St. Augustine is one of my favorite places for family photography—historic streets, Spanish architecture, and quiet beaches like Vilano all in one charming city. If you’re looking for a St. Augustine family photographer, this session shows exactly why the area is perfect for relaxed, timeless portraits.
Looking for full details and pricing? See my St. Augustine family photography info here
As a team of Florida family photographers, we love bringing families here to capture portraits that blend history, character, and coastal charm. From sunrise along Vilano Beach to sunset near Anastasia State Park, every corner of St. Augustine offers an opportunity to create timeless images that feel uniquely yours.

St. Augustine gives you variety in one session—cobblestone streets, stucco walls, palm-lined courtyards, and sandy stretches like Vilano Beach. Families love it because you can capture both historic charm and classic beach portraits in the same evening.
Why choose St. Augustine for your family photos? It isn’t just the oldest city in the U.S. — it’s one of Florida’s most photogenic destinations. Families travel from Orlando, Jacksonville, and beyond for their sessions here because there are so many different looks to choose from. You can start with historic streetscapes, then be at the beach in just minutes. The natural light here is unbeatable at both sunrise and sunset, and the vibe of the town itself is calm and laid-back. Families consistently tell us their St. Augustine sessions feel more relaxed than the busier Florida beaches.
Some of our favorite spots for family photos include St. Augustine Beach, Vilano Beach, Anastasia State Park, and historic downtown. Each has its own personality. St. Augustine Beach is wide and open with plenty of space for big groups, and the pier looks incredible at sunset. Vilano Beach is known for its unique coquina sand and rocky shoreline, and it’s especially beautiful at sunrise. Anastasia State Park is perfect if you want privacy and natural dunes, while downtown delivers that charming old-world architecture, textured walls, courtyards, and palm-lined streets.

Sunset brings warm, flattering light over the Atlantic and glowing skies downtown. From May through November, I often recommend sunrise to avoid Florida’s afternoon storms—mornings are calm, beautiful, and perfect for kids.
A family session here is meant to feel easy, never forced. We typically meet about an hour before sunset or sunrise. We’ll start with a few posed group portraits so everyone gets comfortable, and then move into the candid interactions — kids playing in the sand, parents walking hand in hand, laughter that comes naturally once the nerves fade. Depending on the location, you’ll get a mix of wide scenic images that show off St. Augustine’s beauty and close-up portraits that highlight your family’s connection.
Outfits are always a big question. The good news is St. Augustine provides such a versatile backdrop that simple, neutral tones always work beautifully. Think tans, whites, muted blues, and soft pastels. These colors complement both the beach and the downtown areas. Avoid busy prints and bright neon, since those tend to distract from the natural textures and colors. Comfort is key — especially for kids. When they feel good in what they’re wearing, it shows in the photos.

A few favorites: Castillo de San Marcos, the Bridge of Lions, the St. Augustine Lighthouse, and Vilano Beach for open shoreline and dunes. We’ll choose one or two spots that fit your family and the light so your gallery feels natural and cohesive.
Many of the families we photograph in St. Augustine are here on vacation or celebrating reunions. Extended family sessions are especially popular. We make sure these are smooth and organized, capturing the big group portraits, smaller family breakouts, grandparent shots, and candid moments in between. It can feel like a lot of people to coordinate, but with direction and flow, the gallery turns out full and balanced.

Sessions are relaxed and fun—no stiff posing. I’ll guide you into simple prompts for candid moments and a few classic portraits. Most St. Augustine sessions last 20–60 minutes, and your polished online gallery is delivered in about two weeks.
Planning your St. Augustine session is straightforward. Pick your date, decide whether you’d like the softer morning light or the golden evening glow, and choose a location that fits your family best. We’ll guide you through it all, so all you need to do is show up ready to enjoy the time together.
If your Florida trip takes you beyond St. Augustine, you might also enjoy exploring our other favorite locations. New Smyrna Beach is perfect for wide open sands and family-friendly vibes. Cocoa Beach offers an iconic pier and endless stretches of shoreline. Clearwater delivers soft white sand and turquoise waters, while Destin is famous for its pastel sunsets and sugar beaches. To help you choose the right spot, we also put together a full guide on the best beaches for family photos in Florida.

A family session in St. Augustine is more than just portraits — it’s a celebration of time together in one of the most unique destinations on the Florida coast. Whether you picture sandy toes, historic backdrops, or a mix of both, our team makes the process easy, fun, and stress-free.
Ready to plan your own portraits? Book your St. Augustine family session here
Q: What’s the best time of day for photos in St. Augustine?
A: Sunset is most popular for glowing skies downtown and on the beach. May–November, sunrise is often best to avoid afternoon storms.
Q: Can we do photos in the Historic District?
A: Yes—cobblestone streets, courtyards, and the city walls make beautiful, timeless backdrops. We’ll plan around light and foot traffic.
Q: Do you photograph at Vilano Beach or the pier area?
A: Absolutely. Vilano Beach is a favorite for dunes and open shoreline, and it pairs nicely with a quick stop downtown.
Q: Can grandparents or extended family join?
A: Yes—I regularly photograph multi-generational sessions. I’ll organize groups quickly and still leave time for candids.
Q: How long until we receive our gallery?
A: About two – three weeks. You’ll get high-resolution downloads and the option to order professional prints and wall art.
Last updated: September 2025

hello@michellecoombsphotography.com
New Smyrna Beach Photographer
Cocoa Beach Photographer
Orlando Family Photographer
St. Augustine Photographer
Palm Coast Photographer
Disney World Photographer