Here is an example of family portraits taken in the morning light, underneath the Pacific Beach Crystal Pier (92109). The shade of the pier provides a nice filter for portraits. This time of day, if subjects stand on the open beach with the ocean in the background, the sun is shining in their eyes. Additionally, the bright light creates reflective and shadow pockets on the face. The shade of the pier allows us to take beach photos in the morning. There are mornings where it is overcast, which provides an alternative to this.