Let's chat about a family beach session at sunrise! How many of you would brave the early dawn, kiddos in jammies, and hop in the car for a 45-minute drive outside of the city to greet the rising sun at a remote beach?! I know you're thinking what I am (and do) every time a client books one of my signature sunrise sessions - how on Earth do they do it?! It's crazy to me just how many clients opt for the sunrise beach session for their families. There are though so many perks of having your portraits taken at sunrise. For one, the timing. Yes, it's early, but afterwards, you'll have the whole day ahead of you. Secondly, there is typically literally nobody on the beach, like no one. The sand is untouched, the wind is lighter (hello, thank you for those of us like me with longer hair) and there is less chance of rain early morning. Also, there is something so peaceful about watching the sun rise. It's magical. St. Augustine is on the east coast so the sun will rise along the shoreline, and there is something about it that will just make a photo session.

This family is so special to me. I have been photographing them, and their sweet baby girl (Piper) since she was born. I remember heading upstairs to her nursery to document all of those sweet fleeting details of a space that wouldn't last forever. I remember her adorable chubby cheeks, and her unique name. To this day her parents tell me how she still forces them outside of their comfort zone in public situations and has never met a stranger. This job is special in that it is unique to those you encounter as your clients/friends. Over time, they become so much more than subjects in a portrait session. These black and white images to me, in this particular session anyway (from our many many portrait sessions over the past years) portray a sense of comfort and candidness that I feel like you can only get out of a long lasting relationship.

I've included a few of my favorite images from my latest session with the beautiful Nakamura family. <3