I know that choosing a photographer is a personal decision, so if you’d like to know more about my process as a Jacksonville Florida family photographer, read on. I photograph families all over the area, from Jacksonville, the Beaches area, and Ponte Vedra Beach, and the experience is the same wherever we end up.

But more importantly, let’s talk first about how your session won’t go.

It will not be stiff, awkward, and full of forced smiles you hold for so long your face starts to twitch. You also won’t be standing around wondering what to do with your hands or where to look. Your children certainly will not need to sit perfectly still and say cheese, because have you ever met a kid who will actually do that? Mine wouldn’t! And you definitely will not leave feeling like you just survived an uncomfortable hour-long obligation. I promise.

I’ve experienced all of the above during my own family photo sessions, and I don’t ever want that for you. Uncomfortable sessions make for uncomfortable-looking and mediocre photos, plain and simple. And someone who has always felt more confident behind the camera instead of in front of it, I really appreciate a lot of direction while I’m being photographed, and I take all of this to heart when I’m photographing others.

So What Will it Be Like?

Your session will feel laid-back, easy, and fun. This is my chief aim during every session. Whether we are at the beach or a local park, think of our time together more like a guided family activity rather than being photographed. More often than not, I will be directing you to not look at the camera anyway, which really does take so much pressure off. I’ll guide you when needed, but mostly I’m observing and photographing the real stuff in a candid style. I’ve gotten pretty good at reading the room and will adapt my prompts and poses to suit your family, whether it’s boisterous, reserved, or somewhere in between. I have my ways of drawing out the laughter with jokes and the sweet moments with the right questions.

How the session starts

I typically start the session off with a game or interactive prompt. We might start with a walking pose or by playing Red Light Green Light. These games work great if you have younger children. Once we start loosing up a bit, I will move into more traditional standing and sitting poses. I know kids have limited attention spans, so I work quickly to get important shots of the whole family together. The we’ll move onto different family member groupings (i.e. mom with kids, dad with kids, siblings together, etc.).

I like to allow time toward the end of the session for kids to freely explore the location. They always find something cool to play with and this is when I get some of my favorite images for the final gallery. And if your kids need a break, a snack, or a moment to decompress, we’ll do just that and roll with it.

Ultimately, I try to create an environment where your family forgets they are being photographed, because that is when the truly photo-worthy moments happen. Once you let your guard down, you can start interacting in a way that is authentic, natural, and unique only to YOUR family. If that sounds like the kind of experience you’re looking for, I might just be your photographer 🙂

Frequently Asked Questions

What should we wear for family photos in Jacksonville?

Neutral tones, light layers, and soft textures photograph beautifully. Think coordinated, not matching. After booking, I will send a detailed style guide to help coordinate your outfits.

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How long does a full family photography session last?

Full sessions typically last 50–60 minutes. This is usually plenty of time to get a robust gallery of images. Mini sessions are shorter and are only offered seasonally.

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What if my kids don’t cooperate?

That’s completely normal. I plan for it. After all, I am a mom and I’ve also been a photographer for a long time… I’m used to working with kids of all ages, and am prepared with tons of ways to distract and entertain kids that might be slightly over it.

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When is the best time of day for family photography in Jacksonville?

Sunset or sunrise provides the softest, most flattering natural light, especially for family sessions. Sometimes young children are happier in the morning, sometimes they do better at night. We will discuss what works best for your family, as well as locations after booking.