About Us
We're Rob and Jill — a husband-and-wife team who've been photographing families in Ponte Vedra since 2014. We're parents and St. Augustine locals, and after more than a decade we still chase that Florida light: the way it pours through the oak canopies.
Our approach is easygoing and documentary. Rob sees light and angles like the engineer he used to be; Jill reads the room and knows just when you need a quiet minute. We're there to capture your day the way it actually feels — the belly laughs, the happy tears, the small in-between moments — not to stage it.
More about us →Where We Shoot
Oceanfront dunes, coastal preserves, and resort grounds
Ponte Vedra Beach has one of the most consistent stretches of Atlantic coastline on the First Coast — wide beaches, rolling dunes, and a residential feel that keeps it uncrowded compared to busier tourist areas. Here are our recommended session spots:
The main beach corridor along A1A is the most straightforward option — easy beach access, consistent dune backdrops, and plenty of space to spread out. Golden hour here turns the sand a deep amber. Good for families with young children who need room to roam.
A public beach access point with a parking lot off A1A. Known locally for its wide, relatively uncrowded beach and natural dune system. A solid default for family beach sessions in the area — no resort access needed, just show up.
The Guana Reserve spans a massive stretch of coastal habitat between Ponte Vedra and St. Augustine — ocean beach on one side, a tidal river and marsh on the other. The mix of environments creates genuinely different portrait opportunities in one location. Permits may apply; we advise on this at booking.
The Ponte Vedra Inn & Club and surrounding resort communities have manicured grounds and private beach access. If you're a guest and want to shoot on property, it's worth asking at the front desk — some properties allow resort guest photo sessions.
Not sure which location fits your family? Tell us your kids' ages, whether you want beach or something greener, and we'll match you to the right spot.
Ponte Vedra blends right into Nocatee just ten minutes inland, so we shoot family sessions across both regularly — and for families up the coast we also cover Amelia Island, about an hour north.
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Style Guide
Coordinated tones, not matching outfits
The best color schemes for family photos are coordinated tones — not matching outfits. Start with one person's outfit (usually mom's dress) and build complementary pieces around it, mixing 2-3 colors with neutrals.
A classic family photo combo. White tops with jeans or khakis — timeless, clean, and pops against sand and water. Add variety with rolled sleeves, different shades of denim, or a linen texture.
Cream, beige, taupe, and light gray with warm accents like rust, burnt orange, or mustard. Earth tones balance the cool blues of the Atlantic and look beautiful at golden hour.
Dusty rose, sage green, light blue, and muted lavender. Coordinating pastels harmonize with the sky and water without competing. Keep patterns minimal — let the colors do the work.
Skip neon, busy patterns, and large logos — they pull attention from faces. Don't go all-blue (you'll blend into the ocean). And avoid everyone wearing the exact same thing — coordinated always looks better than matching.
We send a detailed wardrobe guide after booking with color palette suggestions tailored to your session location, time of year, and the colors in your home if you plan to frame the photos.
The Process
From inquiry to gallery in four simple steps
Tell us what you're looking for — beach, nature preserve, resort grounds. We'll check availability and talk through the best options for your family and your timeline.
Once you book, we'll send you an outfit guide and a prep checklist. We'll nail down the location, the time of day, and a plan for keeping things low-stress — especially with little ones.
We handle the kids, the posing, and the light. You just show up and be yourselves. Sessions typically run about 60 minutes, and we mix candid moments with a few classic portraits.
Highlights within a few days. Your full edited gallery — with download and print rights — delivered in about two weeks.
Pricing
Clear, straightforward — no hidden fees
Other family-stage sessions we offer throughout the First Coast:
Trena
Olivia
The Lynn Family | Vilano Beach Sneak Peek
Margrete and Cody
FAQ
Common questions about family sessions in Ponte Vedra Beach
Most shoots run 60-90 minutes, giving us plenty of time for different groupings and outfit changes if desired. Extended groups may run longer depending on size.
Kids are unpredictable—that's part of what makes them wonderful. We embrace the chaos and know how to work with wiggly toddlers and reluctant teenagers. Some of our best work comes from unscripted scenes. Relax and let them be kids.
Golden hour — the 1-2 hours before sunset — gives us the finest light on Ponte Vedra's east-facing beaches. Soft sun, warm tones, and no squinting. We'll recommend exact timing based on the season; sunset varies by almost 3 hours between December and June.
The Guana Tolomato Matanzas NERR (National Estuarine Research Reserve) allows recreational use but commercial photography sessions may require a permit depending on the specific access point. We handle the process and will advise you when you book.
For peak season (March-May and October-November), we recommend booking 3-4 weeks ahead. Mini shoots and holiday dates fill quickly. For off-peak times we can often accommodate shorter notice — reach out and ask.
Absolutely. Many Ponte Vedra Beach communities have private beach access or beautiful natural backdrops. If you're staying at the Ponte Vedra Inn & Club or a private rental, we're happy to come to you and make it work with your schedule.
Testimonials
290+ five-star reviews on Google, WeddingWire & The Knot
“Rob and Jill are two of the nicest people we have met. They are amazing to work with and did an amazing job for my daughters wedding in October at The Treasury. Rob captured amazing photos we will treasure for...”
“Absolutely INCREDIBLE to work with this beautiful couple. They are so patient and work so well with clients requests and shenanigans. Thank you Rob and Jill for making mine and Jason’s wedding so incredibly...”
“Rob Futrell is a professional photographer who is a no nonsense get the job done right young man who is a ball of positive energy. We loved the photos he took for our daughters wedding (Mary & Luke)at the...”
“Rob and Jill did my daughter's dance photos, and they did an amazing job! They were incredibly patient and had wonderful personalities that made working with young children so easy. It's not always easy to...”
“We can’t say enough about Rob and Jill. They were exactly what we needed. A fun, friendly and professional husband and wife team. They were easy to work with, and made taking photos fun. Great personalities and...”
“If I could give 100 stars I would. Our wedding was captured so perfectly by Rob and Jill. On our wedding day they were so great, very organized and accommodating but ready to go with the flow if necessary. It...”
Tell us your ideal date, how many people, and what you're picturing — we'll take care of the rest.
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