If you have never scheduled professional family photos before, you may be wondering what the experience will actually be like. Many clients have valid questions and concerns. They often wonder if their children will cooperate, if they will feel awkward while posing, have concerns about the weather and feel confused about wardrobe. These are all completely normal questions, so I put together an article to help you learn a little bit more about me, my process, and what to expect during a photo session with me.

When most families think about professional photos, they think about newborn sessions, annual family portraits, or senior pictures. Most families think about scheduling family photos with their older teens and adult children. This is so sad to me. As a Jacksonville & St Augustine family photographer, I believe one of the most meaningful times to schedule family photos is right before a child leaves for college. This time is so special. It is your last moments together as a family before you let your child spread their wings and the perfect opportunity to capture updated family photos.

If sending holiday cards is on your list this year, you may be wondering when you actually need to schedule your family photos. The answer is probably a little earlier than you think.

If you have started looking for a Jacksonville family photographer, you may have noticed that pricing can vary quite a bit. One photographer may charge a few hundred dollars, while another may charge $1,000 or more. Some prices include every finished image, while others cover only the session itself.

There aren’t many occasions when an entire extended family is in the same place at the same time. Adult children have families of their own. Grandchildren have school and sports. People move to different states and before you know it, getting everyone together requires calendars, plane tickets and a lot of planning.

Most families tell me right away that their kids won’t sit still for photos and that is totally ok with me! I prefer they don’t stand still. I am a Jacksonville family photographer and I’ve been photographing families since 2012. Through the years, I’ve learned that when kids are allowed to play and be themselves, that’s when the best photos are created.

When most families think about scheduling professional photos, they imagine trying to fit another appointment into an already busy season of life.

Between school schedules, sports practices, work commitments, and everyday responsibilities, finding a date that works for everyone can feel like a challenge in itself. That's one of the reasons so many families choose to schedule family photos during vacation instead.

One of the most common reasons families book an extended family session is because everyone is finally together.

Whether you're staying at a beach house in Ponte Vedra, visiting Jacksonville Beach, or spending a week exploring historic St. Augustine, a family vacation is often the only time grandparents, siblings, cousins, and grandchildren are all in the same place.

Bringing home a new baby changes everything, especially for older siblings. Because of this, some parents often tell me they're worried about scheduling family photos during this season. They're concerned the baby will cry, their toddler won't sit still, or no one will cooperate long enough for a beautiful family portrait. The truth is, family sessions with a new baby don't have to be perfectly choreographed to be meaningful. Some of my favorite photographs come from simply giving children the space to love their new sibling in their own way.

Looking for a photographer for Fall or holiday mini sessions near Ponte Vedra, Jacksonville, or St. Augustine? I specialize in creating warm, natural, and connected images that are perfect for holiday cards, seasonal family updates, and meaningful keepsakes. My limited-edition mini sessions offer a quick, fun way to get professional photos without committing to a full-length session. Whether you want a cozy Fall vibe, a festive holiday look, or just updated family portraits, I’ll help you feel comfortable and make the most of our time together and you will walk away with photos you’ll love for years to come.

One of the first things parents tell me when they're expecting baby number two isn't about outfits or locations.

It's this: "I'd love maternity photos, but my toddler probably won't cooperate."

If that thought has crossed your mind, you're not alone In fact, I'd say it's one of the biggest reasons families hesitate to book a maternity session. Parents imagine chasing a toddler around for an hour, apologizing for every wiggle, and leaving feeling like the whole experience was stressful.

If you’re thinking about booking family photos in St. Augustine or anywhere along the Northeast Florida coast, one of the first things I’ll recommend is a sunrise session. I know that may not be what you were hoping to hear. The idea of getting everyone up, dressed, and out the door before sunrise doesn’t exactly sound relaxing; for most moms, it feels like a lot to take on, especially when you’re already managing so much.

When you're planning an extended family photo session, choosing the right location is just as important as choosing the right photographer.

With grandparents, young children, and multiple families all coming together, you need a location that's beautiful, easy to navigate, and spacious enough for everyone to relax. While St. Augustine has no shortage of gorgeous backdrops, the Fort is one of the locations I recommend most often for larger groups.

One of the first questions families ask after booking is, "Where should we take our photos?"

The good news is that Northeast Florida offers an incredible variety of locations, from beautiful beaches and historic landmarks to moss-draped oak trees and riverfront parks. Whether you're looking for a classic beach session, a natural Florida setting, or something with historic charm, there's a location to fit your family's style.

Here are some of my favorite locations for family photos throughout St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, and Jacksonville.

One of the questions I hear most from expecting moms is, "Should my partner and child be in my maternity photos, or should this session just be about me?"

The truth is, you don't have to choose.

Your maternity session is a celebration of your pregnancy, but it's also about the people who are preparing to welcome your baby. That's why I include time for a beautiful mix of solo portraits, couples images, and family photographs during every maternity session.

Here's why I believe each part of your session matters.

Your baby is turning one. It's a milestone worth celebrating in the biggest, messiest, most joyful way possible — and if you're imagining warm sand, sparkling water, golden light, and a very happy baby face-deep in frosting, you're already thinking about a beach cake smash session.

Many women schedule maternity sessions for their first pregnancy, but it is also important to schedule a maternity session for a second pregnancy. Your family dynamic is about to change and it is the perfect time to capture those last moments as a family of three.

You've been looking forward to your photo session for weeks. You picked the outfits, confirmed the time, packed the snacks, and hyped up the kids all day. Then you get to the beach and your toddler melts down, your seven-year-old refuses to smile, and your oldest is convinced the whole thing is the most embarrassing event of their life.

Sound familiar? It's the number one concern I hear from parents before booking a session. I get it… you're investing real time, money, and effort into this, and the last thing you want is to walk away with nothing to show for it.

If you’re planning family photos during your St. Augustine vacation, there are a few things that can make a huge difference in how relaxed your session feels and how your final images turn out.

If you have been searching for a Jacksonville Beach extended family photographer who can wrangle three generations, a handful of kids, and one scene-stealing toddler all at the same time, you have come to the right place. This session with the G. family is one of those mornings that reminds me exactly why I do this work, and I cannot wait to share it with you.