As a St. Augustine family photographer with over 15 years of experience, I’ve had the honor of documenting countless families along our stunning Florida coast. Some sessions are one-time celebrations, while others grow into years of working together, creating a visual timeline of life’s most meaningful seasons. This Gainesville family is one of those treasured relationships.

This summer, they made the drive from Gainesville to St. Augustine for their tenth session — a decade of trusting me to document their story. From their first maternity portraits to newborn sessions, milestone sessions, and now sunset portraits as a family of five, I’ve had the privilege of preserving their journey through every stage of life.

Contact me to book your family beach session!

The Magic of Sunset on St. Augustine Beach

There’s something endlessly timeless about a sunset family beach session in St. Augustine. The light is soft and golden, the ocean breeze keeps everyone relaxed, and the coastal backdrop adds that natural, airy feel my clients love. This evening was no exception. The tide was low, the skies were painted in delicate pastel tones, and the beach was quiet enough for the family to play and connect without distraction.

Golden hour is truly the secret ingredient for portraits that look polished yet effortless. As the sun dipped toward the horizon, it wrapped the family in a warm glow that made every candid laugh and embrace even more beautiful.

Capturing the Authentic Story

What I love most about this family is how naturally they settle into the session. There’s no forced posing or stiff smiles — just genuine connection. Dad’s quiet strength and deep affection for his kids, Mom’s effortless elegance (and that breathtaking sunset dress she chose this year!), and the joyful energy of their children make every frame a true reflection of who they are.

This session was especially meaningful with their newest little one joining the family. Photographing his gummy smiles and sparkling eyes, surrounded by the love of his parents and older siblings, was such a highlight of the evening. Some of my favorite images from the session capture the quiet in-between moments: the family huddled close, toes in the sand, laughing softly as the waves rolled in.

A Decade of Trust and Connection

It’s hard to describe what it means to be a family’s photographer for 10 sessions over 10 years. Watching their children grow from newborns to confident, adventurous kids has been such a privilege. Every session builds on the last, weaving together a story of love, growth, and family legacy.

Many families find that once they experience a session designed around comfort, connection, and natural light, they never want to work with anyone else. And that’s exactly what I strive for — a relaxed, boutique experience that makes portrait sessions something to look forward to year after year.

Why Families Choose Me, Year After Year

Over the last 15 years, I’ve photographed families from all over Florida — and the country — who come to St. Augustine and Jacksonville specifically for their portraits. It’s not just about the beautiful location; it’s about the experience I’ve honed to make every session easy, enjoyable, and truly reflective of each family’s story.

From helping with wardrobe planning (this family’s soft coastal tones this year were pure perfection) to choosing the perfect time and location, every detail is handled with care. Families know they can relax, have fun, and trust that their portraits will be timeless, elegant, and uniquely theirs.

The Importance of Documenting Every Season

If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that children grow up faster than we think. Life changes in the blink of an eye, and those small, everyday moments we think we’ll never forget often become the ones we long to hold on to most.

That’s why I believe so strongly in documenting families consistently. This Gainesville family now has a decade-long gallery of memories — from swaddled newborns to sandy toddler curls to the sweet chaos of family life with three little ones. These portraits aren’t just photographs; they’re heirlooms that will be cherished by their children, and their children’s children, for generations.

Planning Your Own Sunset Family Portraits

If you’re considering your own St. Augustine Beach family portraits, here are a few tips I share with all my clients to help make their session a success:

Choose sunset or sunrise for your session. The light during golden hour is soft, flattering, and perfect for beach portraits.

Coordinate, don’t match, your wardrobe. Soft, neutral tones or coastal palettes — creams, pale blues, and soft florals — always photograph beautifully against the sand and sea.

Focus on connection, not perfection. The best images are created when families are relaxed and simply enjoying each other. Play with your kids, snuggle close, and let your natural love shine.

Whether you’re traveling to St. Augustine from out of town or are a local family looking to refresh your portraits, I’d love to help create images that feel timeless and authentic to your family.

Ready to Plan Your Session?

If you’re looking for the best family photographer in St. Augustine or want to plan a sunset beach session near Jacksonville, I’d love to help you document your family’s story.

Contact me here to start planning your session, or visit my St. Augustine Family Photography Portfolio for inspiration. And if you’re welcoming a new baby, don’t forget to explore my Baby Plan Membership, which includes milestone sessions throughout your baby’s first two years.

Your family’s story deserves to be told beautifully — and I’d be honored to help you tell it.