Listen, I’ve been a Florida girl my entire life. Born and raised. Living in Central Florida means I’ve got the best of both worlds—I can hit the Gulf for a moody sunset at Fort Island in Crystal River or Yankeetown, or haul it over to Fort De Soto in St. Pete for those wide-open views.
I know the quiet spots where you won’t have a thousand tourists in the back of your family photos. But the beach isn’t just “pretty water.” It’s nature. And nature in Florida doesn’t play.
If you want to actually enjoy your session and not end up salty (in the bad way), here is what you need to pack in your bag.
1. The Shoe Situation (Don’t Be a Hero)
We all love the look of bare feet in the sand, but getting there is the battle. Our beaches are full of shells, limestone rocks, and the occasional rogue crab.
• The Tip: Bring something easy to slip on and off. If we’re shooting in the water or around the rocks at Yankeetown, water shoes are a lifesaver. * The Auntie Truth: They might not be “fashion,” but neither is a nasty cut on your foot. And guess what? If we’re in the water, we aren’t going to see the shoes anyway. Wear the shoes, save your feet, and stay happy.
2. Sunscreen: The Cloudy Day Trap
I’m gonna say it three times: Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen. * The Real Talk: I don’t care if it’s a “gloomy” day or the clouds are thick. Those Florida UV rays will cook you through the overcast like a microwave.
• The Consequence: You might not look like a lobster during the shoot, but you are going to absolutely hate life the next day if you skip it. Apply it before you get to me so you aren’t greasy in the photos.
3. Hydrate Like You Mean It
The Florida humidity is basically like wearing a warm, wet blanket. You will sweat.
• The Strategy: Hydration isn’t just for the shoot; it’s for the days leading up to it. Start hitting the water hard a few days before our session. If your body is hydrated before we ever hit the sand, your energy will be better, your skin will look better, and the whole experience will be ten times more enjoyable.
4. The “After” Kit (Towels & Threads)
If I’m doing my job right, you’re probably gonna get a little wet or at least sandy.
• The Tip: Bring a full change of clothes and a couple of towels. Leave them in the car so you don’t have to carry them, but you’ll thank me when you aren’t driving home with sand in places sand should never be.
5. Locals Know: The Bug Factor
Crystal River and Yankeetown are gorgeous, but the noseeums, mosquitoes, and sand fleas think you’re a buffet.
• The Tip: Bring the “good” bug spray. We’re capturing memories, not welted skin.
6. Respect the Locals (The Animals, Not the People)
As a Florida native, I am big on protecting our environment. I believe in Leaving No Trace. We are guests in their home.
• The Expectations: We might see anything from dolphins and manatees to shorebirds and the occasional jellyfish. We do not disturb the wildlife, we do not feed them, and we don’t leave a single piece of trash behind. We let them be the beautiful, natural background they are.
7. Auntie’s Secret: The “Fresh Face” Bag
The salt air does a number on hair and makeup.
• The Tip: Toss a hairbrush, some blotting papers, and some lip gloss in a small bag. A quick 30-second reset halfway through the session makes a world of difference in your final gallery.
Why The Beach?
Because your story deserves a backdrop as big as the life you’re building. Whether we’re hitting the rugged coast of Yankeetown or the white sands of St. Pete, these photos aren’t just for your Instagram—they’re for the people who are going to look back at them 50 years from now.
Ready to get some sand in your toes and create something that lasts?
What About the Outfits?
I know, I know—now you’re wondering, “Auntie Jenn, what do I actually wear so I don’t look like a hot mess in this Florida humidity?” That is a whole other conversation. From which fabrics won’t show sweat to the colors that actually pop against a Gulf sunset, I have thoughts. I’m putting together a full style guide that covers exactly how to dress for the beach without looking like a 90s family portrait.
Don’t Miss the “What to Wear” Guide coming soon
I’m dropping the full styling breakdown exclusively for my email community soon. If you want to make sure you get it—and get first dibs on my beach session dates before they’re gone—drop your info below.
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