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Family Photography & Video

for families living and playing in St Pete and Tampa Bay

candid & unscripted

The days are long but the years are short.

And you want photos and videos to preserve this chapter of your family’s story before it’s over.

But as soon as the idea occurs to you, you find yourself thinking: I have no idea what to wear, my partner doesn’t want their picture taken, my oldest is prone to big feelings, and my youngest is painfully shy.

(At least, that was my story).

Here's the secret:

When you’re somewhere you love, doing what you enjoy, the rest comes naturally.

If you’re a beach family, we’ll head out to the ocean for photos (and we’ll try to keep everyone out of the water…for at least half of the session).

Or I can meet you at a favorite park, in downtown St. Pete, or even join you in your kitchen as you cook Saturday morning breakfast together.

We can also plan a session together when your extended family gathers to celebrate a milestone, whether that’s Nana’s 80th birthday or your child’s high school graduation.

Treasured family photos + films come from moving at your family's pace - and embracing the chaos.

Which is why I:

Only book one family session each day, so that we can tailor it for your family, whether we're working around naptime, bedtime, or just planning for golden hour at the beach.

March to the beat of the smallest drummer. Once the littlest one is comfortable, everyone else will be, too.

Suggest locations in St. Pete or Pinellas County based on the photos you want and what you love to do together. If sun and sand aren't your thing, we'll take photos in a botanical garden or even your own backyard.

Embrace working with neurodiverse families. Before the session, you can share your unique family needs with me, and we'll find a rhythm that aligns with you.

Let's plan your session

Erin's Family Photography Approach

Erin VEstal Photography

With over 5 years of experience as The St. Pete Family Photographer, I've learned a lot about how to make a session enjoyable for kids - and stress-free for parents.

Locations that match your family's energy

Whether you want to gather shells at sunrise, wander a vibrant tropical garden, or just cozy up at home, I’m here to help you find the perfect spot.

A child-led approach

Experience has taught me that the best photos and videos come when your littles feel at ease. We’ll keep it light and fun, and give them room to express themselves.

Less posing, more gentle guidance

You don’t have to know “what to do.” It’s my job to guide you through the session, let you be yourselves, and shift gears when the kids aren’t feeling it.

And through it all? I’m here to celebrate this amazing, incredible family of yours.

~ Erin V.

"The best way I can describe my family's experience with Erin: we were held, seen, and celebrated.

She seemed genuinely excited to know who we are as a family. During the session, she gave us the space to just show up as we are, and we all felt so comfortable with her so quickly.

Every photo truly felt like a celebration of who we are: the joy, chaos, and beautiful mess."

~ Desi V.
Erin Vestal holding her camera

I’m Erin Vestal, your St. Pete family photographer...

Hi there

Please don’t tell yourself that beautiful family photos and videos are only for other people. They’re for your family, too.

With some careful planning, a location where everyone’s comfortable, and an unhurried pace, I’m confident we’ll make magic together.

Before becoming a photographer, I was a nanny and an elementary school teacher. I’m also a boy mom raising two highly energetic kids, so I know how to meet your kids where they are. If chatting about their favorite Pokémon is what they need to feel comfortable, I’m game!

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It's a simple truth: Your family deserves to be celebrated

And you don’t need to have all the details sorted before you reach out. I’ll guide you every step of the way:

Start Planning Your Session

Before you book your family session, here's what I want you to know:

The most important thing is that beautiful photos and videos can happen anywhere. Let's get creative and have our session in a place that feels like a natural fit for your family.

If you're not local to St. Pete, don't worry. I'll help you find the perfect location, one that's accessible for the whole family.

All families are welcome here, including YOURS.

If someone's a part of the fabric of your family, we can include them in the session at no extra cost: grandparents, cousins, or even a family friend.

Pets count as family, too! If you want to bring them along (and you should), we'll select a location that welcomes them. I've got lots of advice on how to include them while also making sure they don't take charge of the session.

Kids are going to be kids, and that's okay. As a family photographer, a mom, and a teacher, I've seen it all.

Each of my family photography collections includes high-resolution digital images for printing and sharing.

Video can be added on to any family session.

I never want you to feel like this has added something else to your plate. You'll be able to view your gallery, make purchases, and select artwork in the comfort of your own home, at your own pace.

Inquire

"Erin took time to get individual photos of all our kids, in addition to different groups.

All while capturing candid photos. Even when our kids felt like they were done with the session, she found ways to distract everyone, reset the moment, and continue photographing."

~ Amanda C.

Your St. Pete Family Photography Session

$250 Booking Fee

Your session retainer holds your family’s session date on my calendar. It also covers the behind-the-scenes work that goes into each session, including:

Custom session planning tailored to the needs of each of your family members (because a little bit of planning makes your session flow naturally!)

Location scouting based on your personalities and what you like to do together as a family

Wardrobe guidance - if you want, you can even send me photos of potential outfits and get my honest thoughts

Travel to and from our chosen location anywhere in Pinellas County

An unhurried photo session - plan for at least an hour, but I'll stay as long as we need to get those keepsake photos

Hand editing and retouching of every image

A private online gallery to view your photos and and make artwork decisions

Check Session Availability
Family of four on a waterfront deck in Clearwater, Florida — parents standing together at the railing while toddler boy explores nearby and young daughter gazes out at the water

Optional Video Add-On

Starting at $550

Video can be added to any booked photo session.

Everything is captured seamlessly alongside your family photos, giving you yet another way to remember the nuances of your family at this age and stage.

You’re already planning quality time together as a family and you’ll be dressed to impress, so why not?!

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Family Photography Collections

ColLections start at $550

After your session, you’ll receive a preview gallery where you can review the images we captured together on your own time. Once you’ve had a chance to see what we captured together, you can decide which collection is right for you.

Each collection includes a set number of high-resolution digital images that you can download. Digital photos are what you’ll want to share with friends online, set as your phone wallpaper, and scroll through when you need a reminder that you’re nailing it as a parent. (Digitals are also perfect for your holiday cards!)

You’ll also receive print credit that goes toward wall art and other keepsakes, including albums. It’s as easy as choosing your favorite photos, selecting a frame that will look good above your sofa, and having it delivered to your doorstep.

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Two moms swing their son into the waves on the beach at Fort DeSoto in the morning sunshine

"I got a little emotional thinking of having family photos that aren't selfies, finally!

Erin's photos are so beautiful and she obviously put so much care into her work, and that really resonates."

Mo

Quick Links

Are you wondering what a session feels like? Or wondering what it includes?

See My Family Gallery
View the Portfolio
Choose your Package
See Pricing & Details
Ready to book?
Inquire about Booking

Looking for more family magic?

Explore tips, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes stories on the blog.

Have questions about family photography?

Let me put your concerns to rest.

If there's a question I haven't answered, please email me at [email protected]

Book A Session For My Family
  • What if we have a family member with mobility concerns?

    As a St. Pete family photographer, I know plenty of locations that can accommodate you. On our Dream Call, share any details you can, and I’ll be able to recommend a location that works for your family.

  • How long will our family session last?

    An hour tends to be the sweet spot. It gives everyone time to warm up so we can get photos with real personality, but it doesn’t wear everyone out.

    That said, we can always design a longer session when that suits the vision you have in mind.

    And because I only book one session a day, there’s flexibility built in to deal with life’s little surprises, from tantrums to outfit changes.

  • Can you help with artwork design?

    Absolutely yes! Most of my families find that the ordering process is easy and intuitive, but I’m always here for you if you need a second set of eyes or want help creating something extra special for your home.

  • What should we wear?

    My session prep guide walks you through my signature process for choosing outfits that will look beautiful in the finished photos (and that you’ll feel comfy in, which is equally important).

    That said, choose something that feels like you, not what you think you “should” wear for a session. That goes for kids, too – we can still get beautiful photos if your four-year-old is in a tutu or Paw Patrol jammies.

  • When will we get our photos back?

    You’ll receive your fully edited images within two weeks of your session—delivered in a private online gallery that allows you to preview what we captured together before deciding which collection is right for your family.

  • What happens if the weather doesn’t cooperate?

    This is one of the main reasons I only photograph one family per day. If an afternoon shower rolls in, we have the flexibility to adjust our timing. And if the day looks like it’s a wash, we’ll reschedule with no issues.

    And since we’re in St. Pete, don’t worry: I have a hurricane policy for named storms. We’ll reschedule for a time when it’s safe for everyone. That also applies to any time lightning causes our plans to change.

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Ready to Start Planning?

Share a few details about your plans and I’ll check my calendar for you.

Check Session Availability