Family sessions in St. Augustine
St. Augustine Family Photographer
Family photographs go wrong in a predictable way: somebody decides the children must behave, the children sense it, and an hour later everyone is upset and nobody looks like themselves.
I work the other way round. We go somewhere nice, I let your family be your family, and I photograph what happens. The pictures people keep are almost never the one where everyone is looking at the camera.
How a session actually runs
We meet an hour or so before sunset, because that light does most of the work. I will get the one posed photograph you need for the grandparents early, while patience is still available, and then we loosen up.
After that it is walking, sitting, carrying, chasing. I give small directions rather than poses. Nobody has to say cheese.
Choosing a length
A thirty minute mini is right for a small family who wants updated photographs without making an evening of it. An hour is the one I recommend to most people, because it absorbs a toddler meltdown without ruining the session.
Two hours is for larger or blended families, several outfit changes, or more than one location. If you have teenagers and grandparents in the same session, take the longer one.
Where to shoot in St. Augustine
The beaches are the obvious answer and they earn it, especially in the hour before sunset. But they are not the only option, and in July they are not always the best one.
Shaded parks and tree cover photograph beautifully here and stay comfortable with small children. If you are not sure, tell me the ages of your children and I will suggest somewhere that suits them rather than somewhere that suits the photograph.
- Vilano Beach and the north shore for open sand at sunset
- Anastasia Island for dunes and shade in one place
- Shaded parks and oak canopy around St. Johns County
- Your own home or garden, which is often best with babies and toddlers
What to wear
Pick two or three colours that sit near each other and let everyone work within them. Matching exactly makes a family look like a uniformed team, and it dates quickly.
Avoid large logos and tight stripes. Soft fabrics that move are worth more in photographs than anything else, especially on a beach where there is always some wind.
Booking around the seasons
Autumn is the busiest stretch, because everyone wants holiday cards from the same six weeks. If you want photographs in time to post cards, book by early October.
Spring is the underrated one. The light is just as good, the beaches are empty on weekday evenings, and you can usually have any date you ask for.
Session pricing
$50 deposit reserves your date. Every option includes a private digital gallery.
Mini Session
$199
30 minutes, up to 1 location, around 15 edited photos, private digital gallery
Full Session
$299
1 hour, up to 2 locations, around 40 edited photos, private digital gallery
Extended Session
$450
2 hours, up to 3 locations, around 80 edited photos, private digital gallery
Common questions
What does a family session cost in St. Augustine?
Sessions start at $199 for thirty minutes, $299 for an hour, and $450 for two hours. A $50 deposit books the date and the balance is due before the session.
What is the best time of day for family photographs in Florida?
The hour before sunset, almost always. The light is soft, the heat has dropped, and children cope far better than they do at midday.
How many children is too many?
There is no such thing. Larger families just want more time, so take the hour or the two hours rather than the mini.
What if my toddler will not cooperate?
They mostly do not, and that is fine. I plan for it. Sessions with small children work best when nobody is trying to control the outcome, which is also when the photographs get good.
When will we get the photographs?
Edited and delivered in a private online gallery you can download from and share with family. I will confirm the current turnaround when you book.
Keep looking
Let’s create something beautiful
Tell me your date and what you have in mind. If I am free, I will tell you straight away.
Or call 904-710-4560