One of the things I love most about photographing families here in Northeast Florida is when I can help them shape a session that truly works for their season of life. For this extended family session in Crescent Beach, the family was gathering to celebrate their mother’s 70th birthday and they had four little ones under five in the mix. I suggested we keep things simple by photographing them right on the beach behind their rental home, and schedule the session at sunrise when the light is soft and the kids are happiest. It created such a calm, easy morning together. There was no need to rush everyone at the home or load little ones into the car. All they had to do was walk down the steps of their rental.

There’s something about the beach that invites everyone to slow down. The sound of the waves, the soft breeze, the warm sand under your feet all has a way of settling the day and making space for connection. This beautiful beach session near Washington Oaks Gardens State Park, just south of St. Augustine, was my very first session of the year, and it couldn’t have been a more meaningful way to begin.

One of my favorite things about photographing families in Northeast Florida is how many people choose this area as a place to gather. Sometimes it’s for a vacation, sometimes for a milestone, and sometimes it’s simply to slow down together for a few days.

This sweet extended family was visiting the area from Virginia and was staying at Hammock Beach Golf Resort & Spa. The family was all here together celebrating grandma’s birthday. Because they were all together, they decided to set aside time for photos together. Those seasons where everyone can be together aren’t always easy to coordinate, which is why sessions like this feel so meaningful.

Choosing where to have your family photos taken is one of the biggest decisions in the planning process. The right location sets the tone, light, and overall mood of your gallery and it should reflect your family’s personality. Whether you love the idea of soft sand between your toes or quiet trails under the oak trees, Northeast Florida has so many beautiful spots to choose from.

Here’s what I tell clients when we start planning together.

There’s something special about having your whole family in one place: grandparents, adult children, in-laws, siblings, and a growing crew of grandkids. It doesn’t happen often, and when it does, it deserves to be remembered in a way that feels honest and joyful.

There’s something really special about St. Augustine in the early morning.

Before the shops open and the crowds arrive, the historic streets feel calm, soft, and almost untouched. This recent morning session in historic St. Augustine was a perfect reminder of why I love photographing families here at the start of the day.

One of the most common concerns parents have before a family photo session is whether their toddlers will cooperate. Many families worry their children will be too busy, too curious, too energetic, or too unpredictable for a smooth session. They imagine needing perfect smiles and perfect stillness in order to create a beautiful gallery.

If you’ve ever tried to get a 15-month-old to sit still for a photo, you already know that it’s nearly impossible. I am here to tell you that this is absolutely okay.

At this age, toddlers are curious, busy, and completely uninterested in posing. They want to explore, run, touch everything, and do things their way and, honestly, that’s exactly what makes photo sessions at this stage so special.

If you’re searching for beach mini sessions in Ponte Vedra, Florida, this is the season to do it. Fall at the beach has its own quiet kind of magic — soft golden light, warm evenings, and calm dunes that make every family photo feel natural and real.

As a family photographer in Ponte Vedra and Nocatee, I love this time of year because the light hits the dunes just right. It’s peaceful, unhurried, and perfect for families who want updated photos without a long, formal session.

Fall in Northeast Florida may not bring the crunchy leaves and heavy sweaters you see up north, but it has its own kind of magic. The golden light, the softer evenings, and the chance to slow down as the year winds down all make it one of the best times for family photos.

If you’ve been thinking about updating your family portraits, now is the perfect season to do it. Whether we’re walking along the Intracoastal at golden hour or exploring a quiet park surrounded by oaks, Fall sessions offer the kind of warmth and connection that only this time of year can bring.

Every year, families start planning their holiday photos and for many, that means wrangling kids into matching outfits, driving to a location, and hoping everyone cooperates for that one “perfect” shot.

A very common question I am often asked by clients is: “When’s the best time to book our photos?”

Living in Florida means we don’t get the traditional four seasons the way other places do. However, that doesn’t mean timing doesn’t matter. Light, weather, and even the way your family feels during certain times of year can all play a role in determining when you should schedule your annual family photo session.

Here’s a breakdown of what each season looks like for family sessions in Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, Jacksonville, and St. Augustine.

Fall in Florida looks a little different than it does up north. We may not get golden leaves and cool sweater weather, but we do have warm sunshine, soft coastal breezes, lush greens, and historic charm. When planning outfits for your fall family photos, the key is to dress for the location while keeping comfort, movement, and timeless tones in mind.

Here are my favorite outfit tips for three of the most popular fall photo session spots in Ponte Vedra, Jacksonville, and St. Augustine.

As a Ponte Vedra and Jacksonville family photographer, one of the questions I hear most often is: “What’s the difference between a mini session and a full session?” At first glance, it may seem like the only difference is time, but there’s actually much more to it.

Here’s a clear breakdown to help you decide which type of session makes the most sense for your family photos in Ponte Vedra, Jacksonville, Nocatee, or St. Augustine.

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.

If you're visiting historic St. Augustine, Florida with your family, you're already creating unforgettable memories—from walking the cobblestone streets to exploring centuries-old forts. This type of trip deserves to be documented with more than just a few selfies and iPhone snapshots?

When families first inquire about booking beach family photos with me, one of the most common questions I get is: “Should we do sunrise or sunset?” While both offer beautiful light, here in Ponte Vedra Beach during the Summer, sunrise is hands-down the better choice—and here’s why.

Family portraits are a timeless way to capture the love, joy, and togetherness of your family, but coordinating a photo session for a large family can be a bit tricky. With multiple people, varying schedules, and different clothing styles, it can quickly feel like a daunting task. But fear not! With a little preparation and organization, you can create stunning portraits that reflect your family’s unique dynamics.

If you’re planning a family vacation in Florida’s oldest city — or if you’re lucky enough to call this beautiful place home — Castillo de San Marcos (aka the Fort) is one of the best places in St. Augustine for family photos that feel timeless, natural, and full of heart.

Moms are almost always behind the camera. They’re the ones capturing the milestones, the everyday magic, the messy moments—and too often, they’re not in the photos themselves. This Mother’s Day, let’s change that.