Sunrise Extended Family Photos in Crescent Beach — Celebrating a 70th Birthday
A sunrise extended family session in Crescent Beach to celebrate a 70th birthday — visiting from out of state and enjoying a quiet morning together by the water.
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.
I leave room for those candid and playful in between moments too
A photo with their children because they will always be her babies
I always try to sneak in a few sibling portraits at the top of the session
Grandparents with their grandbabies, which is always some of the most meaningful images from extended family sessions.
With four little ones under five, sunrise made the most sense. The beach is calm and quiet early in the morning, the light is soft and beautiful, and kids are usually happiest before the day really gets busy.
I truly love extended family sessions like this. Almost every time, parents will laugh and say how hectic or chaotic it feels with little ones running around and I always reassure them that it is more than okay. I have many years of experience photographing young children, and I never expect them to be still or “perfect.” There is no need to apologize or stress. The number one thing families share in their reviews is how patient and un-phased I am by the energy and emotions that come with young kids and, honestly, that’s when the most real and meaningful moments tend to happen.
Little ones bring so much joy and energy and sunrise is often their happiest time of day.
Real life is always welcome here. Little ones don’t have to be still — joy and movement are part of the story.
Once everyone had settled into the morning , the session unfolded naturally. We photographed the full extended family together, each smaller family group, grandparents with their grandkids, adult siblings, and plenty of genuine in-between moments. The result was a gallery that felt like them: joyful, relaxed, and rooted in togetherness.
FAQ: Is Sunrise the Best Time for Extended Family Photos at the Beach?
This is a question I hear often, especially from families visiting St. Augustine, Crescent Beach, Ponte Vedra, and Jacksonville.
Short answer: most of the time, yes.
Sunrise works beautifully because:
• the light is soft and flattering
• kids are usually happiest early in the day
• the beach is peaceful and quiet
• temperatures are cooler and more comfortable
Almost every family tells me afterward that waking up early was absolutely worth it and many even say it became one of their favorite memories from the trip.
Sunrise on the beach is peaceful, soft, and golden. This is one of the many reasons I recommend early morning sessions.
There’s always room for movement, laughter, and lighthearted moments.
What Extended Family Sessions Feel Like
My approach is simple and relaxed. I’ll guide you into natural connection and movement, but nothing will ever feel stiff or overly posed. The goal is for you to enjoy being together, rather than worrying about perfection.
During extended family sessions, we typically make time for:
• the full extended family
• grandparents with grandchildren
• each individual family group
• siblings (little and grown-up!)
• candid, unscripted moments
Kids are invited to move, explore, and be themselves. Grandparents can simply enjoy the morning surrounded by the people they love. You get to exhale a bit, knowing that real life is welcome here.
One of the sweetest parts of extended family photography is having three generations together .
We always make time for each individual family group as part of extended family sessions.
Sunrise on the beach always feels slow and peaceful and is the perfect setting for families with little ones.
Quiet, relaxed moments together with space for kids to simply be themselves.
Planning an Extended Family Session in St. Augustine or Crescent Beach
Whether you live locally or you’re visiting from out of state, extended family photos are such a meaningful way to remember time together, especially during milestone celebrations like birthdays, anniversaries, or family trips.
I photograph families throughout:
• St. Augustine, Crescent Beach, Flagler Beach & Palm Coast
• Ponte Vedra & Nocatee
• Jacksonville & the surrounding beaches
I’ll help with timing, simple wardrobe guidance, and logistics so that everything feels as easy as possible, especially with little ones and larger groups.
This session was planned to celebrate a 70th birthday and is such a special way to remember this season of life.
This session was planned to celebrate a very special 70th birthday and she absolutely glowed.
Such a beautiful way to mark this milestone — surrounded by family and Florida sunshine.
Thinking About Booking Extended Family Photos?
If you’re planning a milestone birthday, a vacation, or simply want everyone photographed together, I’d love to help you create something meaningful for your family. Inquire or book by clicking the button below.
Bare feet, ocean air, and a slow sunrise morning together.
A quick moment with the original crew before the end of the session
About Teresa Geraghty Photography
I’m a lifestyle family and newborn photographer based in Ponte Vedra, Florida, serving St. Augustine, Nocatee, Jacksonville, Palm Coast, Amelia Island, and the surrounding coastal areas. My work is centered on connection, emotion, and the beauty of real life — the laughter, the in-between moments, and the season your family is in right now. 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. If you’d like to connect, you can reach out to me anytime.