Let’s talk about locations for your family photo session. When choosing a place for your family photo session, an essential thing to think about is, what do you all love to do together? Do you like to go to the beach, ride bikes, hang at home, go to the park and explore nature? Remember, family photos are supposed to tell a story about your family, why you are unique, and how much fun you all have together.
Location is a big part of your story. If you all are a homebody and don’t go to the beach ever, let’s do an in-home session. If you are always on the water and playing at the beach, then, yes, the beach is a perfect spot for your family photos! For families here on vacation, usually, I will meet you where you are at, and you can use this as a guide of beautiful places to check out around St. Petersburg.
The Best Beach Family Photo Locations
Fort Desoto State Park
Fort Desoto State Park is on the list first because it is the most beautiful beach in Tampa Bay. It is the largest park in the Pinellas County park system and consists of over 1000 acres of pristine Florida beach habitat.
It’s a favorite for families because of a couple of reasons. First, there are no hotels and buildings in the background. Second, it’s not packed with people since the beach is so expansive. Both of these reasons make for a beautiful backdrop to your family portraits year after year.
Anna Maria Island (Bradenton Beach)
Anna Maria Island is the place the locals go to vacation. Not only is it the cutest little beach town, but the water is a beautiful shade of turquoise. This expansive beach has it all, from squeaky white sand, gorgeous sea grape tunnels, extensive dunes, and beautiful water. Again, there are no large hotels here, so it makes for a generally unobtrusive background. Family photos here are typically some of my favorites!
Best Park Locations for Family Photos
Sawgrass Lake Park
Sawgrass lake park is a beautiful park tucked away in the middle of St. Pete, right off the interstate of all places. It is 400 acres packed full of hills, vines, maples, lakes…you get the idea. Fun fact–this park is one of the most extensive maple swamps on the Gulf Coast of Florida! If you have fun finding butterflies, tortoises, birds, and just exploring nature–this is your spot!
Boyd Hill State Park
I love Boyd hill for family photos because there is such great variety and fun things to explore. Boyd Hill started as a zoo and botanical garden and now consists of miles of paths to hike and a bird sanctuary. By hiking, I mean walking through typical Florida landscapes. There is a fantastic playground for the kids to play on before or after our family photo session.
Best Urban Locations for Family Photos
Beach Drive
Beach drive encompasses everything that is quintessentially St. Pete. This location is perfect for a family that may not love nature so much. But, there are still incredible backdrops for your photos. The giant banyan trees, cute restaurants, views of Tampa Bay, and large open parks are all great for your unique family photos.
St. Pete Pier
The city of St. Pete spent years developing and designing the new Pier. And when it opened in the summer of 2020, it did not disappoint. It may be my favorite place to go with my kids. The playground is fantastic, and they have a giant splash pad and a cute little beach to boot! From a photography location standpoint, there is variety for days and lovely architectural backdrops that make for a stunning backdrop for a beautiful family photo session.
Last but not least…In your own home!
Your home is where you make most of your memories. It is the place you are most comfortable. Your entire family can be in your photos (including fur babies), AND it serves as the best time capsule of your family at this moment in time.
I would love to see you all for family photos this year! Click HERE and schedule a time to talk!
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