destin and 30a photographers - a special session with grandparents

Caitie Beth nelson

30A, Santa Rosa Beach, and Destin Photographer

Two doting grandparents and their adorable grand daughter!

"A grandparent is a little bit parent, a little bit teacher, and a little bit best friend."  That about sums it all up perfectly.  Amy D. contacted me during the summer for a September session that would be near and dear to her heart and a special gift for two folks she loves very much...

This session would be a gift for her parents!  A special grandparent and grandchild session to showcase the love between the generations.  Both families live in Florida and Destin was the perfect halfway meeting spot between homes.  The families stayed at the beautiful The Henderson Beach Resort and we did our portrait session right on the private beach there!  It was perfect.

Having two energetic little girls we know that play is a must!  That's how we warmed up to each other.  I brought along my beloved sail boat and let them have at it!  These girls were already so sweet and cheerful, but the playtime helped keep that positive energy going.

Then we brought in the grandparents!  For more playtime, of course.  We had so much beautiful bright sunlight on the beach this evening.  The gulf breeze was gentle and kept us all feeling pleasant. That's one thing I love about Destin and Santa Rosa Beach - while we definitely have that HOT Florida weather, nothing beats our gulf breeze!  

Our portrait sessions (both full and group) include a mix of traditional poses and candid moments.  I knew for this session Amy and her parents would want plenty of candid moments captured.  These are the little years and they fly by so, so fast.  Having lovely smiles is a must, but the sweet and playful moments really tug at the heart.  

When kids are in the mix we often let important moments of "just the two of us" pass by.  While they were both dressed so nicely together on the beach I made sure to get a couple of portraits of just the two of them.  

After some posing and some cuddling it was time to play again!  After all, that's why we come to the beach, right?  (Or, maybe some of us come to the beach because it's a great spot to enjoy some margaritas ;-) )

Amy brought along some of her own props.  I just loved it!  You never want to over-do it with props or bring anything that will take away from the subject.  The star and conch shell were both fun and subtle making them good choices for the girls.  I love props because they help keep the moment light hearted and playful when we are working on directing the kiddo to looking at my camera.  

^^ THIS ONE!  When that light is so perfect and yummy and you get the SWEETEST smile! This belongs on a canvas! A big one!

Then, it was time for more love and hugs with grandma and grandpa!  

As the light begins to touch the horizon it becomes softer.  This is when I like to do most individual shots.  I had the girls show off their pretty dresses and show me their loveliest princess smiles.  They totally nailed it!

What I love most about the session is all of the options we have!  When I began this shoot I had album creation in mind. Remember, our goal isn't to create pretty files for our computer.  We're capturing memories to be printed so they can be cherished and displayed! So, I grouped the shots accordingly.  The mix of candid and playful moments will make an interesting and beautiful album.  We LOVE helping our clients create stunning, heirloom quality albums.  We don't hand over the files and leave you hanging!

Although being a beach photographer is so FUN and AMAZING it is something Amy Susi and I have worked very hard at learning and perfecting!  Do your homework 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 generally in the Destin, 30A, Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach, Seaside, Inlet Beach, Seagrove Beach and Grayton Beach areas which means we serve a lot of out-of-towners on vacation.  Your vacation 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 for availability or other information.  We're happy to help!

With love,

Caitie
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