Hillary Gustaveson, Author at Stills by Hill Photography

Why including your dog in your portrait sessions is the best decision ever- San Diego Family Photographer

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By: Hillary Gustaveson

May 13, 2025

If you’re a dog parent, you already know—your pup isn’t just a pet. They’re family. They’re one of your kids. They greet you at the door, snuggle with your children, and are part of your everyday story. So when it’s time to book your family or child portraits, it only makes sense to include your…

A Parent’s Guide to Booking Senior Photos in San Diego: When, Where, and How

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By: Hillary Gustaveson

May 13, 2025

Planning your teenager’s senior portraits is an exciting milestone—and one you’ll want to do right! Whether you’re celebrating their final year of high school or preparing for college announcements, here’s a quick guide to help you plan a smooth and memorable senior photo experience in San Diego. Step One: Start With a ConsultationThe first step…

Why San Diego Parents Are Printing Their Cake Smash Photos as Heirloom Wall Art

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By: Hillary Gustaveson

May 13, 2025

In the age of cloud storage and social media, it’s tempting to think that our favorite memories will always be just a click away. But the truth is, digital files aren’t built to last. Hard drives fail. Technology changes. Passwords get lost. And 30 years from now, when your baby is all grown up, those…

Why a Cake Smash Session Is the Perfect Way to Celebrate Your Baby’s First Birthday in San Diego

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By: Hillary Gustaveson

May 12, 2025

Your baby’s first birthday is more than just a party—it’s a huge milestone for both your little one and you. You’ve made it through the first year of parenthood—through the sleepless nights, first giggles, teething, and all the beautiful (and messy) moments in between. That first birthday deserves to be celebrated in a big way—and…

Why San Diego Seniors Are Choosing Outdoor Portraits Over Studio Shots – San Diego Senior Photographer

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By: Hillary Gustaveson

May 12, 2025

When San Diego high school seniors receive that notice to head to a traditional studio for their yearbook portraits, many assume it’s their only option. But more and more seniors—and their families—are realizing those cookie-cutter studio photos just don’t cut it anymore. Yes, those studio shots may be “required,” but they often feel impersonal. Every…

Simply Motherhood Portraits – San Diego Mothers Day Portraits

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By: Hillary Gustaveson

February 27, 2025

Simply Motherhood: Celebrate the Beauty of Motherhood with Timeless Portraits Mother’s Day is a time to honor the love, strength, and devotion of mothers. This year, celebrate the incredible bond between you and your children with a Simply Motherhood session—an intimate and timeless photography experience designed to capture the pure essence of motherhood. What is…

Monthly Business Portrait Event

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By: Hillary Gustaveson

February 25, 2025

I am excited to be offering a monthly Business Portrait Refresh at my San Diego photography studio! One day only- sessions are in my photography studio in El Cajon, CA and include a discounted creation fee along with a bonus gift as a thank you! You can hold your spot with a $99 non refundable…

February Business Portrait Refresh- San Diego Headshot Photographer

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By: Hillary Gustaveson

February 7, 2025

I am excited to be offering a monthly Business Portrait Event at my San Diego photography studio! One day only- sessions are in my photography studio in El Cajon, CA and include a discounted creation fee along with a bonus gift as a thank you! You can hold your spot with a $99 non refundable…

The Perfect Setting: How Choosing a Meaningful Location Elevates Your Senior Portraits

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By: Hillary Gustaveson

January 16, 2025

Senior year is a monumental time—a chapter filled with anticipation, growth, and the exciting journey of self-discovery. What better way to capture this moment than through a senior portrait session in San Diego, CA that truly reflects your personality? Recently, I had the joy of photographing a local San Diego high school senior at a…

Melissa Nguyen

02:27 08 Feb 25

Did my professional headshots with Hillary and they turned out better than I could’ve imagined. I hate taking professional photos and she made me feel so comfortable and made the whole experience pleasant. She’s quick - sent me the pictures in a quick turnaround. Highly recommend!!!

aubreann macnally

00:12 03 Dec 24

Such a wonderful experience, she was just delightful especially with my two littles

Patsy Collins

21:31 03 Nov 24

Hillary was such a pleasure to work with on the holiday photos we took with her. Our kiddos kept us on our toes the entire time and we had concerns we wouldn't get very great shots due to their unwillingness to cooperate at times, but Hillary worked her magic and knew how to get a smile out of them when it mattered most and snapped the photo in time to catch it. You'd think our session consisted of such well behaved toddlers! Her studio is located in a convenient area and her communication about her process was so detailed when I first reached out - I knew exactly what to expect and boy, did she deliver. Highly recommend!

Diana Davidson

03:09 23 Oct 24

Hillary is incredibly talented, professional, and so fun and easy to work with! In addition to taking beautiful photos, she captures the mood and the emotion behind every shot. She is not only a great photographer but she is so helpful with everything from making sure the setting and scheduling works, making me and my family feel relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera, and guiding me through the product ordering process. Every time I've worked with Hillary has been amazing. No need to look elsewhere, Stills by Hill Photography is it!

Frances Foster

20:08 20 Oct 24

Hillary did an excellent job with my author headshots and was very receptive to my ideas. She is easy to work with and the results were amazing!

Almitra Badger

10:33 18 Oct 24

Possibly the best photographer ever! From newborn pictures to senior photos and all the milestones in between, Hillary captures the moment exquisitely and provides a finished product of the highest quality. We lost our son and found that the moments captured in pictures were a great source of comfort and help every day through the grieving process.

Brice Porter

23:19 15 Oct 24

My personal experience with Stills by Hill Photography was nothing but impeccable. The communication between myself and Hillary was both professional and proficient. When getting my headshot, I had no need to fake a smile. If you're looking for a photographer, I could not recommend Stills by Hill Photography enough.

G M

05:56 15 Oct 24

I met Hillary over 10 years ago at a mommy and me class being held at her studio. After seeing her work I inquired about a Halloween portrait event she was having and she took the most amazing outdoor natural light photos of my then 15 month old daughter. 5 years later she gave me priceless 4 generational photos of my daughter, myself my mother and my grandmother. Fast forward to 2023 & she’s still documenting my now 16 year old and my family annually and the photos are the most priceless thing I am so proud to be able to pass to my children. I have to say the most beautiful thing is that my children both know her by name, they looks forward to seeing Hillary and the warm and friendly feeling that makes them SO comfortable is why her talent is so incredibly showcased in every photo she takes. My children’s personalities (lol) are so genuine, we always look great and I’ve never recommended anyone more or cherished a service more than I do stills by hill.You won’t find a better person to document your life.

Maria B

03:11 15 Oct 24

I am so glad I made an appointment with Hillary to take my still photo for my business. She had the enthusiasm out of this world and it shows. Thank you, Hillary! Keep up the amazing work. Which I'm sure doesn't feel like work when you love what you do!

Admin Carlin

16:22 24 Apr 24

Cant say enough about Hilary’s skill as a photographer for business! She did an amazing job capturing our business operation. We have so much content that is ready for social media. I cant recommend her enough!!! Amazing experience.