The Ghost of Who You Could’ve Been: Overcoming Self-Doubt, Imposter Syndrome & Leveling Up
We all imagine a stronger, healthier, more confident version of ourselves—the one who’s disciplined, successful, grounded. They exist just a few steps ahead of us, reaching out, waiting. But every time we choose comfort over growth, that version begins to fade. That’s the ghost of who you could’ve been. On a recent hike with Steph, I shared how imposter syndrome has followed me through every chapter of my life—from my wild twenties, to retail management, and now as a self-employed creative chasing this camper van dream. I’ve realized that every time I level up, the old me fights back with self-doubt, trying to pull me down. That’s not weakness—it’s fear of outgrowing who I used to be. But every rep, every risk, every uncomfortable step forward is a way to silence that fear and inch closer to the life you’re meant to live. Don’t let your future self disappear. Show up today—because the ghost of your potential only haunts the people who never take the leap.
Trying to figure things out when you don’t even know the first step? Yeah—we remember that feeling. If you just need to pick someone’s brain or talk it through, we’re all ears and more than happy to help.
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Imagine for a second the best version of yourself—the one you secretly hope to become. They’re in shape, confident, present. They move through life with purpose and peace. They’re healthy, successful, full of charisma—not because life was easy, but because they didn’t stop showing up.
Now imagine that version of you standing just a few steps ahead, hand reaching out, waiting for you to close the gap.
But instead of moving toward them, you hesitate. You take the easier route. You skip the workout, scroll instead of study, say "maybe tomorrow" one more time. Slowly, that future self begins to fade. Not with anger—but with heartbreak. They reach out for you, but their hand starts disappearing.
And then comes the silence. The one where you know you’re ghosting your own potential.
On a recent hike with Steph, I shared something I’ve carried for most of my adult life: imposter syndrome. It’s followed me through every chapter—my twenties lost in nightlife, then grinding my way up from a seasonal sales position to becoming a store manager, and now, self-employed and chasing this crazy dream of living out of a camper van with our dogs and camera gear.
Even now, as we're finally connecting the last dots to turn this vision into reality, I sometimes feel like I don’t belong here. Like it’s all going to blow up in my face someday.
But the more I’ve sat with it, the more I’ve realized—it's not that I don’t belong. It’s that my old self is scared. The version of me that was comfortable staying small doesn’t want to be left behind. So he whispers doubts. He tells me I’m not ready. He tries to sabotage the progress because he knows once I level up, there’s no going back.
And that’s the battle.
Every step forward is a fight to let go of who you were in order to become who you're meant to be. It’s not easy. But every day you show up, every rep, every risk, every quiet decision to keep going—it brings you closer to the version of you that’s still waiting, still reaching, still believing in you.
So don’t let them disappear. Grab their hand. And become the ghost that lived.
What would your future self thank you for doing today? Comment below or share this with someone who needs to hear it.
What Does “Last Minute” Really Mean? The Story Behind Our Name
At Last Minute Photoshoot, our name turns heads—and that’s exactly the point. Most people think “last minute” means rushed or chaotic, but to us, it means reliable, prepared, and calm under pressure. We specialize in capturing life’s most important moments—even when they happen on short notice. From surprise proposals to birthday dinners to Airbnb listings that need new photos today, we’ve shown up early, delivered quickly, and earned the trust of our clients time and time again. “Last Minute” doesn’t mean cutting corners—it means you can count on us, even when others back out. In fact, our entire approach is built to save you time and hassle so you don’t have to rebook or second guess. This isn’t just our business—it’s our life. And we take that responsibility seriously. Learn how we’ve redefined what it means to be a last-minute photographer, and why booking with us isn’t just a backup plan—it’s your best plan.
Last Minute Photoshoot • Always On-Time, Always Prepared.
When most people hear “last minute,” they think of chaos.
Missed deadlines. Scrambling to fix something that went wrong.
But for us, “Last Minute” is a badge of honor.
It’s our way of telling you:
We don’t crack under pressure. We show up for the moments that matter.
Because the truth is, life doesn’t always give you a heads up.
Sometimes the opportunity to capture something special comes unexpectedly—and when it does, you need a team you can trust to get it right.
That’s where we come in.
Redefining 'Last Minute'
Let’s clear something up:
🛑 “Last minute” doesn’t mean rushed or unprofessional.
✅ It means we thrive in unpredictable situations.
✅ It means we’re prepared, fast, and focused.
✅ It means you can count on us—whether you have weeks to plan or just a few hours.
We’ve worked with clients who called us in a panic:
A surprise proposal happening in less than 24 hours.
A fully renovated Airbnb that needed updated listing photos before the next guests arrived.
A birthday dinner someone forgot to book a photographer for (we made it in time—with flash and backup gear).
Each time, we delivered.
Want more behind-the-scenes stories, travel adventures, and creative photography challenges? We’d love to have you along for the ride.
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What Clients Say About Us
“They showed up early, came totally prepared, and delivered sneak peeks in two days—felt like we’d planned it for months.”
“We had no idea who to call when our original photographer canceled last minute—thank God we found you guys.”
“I was worried we’d get someone who just winged it. What we got was better than photographers we’ve worked with who had weeks to prepare.”
It’s Not Just About Timing. It’s About Trust.
“Last Minute” doesn’t just mean we’ll show up within 24 hours—or even just a few hours before your shoot (yes… we’ve done that more than a few times).
It means you won’t have to stress about rebooking or finding someone new.
We save you the time, the hassle, and the mental load.
Book with us once, and you’ll see—we earn your trust.
This isn’t just our business.
This is our life—and we take it seriously.
Why We Stand By Our Name
“Last Minute Photoshoot” isn’t about scrambling—
It’s about being calm in the chaos.
It’s about making magic, even under pressure.
It’s about delivering high-quality photos without compromise, no matter the circumstances.
We don’t need perfect light. We don’t need a week to prep.
We need one thing: a moment worth capturing—and the opportunity to show up for it.
That’s what “Last Minute” means to us.
Need a Photographer Who Shows Up—Every Time?
Whether you’re:
Planning a surprise proposal
Celebrating a milestone
Launching a brand
Traveling through town
Or simply forgot to book until now
You don’t need to panic.
You need someone who can deliver.
That’s us.
📍 Serving all of Southern California
📸 Specializing in proposals, portraits, lifestyle, elopements, and events
📞 Text or call: (951) 384-5273
📬 booking@lastminutephotoshoot.com
🔗 Start your booking here
Don’t Wait for the Perfect Moment. Let’s Capture the One You’ve Got.
Last Minute Photoshoot
Always on time. Always prepared.
Ready when you need us—the first time.
Start Your Journey With Us Here
A Romantic Summer Road Trip Itinerary: From Annie’s Canyon to A Coastal Evening in OC
What happens when you combine a hidden canyon hike, brunch with ocean views, a scenic coastal drive, and rooftop cocktails at sunset? You get one of the most memorable couples road trips through Southern California—from the cliffs of Solana Beach to the rooftops of Laguna. In this full-day itinerary, we take you through our favorite off-the-beaten-path spots starting with a sunrise hike at Annie’s Canyon, followed by delicious brunch, scenic viewpoints along the Pacific Coast Highway, and hidden gems like a treehouse bar in Huntington Beach and boutique bungalow stays along the coast.
As full-time photographers about to hit the road and document life on the move, this blog reflects the type of storytelling adventure we’re living. If you’re planning a romantic summer escape or just want to experience SoCal in a deeper way, this is your perfect roadmap. And if you’re near any of these stops—we’d love to capture your story. Fill out our form and we’ll reach out when we’re in your area.
Cover Image Courtesy of Rodrigo Kammer
If your idea of the perfect summer day includes hiking a hidden canyon, sharing brunch with a view, chasing coastal light for couples portraits, and winding down with rooftop drinks by the ocean—this is the road trip itinerary you’ve been waiting for.
We’re Son and Stephanie, a husband-and-wife photography team from Southern California, and this is exactly the kind of day we dream about (and now, get to live). As we prepare to hit the road full-time later this year—traveling the coast with our 3 pups, camping from our car, and photographing love stories wherever we go—we’re blogging the best stops along the way to help others plan beautiful, memory-making adventures.
This one-day itinerary is perfect for couples who want to experience the SoCal coastline beyond just freeways and fast food. It’s a mix of hidden gems, incredible views, good food, and photo-worthy stops from San Diego to Orange County.
We totally get it—sometimes you just want to talk it out first. If you’re hoping to connect while we’re traveling, want to go over the details together, or even want to tell us what you'd love to see more of on our blog—we’d love to connect.
👉 Fill Out Our Form to Connect
Start Early: Hike Annie’s Canyon in Solana Beach
Kick off the morning with a short, rewarding hike through one of North County’s coolest natural features: Annie’s Canyon Trail. It’s a narrow slot canyon that feels like a mini Utah adventure—but it’s just minutes from the beach.
Trail Info: 2.2-mile loop, moderate, dogs welcome on leash
When to go: Get there by 7–8 AM to beat the sun and crowds
Parking: Free lot at San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center
Photo tip: Use a wide lens in the slot canyons and get golden morning light filtering between the canyon walls
📍 2710 Manchester Ave, Cardiff, CA 92007
🔗 Annie’s Canyon Trail Info
Brunch with a View: Claire’s on Cedros – Solana Beach
After your hike, head 5 minutes down the road to Claire’s on Cedros, a charming, eco-friendly café with a coastal-modern feel and a killer brunch menu.
Menu faves: Crab cake benedict, lemon ricotta pancakes, mango mimosas
Vibe: Cozy patio, dog-friendly, rustic-chic interiors
Drinks: Full espresso bar, wine, local beer, and bubbly
Photo tip: Snap a few café shots in their outdoor garden area—it’s Instagram gold.
📍 246 N Cedros Ave, Solana Beach, CA 92075
🔗 clairesoncedros.com
Hit the Road: Coastal Drive Stops Worth Pulling Over For
Hop in the car and start heading north. Skip the freeway—take Highway 101 for views, beach breezes, and plenty of scenic detours. Here are a few quick stops to break up the drive and get some gorgeous content:
Swami’s Beach Overlook (Encinitas)
Peaceful gardens above the surf with sweeping views. Perfect for a quiet moment or a few portraits.
📍 1298 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
🔗 SRF Meditation Gardens
Carlsbad Seawall Walk
Pull over and walk the path for a half mile or so. You’ll catch beach bikers, surfers, and beautiful light bouncing off the cliffs.
📍 3000 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad, CA 92008
🔗 Visit Carlsbad Info
Oceanside Pier
The wooden pier stretches out into the Pacific, and underneath it makes for great dramatic photo framing.
📍 928 N Coast Hwy, Oceanside, CA 92054
🔗 Visit Oceanside – Pier Info
Dana Point Headlands Trail
Before you arrive in OC, stop for a clifftop walk overlooking the harbor and bluffs. Wildflowers, ocean spray, and easy-to-access views.
📍 34558 Scenic Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629
🔗 Dana Point Headlands Info
Check into a Coastal Airbnb or Hotel in Orange County
There are plenty of amazing places to stay depending on your vibe—here are three different options for couples:
Chill & Affordable: The Salty Cottage – San Clemente Airbnb
Walkable to the beach, modern decor, affordable nightly rates. Cozy and private.
📍 Near Avenida Del Mar, San Clemente, CA
🔗 Search Airbnb San Clemente
Ocean View: The Tides – Laguna Beach
A boutique hotel with mid-century flair and a location that can’t be beat. Great for waking up to sea air.
📍 460 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
🔗 thetideslaguna.com
Luxury Stay: Surf & Sand Resort – Laguna Beach
If you want a splurge night, this beachfront resort delivers with oceanfront rooms and spa-worthy amenities.
📍 1555 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
🔗 surfandsandresort.com
Evening Drinks with a View: Rooftop Bars in OC
End your day with a sunset cocktail and a view. These rooftop spots offer elevated vibes and great lighting for one last round of portraits.
Skyloft – Laguna Beach
Live music, Pacific views, and a great happy hour.
📍 422 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
🔗 skyloftoc.com
Rooftop Lounge at La Casa Del Camino – Laguna Beach
Iconic rooftop setting with ocean views and classic OC style.
📍 1289 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
🔗 rooftoplagunabeach.com
The Fifth – Anaheim
If you’re venturing inland for Disneyland or city vibes, The Fifth offers skyline views, firepits, and a modern rooftop experience.
📍 1650 S Harbor Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92802
🔗 thefifthoc.com
Want to Be Part of Our Road Trip Story?
We’re documenting our travels, capturing the beauty of the road, and booking a few mini sessions along the way to help fund this journey. If you're planning to be in any of these cities—or live nearby—and want updated couples portraits, we'd love to meet you.
→ Fill out our booking form here and we’ll reach out when we’re passing through your area.
Every session you book supports our story—and we can’t wait to help tell yours.
We totally get it—sometimes you just want to talk it out first. If you’re hoping to connect while we’re traveling, want to go over the details together, or even want to tell us what you'd love to see more of on our blog—we’d love to connect.
👉 Fill Out Our Form to Connect