There’s something about Cocoa Beach that feels like the perfect mix of Florida charm and easygoing energy. Families come here for the wide sandy shoreline, the famous pier, and the endless stretch of sky that explodes with color at sunset. For families visiting Orlando, it’s also one of the closest and most accessible beaches — just about an hour from Disney and the attractions. That’s why so many of our families choose this spot when planning their session with our team of photographers.

We’ve photographed everything from small families of three to big extended groups at Cocoa Beach, and every time, the beach gives us a new reason to fall in love with it. Between the natural dunes, the iconic pier, and the way the light hits the horizon, it offers the perfect setting for portraits that feel timeless.

Why Families Love Cocoa Beach for Photos

Cocoa Beach is a dream location because it blends convenience with variety. Parents love it because it’s easy to get to from Orlando — no long drives or traffic headaches — and kids love it because there’s room to run, splash, and play. That natural energy makes photos feel authentic instead of stiff or posed.

As photographers, we’re drawn to the details: the pastel skies that roll in after a summer rain, the way the water reflects at low tide, and the soft glow that lingers long after the sun dips below the horizon. Families end up with galleries that are not just “beach pictures” but a real story of their time together.

If you’re a family who vacations in Orlando year after year, a Cocoa Beach session is the perfect way to bring home more than souvenirs. It’s a way to freeze a piece of your trip that your kids will look back on for years.

The Session Experience

When this family arrived, the sun was just beginning its descent, casting that golden light photographers live for. They were greeted by soft waves and plenty of space to play. We spent the first few minutes letting the kids warm up, splashing in the water and drawing in the sand while their parents watched. These in-between moments always make some of the most heartfelt images — small hands gripping seashells, salty hair blowing across sun-kissed faces.

As the light deepened, we moved closer to the pier. Its bold structure gave us an iconic Cocoa Beach backdrop, while the setting sun painted the sky in pinks and oranges. The family laughed, hugged, and even got their toes wet. What makes these sessions so special is that nothing is forced. Instead of stiff posing, we encourage play, connection, and interaction. The result is a gallery that feels alive.

By the end of the evening, the kids were happily exhausted, and the parents walked back across the sand with full hearts. Their gallery was delivered just a few days later, filled with images that reflected not just what the evening looked like, but how it felt.

Tips for the Best Cocoa Beach Family Session

We often get asked how families can make the most of their session. Here are a few insights from photographing at Cocoa Beach over the years:

• Timing is everything. Sunset is by far the best time to photograph here. The crowds thin, the light softens, and the colors of the sky put on a show.

• Wardrobe makes a difference. Soft, neutral tones photograph beautifully against the sand and ocean. Flowing dresses, linen shirts, and pastel colors always feel timeless here.

• Let kids be kids. Some of the best images happen when children are running, playing, or exploring. Don’t worry about perfect smiles — we’re here to capture genuine connection.

• Plan ahead for parking. Cocoa Beach can get busy, so arrive a little early to find a good spot and avoid stress.

These simple steps help ensure your gallery reflects the joy and ease that makes beach sessions unforgettable.

Why Work With Our Photography Team

Our team of photographers works throughout Florida — from Cocoa Beach to St. Augustine, New Smyrna, and down to Miami. What ties all of our work together is the approach: relaxed, connection-driven sessions that highlight who you really are as a family.

Every image you see across our website was created either by me, Michelle, or one of our trusted Collective photographers. Whether you’re visiting Orlando for a family vacation or you’re a local who calls the Space Coast home, you’ll always receive the same thoughtful process: clear communication, guidance on wardrobe and timing, professional editing, and quick delivery of a full gallery you’ll actually want to print and hang.

Other Florida Beaches to Consider

While Cocoa Beach is one of our most popular destinations, we also photograph families at:

• New Smyrna Beach — Known for its quiet stretches of sand and charming small-town feel, perfect for families wanting a laid-back experience.

• St. Augustine Beach — Offers historic character and beautiful dunes, great for combining portraits with a trip into the nation’s oldest city.

• Clearwater Beach — Famous for its powdery white sand and calm turquoise water, ideal for portraits that feel bright and tropical.

• Destin & the Emerald Coast — A destination favorite with pastel skies and emerald-green waves, perfect for extended family gatherings.

Each location has its own personality, but they all share one thing: a chance to create portraits that tell your family’s story in a way that feels real.

Ready to Plan Your Cocoa Beach Session?

If Cocoa Beach feels like the right fit for your family, we’d love to photograph your story here. Whether you’re traveling from Orlando for a quick evening on the sand or planning a weeklong vacation, we’ll guide you through the process from start to finish.

From the moment you inquire, you’ll know exactly what to expect — from the best time of day to the delivery of your gallery. Our goal is simple: to create images that don’t just sit on a hard drive, but that become part of your family’s history.

Ready to plan your Cocoa Beach family session? Contact us here to reserve your date.

At Michelle Combs Photography, I just love being your Cocoa Beach photographer.  If you are still on the hunt for a photographer in the Central Florida area, be sure to visit my website here for a peek at my family gallery. Should you have any questions, or if you would like to book a meeting, please reach out! I can’t wait to capture your family.