I've been working with this beautiful family since their first child, their daughter, was just a babe. We also photographed their daughter's first year milestone on the coast, so it was really special to me when they contacted me again for their son's first year cake smash! Their session was held at St. Augustine Beach and it couldn't have been a more delightful evening! I know many of you are probably feeling the summer beach vibes right about now, so join me on a few sneak peeks of my favorites from this adorable family session!

View More Coastal Photos by Rya Duncklee

Like I said, it was a beautiful evening, and a gorgeous sunset, I mean look at that sky! Sunset sessions on the coast are one of my very favorites to photograph for those pastel hues that appear in the sky just as the sun is setting. Since we're on the east coast here in St. Augustine, the sun will set opposite the horizon, lending to those beautiful jewel-toned colors in the sky! I always recommend to coordinate outfits to go with that sky too - either a beautiful layered neutral palette, or play up the pastels. With all of my sessions, I always include wardrobe direction, and if you desire, Mom can always borrow a dress for herself from the studio closet!

For this session, we set up a great little area by the stairs to take advantage of that last bit of backlight opposite the coast. I loved this location and it was the perfect place to meet for a dreamy sunset beach session, cake smash on the surfboard and all.

Side note I've mentioned on Insta, I think I'm going to start including a surfboard on all of my sessions! Ha

baby boy sitting on surfboard at the beach at sunset baby boy in striped romper sitting on surfboard at sunset in Florida kids sitting on surfboard together in the Florida Saint Augustine Beach sunset mom and girl laughing holding seashell on the beach in dresses family throwing baby in the air on the beach light and airy look baby boy being thrown in the air on the beach