Child & Family Photography - Stills by Hill Photography

Why Your Family Deserves Photos More Than Once a Year

https://stillsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/1-1024x379.png 1024 379 Hillary Gustaveson Hillary Gustaveson https://stillsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Camera_Element_Hillary-LachmanEPS-08-100x100.jpg November 5, 2025 November 5, 2025

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…

7 Favorite San Diego Family Photo Locations | San Diego Photographer

https://stillsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/blog-header-1024x481.png 1024 481 Hillary Gustaveson Hillary Gustaveson https://stillsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Camera_Element_Hillary-LachmanEPS-08-100x100.jpg August 29, 2025 August 29, 2025

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

https://stillsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/san-diego-family-portraits-beach-1024x512.jpg 1024 512 Hillary Gustaveson Hillary Gustaveson https://stillsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Camera_Element_Hillary-LachmanEPS-08-100x100.jpg August 29, 2025 August 29, 2025

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

https://stillsbyhill.com/wp-content/themes/osmosis/images/empty/thumbnail.jpg 150 150 Hillary Gustaveson Hillary Gustaveson https://stillsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Camera_Element_Hillary-LachmanEPS-08-100x100.jpg August 21, 2025 August 22, 2025

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…

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

https://stillsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/web_Smith_03.jpg 1000 1000 Hillary Gustaveson Hillary Gustaveson https://stillsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Camera_Element_Hillary-LachmanEPS-08-100x100.jpg May 13, 2025 May 13, 2025

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…

3 Reasons Why Family Photography is Essential: A San Diego Family Portrait Session – San Diego Family Photographer

https://stillsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Newquist_3K1A9460-1024x683.jpg 1024 683 Hillary Gustaveson Hillary Gustaveson https://stillsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Camera_Element_Hillary-LachmanEPS-08-100x100.jpg November 20, 2024 November 20, 2024

By: Hillary Gustaveson

November 20, 2024

I loved photographing this beautiful family in San Diego, CA. Both parents had their older children for the summer and it was such a joy documenting them together. There are plenty of reasons why family photos are essential- but the top three would be the following… Create lasting memories Family photography captures precious moments that…

How to prepare for your family portrait session in San Diego, CA – San Diego Family photographer

https://stillsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/web_Rivera24_14-1024x683.jpg 1024 683 Hillary Gustaveson Hillary Gustaveson https://stillsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Camera_Element_Hillary-LachmanEPS-08-100x100.jpg November 7, 2024 November 7, 2024

By: Hillary Gustaveson

November 7, 2024

Hi! I’m your local San Diego boutique family photographer with a passion for capturing families together and providing heirloom artwork for you to pass down to your kids. Preparing for your session ahead of time can enhance the experience resulting in beautiful portraits of your family. Here are a few ways to prepare… Choose the…

My Approach: Capturing True Personality and Style in Every Senior Portrait Session- San Diego Senior Portrait Photographer

https://stillsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/web_BrooklynSr_15-1024x683.jpg 1024 683 Hillary Gustaveson Hillary Gustaveson https://stillsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Camera_Element_Hillary-LachmanEPS-08-100x100.jpg November 5, 2024 August 22, 2025

By: Hillary Gustaveson

November 5, 2024

1. A Personalized Consultation to Get to Know Your Senior Before any session, I offer a consultation with each high school senior to understand their unique personality, style, and interests. This lets me tailor every detail of the portrait experience to reflect who they really are. From learning about their favorite pastimes to exploring their…

5 Reasons why you need an extended family portrait session – San Diego Family Photographer

https://stillsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/web_Giles24_14-1024x683.jpg 1024 683 Hillary Gustaveson Hillary Gustaveson https://stillsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Camera_Element_Hillary-LachmanEPS-08-100x100.jpg November 2, 2024 November 2, 2024

By: Hillary Gustaveson

November 2, 2024

Capturing the essence of an extended family through photography is a priceless gift. Don’t leave your family gathering feeling like you should have hired a professional instead of setting your phone up with a timer and have 29722 photos to try to find THE ONE. Here are five reasons why you should consider photographing your…

Limited Edition Holiday Portraits – San Diego Photographer

https://stillsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/limited-edition-timeline-photo-1024x379.png 1024 379 Hillary Gustaveson Hillary Gustaveson https://stillsbyhill.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Camera_Element_Hillary-LachmanEPS-08-100x100.jpg August 7, 2024 August 7, 2024

By: Hillary Gustaveson

August 7, 2024

Reserve your 2024 Limited Edition Portrait Session for your updated family portraits! 100% of your creation fee will be donated to “Blossom & Bloom Creative Arts” nonprofit which provides Dance, Music, & Art classes for kids & teens with special needs. My goal is to collect $800 for them! You will also receive a keepsake…

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.