Vacations to Orlando and Disney are packed with memories. From the excitement of walking down Main Street U.S.A. to evenings by the resort pool, every family trip has those little in-between moments that become the stories you tell for years. But when it comes to documenting those memories, the rushed park photos and blurry iPhone shots don’t always cut it. As an Orlando vacation family photographer, I work with families who want portraits that feel natural, timeless, and reflective of who they are together — not just where they went.
A Disney trip is special. It’s not just about the rides or the characters. It’s about the way your kids light up when they’re together, the rare moments where everyone is in the same place at the same time, and the kind of joy that deserves more than souvenir snapshots. That’s where a vacation photography session can make all the difference.

For most families, vacations are the only time everyone slows down long enough to be together. Add in the magic of Orlando and Disney, and it’s the perfect backdrop for creating images you’ll keep long after the suitcases are unpacked.
Hiring a Disney family photographer means you’re not relying on hurried PhotoPass pictures or pulling strangers aside to take group shots. Instead, you’ll get a relaxed session that captures both the excitement of vacation and the closeness of your family.
Think about it: how often do you have everyone dressed, happy, and in a place that already feels magical? These aren’t just vacation photos — they’re heirlooms that carry the story of your trip.
One of the biggest misconceptions about hiring a photographer during your Disney or Orlando trip is thinking it has to be inside the theme parks. The reality? Disney and Universal don’t allow outside professional photographers. But that doesn’t mean your options are limited. In fact, some of the best photography spots are just outside the gates.
Theme Parks
At this time only Universal Orlando theme Park Sessions are available but man, do we LOVE it there!
Resort Sessions
Many Disney and Orlando resorts are destinations all on their own. From lakeside views to palm-lined walkways and bright Florida skies, resort grounds give you plenty of room to breathe while still holding on to the “vacation” feeling.
Beaches Near Orlando
One of the best parts of staying in Orlando is how close you are to the coast. New Smyrna Beach, Cocoa Beach, and even St. Augustine are easy drives from the city. A sunrise or sunset session by the ocean is an unforgettable way to document your trip.
Local Parks and Gardens
Orlando is home to beautiful spots that aren’t packed with tourists. Parks, gardens, and hidden corners of Central Florida give your family freedom to be themselves without the noise and distractions.
Each option offers something different — the elegance of a resort, the natural beauty of the beach, or the relaxed vibe of a quiet park. No matter where we shoot, the goal is always the same: to create photographs that actually feel like your family.

Every family vacation has its own rhythm. Some are full of nonstop energy — long park days, character breakfasts, late-night fireworks. Others are more relaxed, with afternoons by the pool, easy walks, and downtime that ends up being just as memorable as the big moments.
As your Orlando vacation family photographer, my job is to capture your version of vacation. I’ll work with you to find a session time that fits your schedule, so it feels like a natural part of your trip rather than something you need to stress over.
Instead of stiff posing, sessions focus on connection — siblings laughing together, parents soaking in the moment, kids being kids. Because when you look back years from now, it’s those details you’ll want to remember.
Planning
Once you reach out, we’ll talk through what your trip looks like and find the best time for your portraits. I often recommend sunrise or sunset, not only for the light but also for cooler weather and less crowds.
The Session
On the day of your session, think of it as a pause button on your vacation. It’s a chance to step back from the fast pace, focus on each other, and let me handle the rest.
The Gallery
Within days of your session, you’ll receive a beautifully edited gallery filled with images that bring you back to this exact trip. Each photograph is polished but never overdone — timeless enough to hang on your walls for decades.

Build It Into a Rest Day
Most families schedule at least one day to relax during their Disney or Orlando trip. That’s the perfect time for portraits. You’re not rushing from park to park, and everyone shows up more refreshed.
Don’t Overthink Outfits
You don’t need to be matchy-matchy. Neutral colors and comfortable clothes always photograph beautifully, especially against the Florida backdrop.
Make It Fun for the Kids
The best images happen when kids get to be themselves. The session is designed to feel relaxed, with space for them to play, laugh, and move.

No to Disney. YES to Universal. Disney parks have strict policies against outside professional photographers. Instead, I work at nearby resorts, beaches, and Orlando-area locations where your family has more freedom and variety.
Sunrise and sunset give us golden, flattering light and avoid the midday heat. Many families love early morning sessions before the parks or on a planned rest day.
Most sessions last about an hour, giving us plenty of time without overwhelming kids or interrupting vacation plans.
Florida weather can be unpredictable, but I always build in flexibility. We’ll adjust timing as needed to make sure you get the portraits you came for.

Vacations come and go quickly, but the images last. Long after the kids are grown, these portraits will bring you back to the laughter, the sunshine, and the rare chance to slow down together.
Hiring a Disney family photographer isn’t just about taking pictures. It’s about creating tangible reminders of the time you carved out just for family — in a place that already feels unforgettable.
Because years from now, you won’t remember the lines or the schedules. You’ll remember the way your daughter’s hand fit in yours, the way your son couldn’t stop laughing, and the way your family felt in that exact season of life. And that’s what these photos are for.

hello@michellecoombsphotography.com
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