A Family Photo Session Gift for Grandma | Extended Family Beach Photos in St. Augustine

Family Session

Jun 18

*Originally published June 2021, updated December 2026

Gifting a family photo session to a parent or grandparent is one of the most meaningful ways to document a season when everyone is together.

This recent extended family session on the beach in St. Augustine was planned as a 70th birthday gift and it was a chance to bring multiple generations together and create something lasting. These are the kinds of sessions that don’t happen often, but become more valuable with time.

Why a Family Photo Session Makes the Perfect Gift for Grandma

For many families, the last time everyone was professionally photographed together was at a wedding — often before grandchildren were even part of the picture.

A session like this creates space to document not just the full family, but the relationships within it — especially the connection between grandparents and their grandchildren, which is often the most meaningful part of the gallery.

I talk more about grandmas and photo sessions here.

natural family photos with grandma and grandpa on the beach in st augustine — natural family photos

grandparents kissing granddaughter on the cheek on the beach in front of a dune while granddaughter laughs

Importance of Extended Family Photos

It is so important to document your own relationship with your children, but also their relationship with their extended family. The bonds between grandparent and grandchild are precious and to capture that bond is a gift not only for the grandparent, but for the whole family to treasure as well. I can’t think of a more meaningful gift to commemorate a special occasion.

You can see another grandparents photo session here.

multi generational family walking down villano beach at sunset candidly — Grandparents family session

What to Expect from an Extended Family Beach Session

Extended family sessions tend to include a lot more traditional posed images than that which I would include in a traditional session. This is because most families are looking for updated and polished portraits of the whole family to gift to grandma and grandpa. Most grandparents prefer that one “all eyes on camera” shot. With this particular family, the children were so cooperative that we were able to capture not only those perfectly posed images, but many more natural and organic images as well.

extended family photo session on the beach

Gnetle and Relaxed Guidance and Posing

My natural images are by no means unposed; I am directing your family throughout the whole session and doing so in a fun and interactive way so that I can capture images that display emotion and connection. Capturing these types of photos will require some sort of movement. I will ask you to do silly things and have fun, but that is what helps to create those super connected and warm images. Most of the time, you will be having so much fun that you will not even realize that I am posing you.

boys on the beach dressed in white and blue in the dunes — family photo session on the beach

cousins photo session on the beach at sunset

Learn more About Extended Family Photos

Best Time for Extended Family Photos on the Beach

Beach sessions in Northeast Florida are always scheduled at sunrise or just before sunset to ensure the most flattering light and a more relaxed experience.

These times also tend to be more comfortable for larger groups and young children, allowing the session to feel calm and unhurried.

Fun and interactive family photo session

couple embraced and laughing during multigenerational photo session

mom dressed in pink with toddler daughter and dad dressed in grey on the beach kissing daughter and laughing

Learn more about weather and photo sessions here.

The Moments That Matter Most

Some of the most meaningful images from sessions like this are the quieter, in-between moments such as a grandparent holding a hand, cousins laughing together, or a parent stepping back and watching it all unfold.

These are the images that tend to grow in value over time, especially as children get older and seasons change.

This family session was a dream to photograph. They were active participants in the session, went with the flow and had fun. The grandchildren were so sweet and it was heartwarming to watch the way the older cousins interacted with their youngest cousin. It is clear that love really abounds in their family and the photos really demonstrate their bond. Here are a few of my favorites from the session.

family dancing and laughing on the beach for candid and relaxed photos

traditional famiy portrait on the beach in pink blue and white color palette

boys running in circles around mom and dad kissing

grandchildren hugging grandmother on the sand in front of the ocean — grandparents photo session

cousins playing in the ocean on a cloudy day and laughing

adult siblings with mom and dad during a photo session on the beach in Florida

kids jumping in the ocean at sunset and laughing — sunset beach family photos

If you’re planning extended family photos in St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, or Jacksonville — whether for a milestone, a vacation, or simply because everyone is together — I’d love to help you create something meaningful and relaxed.

You can learn more about extended family sessions or begin planning here:

sunset family sessionbeach sunsetsoutdoor family sessionfall family photos

Teresa Geraghty

I’m a family and newborn photographer based in Ponte Vedra, Florida, serving St. Augustine, Nocatee, Jacksonville, and the surrounding coastal areas. My work is centered on connection, emotion, and the beauty of real life. Whether you live here locally or are visiting, my goal is to create a relaxed, meaningful experience that allows you to simply be together while I quietly document the moments you’ll want to remember.

https://www.teresageraghtyphotography.com