A beautiful family session - destin and 30a photographer

I think this was one of my favorite sessions to date, however, it almost feels unfair to make such a bold statement.  Each year, Amy and I book such wonderful clients, many of who become friends.  This group session was scheduled right after my emergency surgery last July and I almost didn't make it!

As many of you know, my husband is a charter boat captain in Destin, Florida.  July is so *BUSY* for both of us!  And since he is gone most of the time, household duties and parenting fall exclusively onto my shoulders.  So, I'm working, solo parenting, and keeping the mess at bay during June and July.  

I started having stomach pain on July 3rd.  Hoping to rest and recover in time to party with our friends on the 4th of July, I went to bed early that evening.  I spent most of the 4th laying around.  If I got up then the pain was worse.  Still not feeling well by the late afternoon I stayed home while my husband took our kids to a friend's party.  Not long after they left I had shoulder pain with waves of pain in my upper abdomen.  I begrudgingly decided to call my husband and ask him to take me to the emergency room.  I was shocked when I found out it was my appendix and needed surgery.  On the 4th of July?! Of all days?!  I guess my appendix was declaring it's independence from my body!

I missed out on a lot of my sessions during my recovery.  I will be honest, though, I did enjoy the break.  Since becoming an entrepreneur with small children I haven't had any serious downtime or quality breaks.  The surgery forced me to lay around and do literally nothing and care for literally no one. (Thank you, wonderful MIL, for keeping my kiddos!) I slept and watched every single episode of Dexter all over again.  It was amazing.

My scheduled clients didn't miss their photography sessions.  Amy, my oh-so-awesome business partner, took them on!  And that is just one reason why we work as a team.  Our clients are out-of-towners.  They don't have a chance to reschedule when something comes up.  We do our very best to take care of everyone no matter what. 

After a few weeks I was ready to get back to work, and that's when I met this wonderfully  awesome family.  Our Group Session is our most popular session because of how many families come to the beach for reunions or multigenerational vacations.  That's what these folks were here to do - vacation together and get some awesome portraits and memories!

The chemistry of this group was so absolutely remarkable.  This was the happiest bunch of cousins and siblings I have ever worked with!  The grandparents were playful and grandpa had so many jokes!  (I know we love dad jokes but I feel like grandpa jokes get almost no attention these days!). Everyone was ready to play, hug, smile, and run.  This was the session I needed after an emergency surgery and lazy recovery.  I needed to feel that awesome connection between everyone.  I needed a good laugh.  It was a blessing to work with them. 

We managed to capture so many precious moments and portraits.  Get ready to see a flood of amazing pictures!  When a group works together this well it's no surprise that I can edit and create a full and stunning gallery.

Can you believe we got MORE picture than this?!  I can!  It's not unusual for Amy and I to shoot, shoot, shoot!  Why stop when you're having so much fun?  We always make to make sure you get the happy moments along with the posed portraits.   That's what our clients love about us.  We put no limit on how many portraits and candid pictures are included in our galleries.  Whatever turns out nicely is always included.  After all, its the beach.  Not a studio.  We're there to for the gorgeous scenery and to play.  

Although being a beach photographer is the best job ever, it is something Amy and I have worked very hard at learning and perfecting!  Do your research when choosing a beach portrait photographer. Call him or her.  Ask questions!  Get a feel of their attitude and professionalism.  The clients we serve are usually in the Santa Rosa Beach,30A, Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, Seaside, Inlet Beach, Destin, Seagrove Beach and Grayton Beach areas which means we serve a lot of vacationers.  Your time is precious, so don't just hire any beach photographer for your portrait session!  If Amy and I are both booked we always refer our clients to other trusted local professional photographers.  Contact us if you'd like to book or if you have any questions.  We love to help!

Love,

Caitie Beth Nelson
30a Beach Photographer