Despite crazy winds, I knew from the very first photo that this sunset beach session was going to be amazing. It was that and so much more. Mom and Dad were so loving, the girls were just pure joy and they all embraced the wind and cold. The end result? Beautiful portraits and memories they’ll have forever!

Coaching Family Photographers

This sunset beach session was also really exciting to photograph because several students I’ve coached through Leveraging to Luxury joined us. The heart of this program and what I teach revolves around serving our clients. Some of that takes place before the session and some after, but so much of it occurs at the session itself.

Knowing how to use your light and the environment at the location you’ve chosen for a session is so important when it comes to their final portraits. Here in Tampa, the weather is often unpredictable. I may not always know the exact conditions at the beach until I step out of my car. Even then, it can change in a split second. So knowing where to start the session and when to transition from one spot to the next is something I am making sure I am aware of throughout the entire session.

Working with Wind and Sun

At the beginning of this family’s session, it was particularly windy and the sun was still really high, so we started in the sea grass where we were able to tuck in a bit. This also allowed everyone to get comfortable before braving the cold and wind. It also gave us more time for the sun to shift. We eventually made our way to the dunes and then down to the beach. This transition not only made sense for the weather but made for a more seamless and beautiful transition in an album.

With each spot, I made sure to photograph them as a family, the girls together and separately, and then some of just Mom and Dad. All while thinking about every single detail and how it will play out on their wall or in an album. Knowing how to “shoot for the frame” is so important because it’s not something you can fix with editing. The last thing you want is to have a client that wants to design a beautiful wall gallery but not have the images.

This was one of those sessions that had the potential to go sideways due to the weather…but this family trusted me. When that happens, I am able to take what I know and guide the session in a way that is not only fun for the client but allows me to create beautiful images like these below!

If you’re in the Tampa area and interested in a sunset beach session with your family, contact me. We have just a few left for 2022!

Photographers looking for more resources, click here and come join us in The Coaching Collective!