Austen Hunter, a professional family beach photographer in Pensacola, recently had the pleasure of photographing the Reuterdahl family at Johnson Beach in Perdido Key, Florida. The family, visiting from Arkansas during their summer vacation, wanted to capture their time together with stunning beach portraits—a keepsake to cherish long after their time at the Gulf Coast.
Capturing Fun, Sports, and Generational Moments: A Family Beach Session
The Reuterdahl family beach session at Johnson Beach was a perfect mix of fun, love, and cherished memories. The boys eagerly pulled out their baseball and mitt, excited to toss the ball with their dad. With the shimmering Gulf waters and soft, white sand as a backdrop, their playful game of catch highlighted their close bond. The laughter, focused throws, and shared smiles made for truly unforgettable shots that perfectly captured the essence of their beach vacation.
As a Pensacola family beach photographer, witnessing these authentic moments is always a joy. The session’s special memories didn’t stop there. Later, the boys joined their grandmother for a set of deeply meaningful portraits. The love between them was clear as grandma gently rested her hand on their shoulders, and the boys leaned in close. Set against the golden sunset and peaceful waves, these generational moments became timeless treasures, capturing the family’s unbreakable bond.
BBQ Sauce and Young Entrepreneurs
At the end of the session, the boys surprised me with a jar of their homemade BBQ sauce—a thoughtful gift from two young entrepreneurs. They explained how they learned the recipe from their grandmother and started selling it themselves. It was a heartwarming way to wrap up the session and one of those personal touches that make family beach photography so rewarding. They have social media too, so if you'd also like some amazing BBQ sauce, check them out here!
Family Beach Photography Tips for Your Next Session
Planning a family beach photoshoot can be an exciting way to capture special vacation memories. To make the most out of your family beach photography session, here are a few practical tips:
1. Dress for Comfort and Style
When choosing outfits for your beach photos, go for light, breathable fabrics and coordinated colors. Soft, neutral shades like whites, blues, and pastels tend to work best, complementing the beach's natural beauty. Avoid busy patterns or logos that may distract from the overall feel of the photo. Most importantly, make sure everyone feels comfortable in what they're wearing—this will help create relaxed, natural expressions.
2. Embrace the Golden Hour
For the best lighting, schedule your beach session during golden hour, the hour before sunset (or just after sunrise if you prefer a morning session). The soft, warm light during this time creates a magical glow, perfect for capturing stunning portraits. Golden hour also helps avoid harsh midday shadows, making everyone look their best.
3. Bring Props to Showcase Personality
Incorporating personal items or activities that reflect your family’s interests can add a special touch to your photos. For the Reuterdahl family, the boys brought along a baseball and mitt to capture their love for sports. Whether it’s a favorite beach toy, a picnic blanket, or even your pet, props can make your photos more meaningful and fun!
4. Let the Kids Be Kids
Letting children play and be themselves is key to capturing authentic, joyful moments. Encourage your kids to run in the sand, splash in the water, or engage in a game like playing catch with dad. These playful interactions often result in the most heartfelt and memorable photos.
5. Relax and Enjoy the Moment
One of the best things about beach photography is the laid-back atmosphere. Try not to stress about getting every pose perfect. Instead, focus on enjoying the experience with your family. Some of the best shots are those candid moments when everyone is laughing, playing, or sharing a quiet moment together.
6. Don’t Forget to Capture Generational Bonds
Including grandparents or extended family members in your session can create extra-special photos. These multigenerational portraits will become cherished keepsakes for years to come. Make sure to spend a little extra time focusing on interactions between kids and their grandparents to capture those heartwarming moments.
Why Choose Johnson Beach for Family Beach Photos in Pensacola
Johnson Beach, part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, offers a peaceful and picturesque setting for family beach photography. The pristine white sands, clear blue waters, and stunning sunsets make it an ideal location for capturing family memories. Because it's within the protected National Seashore, entry requires a small fee, which helps preserve the natural beauty and keeps the area less crowded—especially during the busy summer months.
The added tranquility makes Johnson Beach perfect for those looking to avoid the busier spots while still enjoying the gorgeous Gulf Coast scenery. Whether you're documenting your family vacation or capturing special moments, this beach offers everything you need for beautiful, intimate family portraits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should we wear for our family beach photos?
A: Light, breezy outfits in neutral or pastel tones work best. Coordinated clothing helps create a cohesive look, but don't be afraid to add a personal touch with accessories or props!
Q: What time of day is best for beach portraits?
Q: How do you handle weather during beach sessions?
Book Your Family Beach Photography Session Today
If you're planning a trip to Pensacola or simply want to capture your family’s special moments, I’d love to be your family beach photographer! With experience photographing families across Pensacola, Perdido Key, and beyond, I’ll ensure your session is relaxed, fun, and results in photos you'll treasure for years to come.
