A Sunset Session That Celebrated Personality, Play, and Connection
As a lifestyle family photographer, I weave together guided, posed shots with opportunities for families to spend time together and make memories. This family showed up ready to be.
Their Upham Beach family session was full of laughter, personality, and trust…the kind that lets me do what I love most: capture candid family beach photos in St. Pete that feel alive, relaxed, and like a true reflection of who they really are.
What Made This St. Pete Beach Session So Special
Before we’d even reached the water, their daughter popped her sand bucket onto her head. And instead of anyone fussing about her hair or trying to redirect her, everyone just laughed. That simple moment said everything about their family: they showed up ready to play and be completely themselves.
Their little boy was immediately drawn to the rocks – climbing, balancing, exploring – and rather than pulling him away for a “better” backdrop, his parents joined him. They met him where he was happiest.
Meanwhile, their youngest crawled through the sand with total delight, discovering the feel of it between his fingers and toes. Dad crouched down to play beside him, laughing quietly while the evening light wrapped around them both.
These are the kinds of moments I live to photograph: families spending time together with genuine connection, curiosity, and joy all unfolding naturally.
Why I Love Photographing Families This Way
In my years as a family photographer, I’ve learned that the best photographs don’t come from orchestrating perfection, they come from allowing space.
When families trust me enough to let go of control, something beautiful happens. Kids play freely, parents relax, and the real essence of their relationships shines through. The camera stops being the focus, and family becomes the focus…which is exactly how it should be.
Every session reminds me that what we’re really capturing isn’t just smiles (although you bet we’ll be catching those, too!). It’s personalities, quirks, and fleeting stages of childhood that you’ll one day miss: the sand bucket hats, the barefoot races, the toddler curiosity that makes an ordinary evening feel extraordinary and special.
A Flow That Feels Effortless
Sessions like this work beautifully when there’s space for everyone to just be. We started with a few together shots, then shifted into play.
The rhythm tends to go something like this:
- Together time — group moments to anchor the story
- Free play — kids exploring, parents joining in
- Parent focus — Mom or Dad steps in for one-on-one time
- Reset — everyone back together for another burst of laughter or cuddles
It’s a flow that lets the energy ebb and build naturally, and that’s where the best candids live.
Why Golden Hour Is a Dream for Candid Family Photos
Aside from the obvious perks of kids being well fed or anticipating a scoop of ice cream to conclude a photo session (that’s not just me, is it?), golden hour at the beach has a lot of perks when you’re hoping to capture moments as they unfold:
- flattering, warm light (no harsh shadows or squints, no matter which way people are facing)
- comfortable temperatures after the heat breaks
- soft tones that complement light, flowy clothing for that light and airy beach vibe
- it takes place at the end of the day, so you’re pausing to spend time together instead of worrying about the next thing to rush off to
When the light feels easy, families do too, and that’s when candid moments truly shine.
Embracing the Unplanned
Near the end of the session, the kids couldn’t resist the waves any longer. They ran straight in, fully clothed, laughing until they were soaked.
No one panicked about wet clothes. The parents simply rolled with it. And in doing so, we captured some of the most honest, joyful images of the night. The older siblings splashing and giggling together in the waves? Pure magic.
That willingness to let go of control, to let life happen, is what makes candid sessions unforgettable.
How to Create Your Own Candid Family Beach Session
If you’re dreaming of candid family beach photos in St. Pete, here’s how to make the most of your time together:
- Bring your kids’ favorite things. Toys, buckets, bubbles…anything that they love that is beach-appropriate can help to spark genuine play and comfort in front of the camera.
- Book your session at sunset. That golden light flatters everyone and keeps things comfortable.
- Let go of perfect. Focusing on connection instead of posing allows your family’s real energy to shine through. I promise that this works wonderfully well!
- Dress comfortably. Light, breathable fabrics in soft colors photograph beautifully and help everyone move easily. You can always check out my guide for more details on how to do this for a beach session as well.
- Expect fun…and maybe a splash. Pack towels and a change of clothes. Even for the grown-ups! While we’ll hold out on heading into the water until the very end, 9 out of 10 sessions have at least one family member in the ocean before our time together is through!
Each of these choices helps your family show up relaxed and ready to play. And that’s the real secret to photos you’ll treasure.
Why I Love Upham Beach for Family Photography
Upham Beach is one of my favorite spots for candid sessions because it offers so much variety without feeling crowded:
- clean white sand and beautiful boardwalks leading you there
- rocky areas that kids love to explore
- soft waves in the coves and stunning sunsets to enjoy
- easy beach access and plenty of space to spread out
Every session there tells a slightly different story, and that’s what makes it special.
A Final Reflection
Every time I leave a session like this, I’m reminded that family photos aren’t about perfect smiles or matching outfits. They’re about remembering the small details…how your child laughed, the way they held your hand, the sound of the waves mixing with their voices.
When you give yourself permission to simply enjoy your family, the photographs become more than beautiful pictures. They become memories you can feel.
