Family beach sessions have long become an absolute favorite of mine. However, loading up the kids in nice clothes to head down to the beach feels a little daunting. My goal for every session is to make our time together easy and enjoyable. This includes being well informed before your session even begins. Here's what you can expect during your beach sessions.

Black and white photo of a family sitting together on sandy beach dunes with tall sea oats grass in the background.

You will get sandy and maybe wet


You cannot go to the beach without getting sandy so kick off your sandals and bring a change of clothes and towels. Plan to dig, shell hunt, splash and run during each beach session. At the end I will ask if you're willing to get in the water. Trust me, you'll want to! Some families fully jump in. Others will splash and put their feet in. It is the perfect ending to a fun family session.

I cannot predict the weather


The forecast in the Tampa Bay area can change in an instant. Clouds and wind add drama and character to your session. Even on the gloomiest of days we can still get stunning, authentic images. This also means during your session your gallery may look vastly different. The lighting will change as our session progresses going from bright and vibrant, to glowy and golden, and eventually dark and moody if we stay after the sun has set.

Each beach has a personality


Each beach in the area will have its own unique features. Some have rocks to climb and sit on. Some feel so secluded , like your own personal beach. Others tend to have crowds and vacationers catching the sunset. If you're unsure I am always here to help guide you on the perfect location for your session.

Family walking on a sunlit beach path through golden dunes toward the ocean at sunset.
Family of four walking hand-in-hand toward the ocean on a sunny beach day.
Black and white photo of a young girl in a dress crouching on a sandy beach near ocean waves.
Happy family of four enjoying a sunny beach day, with dad carrying son on shoulders and mom hugging daughter by the ocean.

Every session is unique


No two sunsets or sunrises will ever be the same. Sunrise will look different from mid day or sunset sessions. Mornings tend to have softer light, mid day is brighter with blue skies, and evening are golden and glowy. Your lighting will depend on the time of day that works best for your family. I strive to make every session easy for my families, that includes being flexible with start times.

Plan your outfits accordingly


As I stated earlier, we will run, dig, and play at every beach session. If your clothing is too tight, restricting, and or stiff it will not allow for these things to happen easily. Stick to colors found in nature; greens, blues, creams, browns. These are pull from the beauty of your background and make apart of that, not a distractor. It can be eas to look out of place on the beach. You can dress up or down, but plan for clothing that allows for movement.

Have fun


Beach sessions are some of my easiest sessions with families. We constantly have something to do that creates authentic connections between family members. Kids love the beach; playing in the sand, collection shells, chasing mom and dad, and splashing create the most genuine smiles. This is your time to slow down and connect with your family. I'll guide you using prompts and actions so you never have to worry about what to do.

Couple sitting together on sandy beach dunes at sunset, embracing among tall sea oats near the ocean.
Two young children running barefoot on a sandy beach at sunset, girl in blue dress and boy in white shirt.
A father joyfully lifts his young child high in the air against a clear sky, both smiling and sharing a playful moment.
Family embracing at sunset on a beach, woman in white dress holding children near ocean waves.
A man and young girl examine a shell on a sandy beach at golden hour, with others visible in the background.
Family of four enjoying a peaceful beach sunset, with children playing in the sand while parents share a tender moment.
A smiling red-haired girl in a blue dress holds out a seashell on the beach.
A mother and daughter share a tender embrace on a beach at golden hour, both with auburn hair.
A couple shares a romantic sunset moment, touching foreheads and smiling tenderly on a beach.
A mother in a white dress crouches on a sandy beach while her young son kisses her cheek and daughter hugs her, smiling.