This sweet family traveled all the way from Ohio to visit some friends in Naples, and while they were here, they wanted to have some family photos taken with their adorable 14-month-old baby!
We originally planned to do their session around Fifth Avenue in Downtown Naples, but since it was a Sunday and the area was incredibly busy, I suggested changing our location. I wanted them to actually enjoy their session instead of dealing with crowds everywhere!
Mom really wanted a mix of beach photos and some greenery, so we found a beautiful spot where we could have a little bit of both. And honestly, we couldn't have asked for a prettier sunset!
Now, something I always tell my families, especially those with babies and toddlers, is that it's completely okay if your little one doesn't want to sit still or look at the camera the entire time.
At this age, babies want to explore, walk around, play, and discover everything around them. Add the Florida heat and a few mosquitoes, and sometimes it can be a lot for them, haha!
That's why I always try to make my family sessions as relaxed as possible. If we need to take a break for a snack, a diaper change, nursing, or simply a few minutes to reset, that's totally fine with me!
Even though my family sessions are typically 45 minutes, I'm not standing there watching the clock. I always try to leave a little extra time in my schedule, especially when I'm working with young children, because I know things don't always go as planned.
My biggest advice to parents is to plan around their baby's routine whenever possible. Try to avoid nap time, make sure they've eaten, and don't worry too much about getting that perfect photo.
Some of my favorite images are actually the candid ones, when everyone is just enjoying each other instead of worrying about posing.
And that's exactly what I loved about this Naples beach family session. A beautiful evening, a gorgeous sunset, and sweet memories of this stage of their little family's life!
