Tips on Planning Your Balboa Park Engagement Session | San Diego Wedding Photographer
Balboa Park
Balboa Park is San Diego’s version of Central Park. It’s grand, it’s beautiful, it’s eclectic…it has iconic architecture, summer concerts, and access to museums. It has street vendors, gardens, sculptures, and many, many secret places to explore. It’s the place everyone visits when they come to San Diego.
There are endless backdrops each better than the next. Its architecture is dynamic and full of character. It’s a place that most couples have a special connection to when they choose it for their engagement photo location. It’s definitely a highly requested location, and it’s easy to see why given all the location options it provides.
Basically, if you’re seeking a location that exudes natural beauty, artistic charm, and a touch of romance, then look no further than Balboa Park. San Diego’s very own urban oasis nestled in the heart of the city.
Keep scrolling for a few tips on planning your Balboa Park engagement and how to inquire about a session!
Endless Explorations
Because I love a quick factoid…Balboa Park spans 1,200 acres! Full of lush greenery, gardens, and all kinds of landscapes, making it a photographer’s paradise for sure. From the Japanese Friendship Garden to the colorful blooms of the Botanical Building this park provides an array of stunning locations for engagement photos. The harmonious blend of natural elements with exquisite architectural structures ensures that each frame tells a unique story. Let’s not forget the iconic San Diego Zoo is also part of the park.
Balboa Park isn’t just a single location—it’s a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. As you and your partner embark on this engagement session, you’ll have the opportunity to wander hand in hand through the park’s pathways and explore secluded nooks, to create the natural unexpected moments you are wanting from your photos.
Tips on Planning Your Session
The easiest way to start is by choosing a sunrise or sunset session. Sunrise sessions are highly underrated. It’s early yes, but man does it have its advantages. Crowded locations will be quiet in the early morning hours and the light is soft and warm. Everything and everyone is still asleep or just waking up. There is a definite calmness to an early morning session.
The golden hour as we’ve all come to know is generally the most popular time for any photography session. With a 90 min session, you could start 45 mins before sunset and have bright light, into golden hour, and enough time to go straight into the blue hour. Two completely different vibes which is why I think it’s so important to start there first.
When you think about it, the time of day might also affect your outfit decisions as well. If you’re now thinking to yourself, “That’s right. What am I going to wear?”. If you move forward with booking me, I’ll send you a guide that answers all your styling questions, inspiration, and even a checklist to help get you ready for the session.
Schedule a Session at Balboa
If you are fully ready to go and want to inquire follow the link below to get started.
Choosing Balboa Park as the setting for your engagement photos is a very personal decision. Most couples choose it because they met there, frequently have dates in the park, appreciate the architecture, or love to visit the museums. You really can’t go wrong. The amount of time you could spend taking pictures at all the stunning locations is endless.
If you choose Balboa Park you are a couple wanting to create timeless images, that reflect your natural connection. If that’s you, get in touch, and let’s talk! I’ll send you the engagement guide and we can set up a phone call.
Or email me directly at, teresalojaconophotography@gmail.com.
My photography is a blend of art, experience, and instinct—a little bit of this, a little bit of that.
For over 15 years, I’ve been immersed in the world of photography. It all started when I was 18 and stepped into a darkroom for the first time. That moment sparked a lifelong obsession with capturing the world through my lens. It eventually lead me to the fine art space, collaborating with artists, managing studios, and working alongside galleries and museums.
Through years of studying art and photography—both in undergraduate and graduate school—my aesthetic evolved under the influence of critical theory and contemporary art. I found myself drawn to the intersection of traditional documentary photography and spontaneous, unfiltered moments of real life. My goal is to create images that are raw, honest, and deeply human.
Travel plays a huge role in my creative process. I find inspiration in the unfamiliar—letting light, movement, and emotion guide my eye. Photography is my way of making sense of the world, turning fleeting moments into lasting stories. With a camera in hand, everything becomes a canvas, and every frame is a chance to reveal beauty in the unexpected.
