Today I had a reading for what my spirit animal is. I went into this meeting with literally no expectations. If you asked me what animal I would be, I truly would have no idea. I’m not really an animal person (despite having two dogs) and maybe that’s why I couldn’t answer the questions. If asked what flower or element I would be I easily could answer Rose or Fire. But animal? I draw a blank.

My youngest son turns twelve this weekend, and I’m in complete denial. I haven't done a bit of party planning, no gift shopping, and certainly no emotional preparation for the fact that my baby is about to be another year older. My heart just can’t take it. I mean, wasn’t it just yesterday that he was toddling around in diapers? (Or was that me, chasing him down?)

Encinitas, with its charming streets, stunning beaches, and golden sunsets, is a photographer’s dream. For those seeking to preserve life’s most beautiful moments amidst this idyllic coastal backdrop, Alison Hatch Photo (little ol’ me) offers a personalized and artful approach to photography. Based in the heart of Encinitas, I combine my passion for storytelling with a signature creative style to deliver images that are as unique as the people in them.

As a photographer, I travel a lot. Sessions in people’s homes or at beautiful locations like Headlands Beach, Balboa Park, Montage Beach Laguna, or Los Penasquitos Canyon Park sometimes require me to travel a ways from home. I am happy to travel and include certain mileage into my package pricing. Here I will lay out the specifics of travel so you can see if the location you’d like for your family photos is a covered cost, or if a small extra fee will be added.

There’s something magical about Oceanside, California. Its laid-back charm, wide sandy beaches, and iconic pier make it a standout destination for families looking to relax and reconnect. Whether you're visiting for the first time or making it a yearly tradition, Oceanside offers something for everyone—and it’s also an incredible place to document your memories with professional photography.

There’s something uniquely magical about this stage of life: the endless energy, the mood swings, the giggles that come from nowhere, and the fierce declarations of independence (even if they’re still figuring out how to zip their own jacket). Toddlers are a whirlwind of personality, and capturing that on camera can feel equal parts exciting and intimidating.