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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

When most people think about scheduling family photos, they immediately picture the beach, a park, or another popular outdoor location. While those places can absolutely be beautiful, there is something incredibly meaningful about photographing your family right at home.

When families plan a trip to St. Augustine, they usually think about where to stay, where to eat, and what to do while they’re here, but what they often overlook is how fleeting those vacation moments will feels once you’re home.

You have a few phone photos, maybe a group shot here or there, but not much that truly reflects what the trip felt like and all of those special moments you shared together as a family in a new location.

When I became a family photographer, I didn’t realize how much time I would spend looking at weather reports. I have spent a lot of time analyzing the weather patterns in the Long Island area. As a result, I’m well versed in how to manage rain, and to still give you wonderful family photographs that you’ll love.

As much as I love photographing families at sunset along the beaches and parks in Northeast Florida, that time of day simply is not ideal for every season of life.

Most people think that in home photo sessions can only be scheduled for newborn photos. If you have children under three, evenings can feel unpredictable. late evenings sometimes mean: overtired toddlers, missed naps, late dinners and when little ones are stretched thin, everyone feels it.

Most of my clients who book a beach family session are hoping for an evening with the gorgeous golden glow of a sunset. The beach at sunset is a beautiful location for family photos, but you don’t need to have the sun to have great photos. In fact, I much prefer having some clouds in the sky for a session than a clear sky and when there are dark cloudy evenings can add beautiful dimension and mood to your images.