Blog - Stills by Hill Photography

Why Your Family Deserves Photos More Than Once a Year

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By: Hillary Gustaveson

November 5, 2025

We all know the routine. Every fall we scramble for outfits, rush the kids into the car, and make sure everyone is smiling for the annual holiday card. It is special and meaningful, but here is the truth. Your family is growing and changing all year long, not just during the holiday rush. There are…

Ultimate Santa Experience in San Diego

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By: Hillary Gustaveson

October 28, 2025

The Ultimate Santa Experience in San Diego is here for ONE day only! The holiday season is just around the corner, and with it comes one of the most magical traditions of all… visiting Santa. But if you’ve ever experienced the long lines, rushed photos, and overwhelmed kids at the mall, you already know it’s…

Simply Me Art Gallery- San Diego Child Photographer

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By: Hillary Gustaveson

October 20, 2025

Stills by Hill Photography Presents “Simply Me”: A Personality Portrait Art Gallery Celebrating Local Kids Stills by Hill Photography is proud to announce the successful debut of *Simply Me: A Personality Portrait Art Gallery*, held on September 27, 2025, in La Mesa. This one-of-a-kind event celebrated the individuality, spirit, and personality of local children through…

San Diego Holiday Portrait Sessions – Stress-Free, Fun, and Festive!

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By: Hillary Gustaveson

September 9, 2025

The holidays sneak up fast, and before you know it, your calendar is full of parties, school events, and shopping lists. That’s why my San Diego holiday petite sessions are the perfect way to get beautiful portraits of your kids or family without the stress of a long photoshoot. These holiday mini sessions are short…

7 Favorite San Diego Family Photo Locations | San Diego Photographer

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By: Hillary Gustaveson

August 29, 2025

Looking for the best places to take family photos in San Diego? Here are 7 beautiful photo locations recommended by a San Diego family photographer.

The Stories Behind the Smiles: Documenting Holiday Traditions in the Making

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By: Hillary Gustaveson

August 29, 2025

Between soccer practice, piano lessons, work deadlines, and getting dinner on the table, the last thing you have time for is figure out what else to do with your holiday portraits from your photographer. You know these moments matter, but when exactly are you supposed to find time to create something meaningful with them? What…

Why Facebook Is Not a Photo Album: Protecting Your Family’s Legacy – San Diego Photographer

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By: Hillary Gustaveson

August 21, 2025

In our digital age, it’s tempting to think that uploading photos to Facebook means they’re safely stored forever. After all, they’re “in the cloud,” accessible from anywhere, and easy to share with family and friends. But here’s the hard truth: Facebook is not a photo album, and relying on social media platforms to preserve your…

Spook & Snap- San Diego Halloween Petite Sessions

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By: Hillary Gustaveson

August 10, 2025

🎃 Now Booking: Halloween Spook & Snap Portraits 10/25/25 in San Diego 🎃Let your little ghoul or goblin show off their spooky (or silly!) side with a fun and fast-paced Halloween portrait session! Costumes, character, and charm all wrapped up into timeless portraits you’ll actually want to display. Sessions available only on one day…10/25/25 (appointment…

Making Spirits Bright 2025

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By: Hillary Gustaveson

July 23, 2025

Make your day bright with holiday portrait sessions from Stills by Hill Photography. $100 of your $125 creation fee will be donated to Blossom & Bloom to provide art & dance to children. Prints, wall art & albums will be available for purchase after your session. You also will receive a beautiful custom ornament with…

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.