone, especially underserved and underrepresented communities. Additionally, I donate end of life sessions to families who will soon lose a family member or beloved pet.

Family of four standing outdoors near a beach with purple flowers, smiling, with ocean and cliffs in background.

Woman with long hair sitting on rocks by the ocean at sunset, wearing a light-colored dress.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
If there’s one thing I’ve learned about my business, it’s that it is a journey; not a destination. When I first launched my business my services were all-inclusive. Meaning, clients paid a session fee, then received a select amount of digital images after their session. Some clients purchased printed products via their online gallery or came to my office for assistance in ordering products. Their positive feedback led me to adjust my business model to focus more on product offerings with a high touch experience.

Every new client inquiry begins with a welcome phone call. We then have an in-person or video meeting to review session details, discuss wardrobe, location and what products they will want for display in their home. I even schedule a video call with the rest of the family so they meet me prior to their portrait session. This helps everyone feel comfortable in advance of the camera being pointed toward them. A few weeks post session we meet again either in-person or via video call for their gallery reveal and ordering appointment. This is when mom usually cries when she sees her family’s love photographed so beautifully. During this hour appointment I help clients narrow down their choices for prints, an album and wall art. Their product order is then beautifully packaged and delivered a few weeks later.

This redesigned, elevated service is very client-focused. It is unique to every client and they appreciate the guidance from planning through delivering products.

A man with two children and two dogs in a living room with patterned wallpaper and animal wall decorations.

Four people walking along a grassy area near a lighthouse with a colorful sky background.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Some of the coastal highlights would include time spent exploring Coronado. Renting bicycles and touring around the village while shopping and eating our way through town. A visit to La Jolla would be next to see Windansea Beach, and the Children’s Pool. We would then grab a dinner to-go for a sunset picnic at the Glider Port.

Day 2 would begin with a hike at Torrey Pines Preserve. From there we would explore Cedros Avenue in Solana Beach and the Self-Realization Gardens and fun shops in Encinitas. The journey would continue up to Carlsbad and Oceanside downtowns.

The next two days would include Balboa Park and strolls through North Park and South Park. Cocktails and dinner would have to be at the Lafayette hotel to soak in its maximalist decor.

There’s opportunity to weave in local history with a visit to the Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá before heading up to Julian for some apple pie and a gold mine tour.

The Old Point Loma Lighthouse is always a great place for magnificent views and tide pool exploring. A stop at the Embarcadero to grab a harbor cruise would be a great way to wrap up a visit.

Woman lying on sandy surface wearing a red dress, with one arm behind her head and the other resting on her side.

Family holding a baby, smiling and looking at each other, indoors near a window.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband, Ron, is my biggest cheerleader. He’s also my IT support and one of my lighting assistants! He has encouraged me since I first had the idea to launch my portrait photography business and now marvels at the volume of 5-start Google reviews written by my clients.

Website: https://www.robinlitrentaphotography.com

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

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

Child running on the beach with three people in the background, ocean and sky visible, reflections on wet sand, daytime.

Young man with curly hair sitting on a wooden deck, with a fence and sky in the background.

Image Credits
All images @Robin Litrenta Photography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSoCal is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.