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As the sun began to rise over Barefoot Beach in Naples, I had the pleasure of photographing a beautiful extended family session. The soft morning light cast a gentle glow on the beach, creating the perfect backdrop for Michelle, her husband, her daughter Whitney, and Whitney's family, including their two adorable children.
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The early hour was a deliberate choice. With little ones who are already early risers, a sunrise session allowed us to capture them at their happiest and most energetic. Plus, it gave the family the entire day to explore and enjoy all that Naples has to offer after our session.
But the real magic of the morning came when we were visited by a playful pod of dolphins. For about 20 minutes, these amazing creatures put on a show just a few feet from where we were standing. Check out this short video of the dolphins I shared on Instagram!
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It was such a breathtaking moment that we paused the session to simply take it all in. Watching those dolphins swim so close by was a reminder of how special it is to be able to photograph families in such an incredible setting.
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Once we resumed the session, I focused on capturing the traditional family portraits—the kind that Michelle and her family can look back on for years to come.
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But one of my favorite parts of working with young children is giving them the freedom to be themselves after the posed shots are done.
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I love letting them play, explore, and just be kids. During this session, the children had a blast running along the shoreline, chasing seagulls, and splashing in the shallow waves.
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These candid moments are so precious because they truly capture the essence of childhood.
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For me, photography isn’t just about getting the perfect shot; it’s about creating an experience that the family will treasure. It’s about making memories during the session itself, not just preserving them in photos. And with the dolphins, the laughter, and the love this family shared, this session was truly one to remember.
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On that note, season is almost here, and it’s the perfect time to plan your family session! Whether you’re looking to capture your family while they're visiting or simply update your portraits, now is the ideal moment to schedule your session and take advantage of the beautiful winter weather.
Don’t miss out—contact me today to book your session and create lasting memories with your loved ones. Click the box below to start planning your perfect family photoshoot!
For more info on family sessions, visit my website!
Enjoy the full album below!
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