In This Guide
Why St Augustine for Family Photos
After over a decade of photographing families in St Augustine, we've seen how this historic city creates something special in family portraits. The cobblestone streets, Spanish colonial architecture, and natural beauty provide backdrops that feel timeless—your photos won't look dated in 20 years.
St Augustine offers variety that other locations can't match. In a single session, we can photograph your family against 400-year-old fortress walls, then walk five minutes to pristine beaches. The city's compact historic district means we can access multiple backdrops without exhausting little legs.
What Makes St Augustine Special
- Historic architecture: Spanish colonial buildings create elegant, timeless backdrops
- Natural beauty: Beaches, oak trees, and gardens within walking distance
- Compact size: Multiple photo spots without long drives between locations
- Year-round appeal: Each season brings different light and mood to the historic streets
Best Family Photo Locations
We've photographed families at dozens of St Augustine locations. Here are our favorites, chosen for their beauty, accessibility, and how they work with families of all ages.
Historic District Favorites
The Plaza de la Constitución
The heart of historic St Augustine offers open space for kids to move around, beautiful oak trees for natural framing, and the historic Presbyterian Memorial Church as a backdrop. The gazebo provides shelter if needed.
Lightner Museum Courtyard
This former Alcazar Hotel courtyard features Spanish Revival architecture, palm trees, and elegant arches. The covered walkways provide beautiful diffused light, and there's room for kids to explore safely.
St George Street
The historic pedestrian street offers cobblestone charm and colorful buildings. We prefer the less crowded northern section near the Plaza. Early morning or late afternoon sessions work best to avoid crowds.
Waterfront and Beach Options
Castillo de San Marcos
The 17th-century fortress provides dramatic stone walls and harbor views. The grassy area outside the fort is perfect for family groups, and the historic architecture creates stunning backdrops.
St Augustine Beach
Wide sandy beaches stretch for miles, perfect for running kids and romantic sunset shots. The beach access at A1A Beach Boulevard has the easiest parking and shortest walk to the sand.
Matanzas Bay Waterfront
The bayfront along Avenida Menendez offers water views, the historic seawall, and glimpses of the Bridge of Lions. Less sand than the beach but equally beautiful water backdrops.
Pro Tip: Location Scouting
We visit every location beforehand to check lighting, crowds, and accessibility. For beach sessions, we always scout the easiest path from parking to the best photo spots, especially important for families with small children or grandparents.
Hidden Gems and Gardens
Villa Zorayda Museum Grounds
This Moorish Revival building offers unique architecture and small garden areas. The intricate details and exotic design create one-of-a-kind family portraits you won't find anywhere else.
Mission Nombre de Dios
Peaceful grounds with the iconic 208-foot steel cross, beautiful chapel, and manicured gardens. The Spanish mission architecture and serene atmosphere create meaningful family portraits.
Timing and Seasons
St Augustine's subtropical climate means we can photograph families year-round, but each season brings different advantages. After documenting hundreds of family sessions, we've learned when conditions are ideal for both comfort and beautiful photos.
Spring (March-May)
Best session time: 6-7pm in March, 6:30-7:30pm in April-May
Summer (June-August)
Best session time: 7-8pm for golden hour, or early morning 7-8am
Fall (September-November)
Best session time: 5:30-6:30pm in November, 6-7pm September-October
Winter (December-February)
Best session time: 4:30-5:30pm for golden hour
Time of Day Guidelines
Golden hour provides the most flattering light for family portraits—that magical time when the sun is low on the horizon, creating warm, soft illumination. We schedule 90% of our family sessions during golden hour because the light is forgiving and creates beautiful skin tones for all ages.
Golden Hour Schedule by Season
- Summer (June-August): 7:00-8:00pm
- Spring/Fall (March-May, September-November): 6:00-7:00pm
- Winter (December-February): 4:30-5:30pm
Times adjust gradually throughout each season as daylight hours change.
Weather Considerations
Florida weather changes quickly. We monitor conditions closely and will reschedule if thunderstorms threaten. Light overcast can actually create beautiful, soft lighting for portraits—don't worry if it's not perfectly sunny.
What to Wear
After styling hundreds of St Augustine family sessions, we've learned what works best against the historic architecture and natural settings. The goal is coordinating outfits that complement each other and the location without being too matchy.
Color Palette Guidelines
St Augustine's warm stone buildings, green spaces, and blue water create a natural color palette. We recommend choosing 2-3 main colors that work well with these tones.
Colors That Photograph Beautifully in St Augustine
- Neutrals: Cream, soft white, beige, light gray
- Blues: Navy, dusty blue, soft denim
- Earth tones: Sage green, soft coral, warm tan
- Classic combinations: Navy and cream, sage and beige, dusty blue and soft gray
Pro Tip: The One-Color Rule
Choose one person to wear a pattern or bold color, then coordinate everyone else around that choice. This creates visual interest without overwhelming the composition. Avoid having multiple people in patterns—it creates visual chaos in photos.
Outfit Guidelines by Family Member
Parents: Choose your outfits first, then coordinate kids around your choices. Avoid busy patterns, logos, or very tight-fitting clothes. Flowing fabrics photograph beautifully in beach settings.
Kids: Comfort is key. Choose clothes they can move in easily. Avoid white on the beach (gets dirty quickly) and very dark colors in bright sun (absorb heat). Layers work well for temperature changes.
Babies/Toddlers: Bring backup outfits—toddlers are messy. Avoid overalls or busy patterns that distract from their faces. Simple, comfortable clothes in coordinating colors work best.
Seasonal Outfit Considerations
Summer Sessions
Lightweight, breathable fabrics are essential. Linen and cotton work well. Avoid synthetic materials that don't breathe. Light colors help reflect heat, but pure white can be challenging to expose properly.
Winter Sessions
Layer for comfort and visual interest. Cardigans, light jackets, and scarves add texture to photos. Florida winters are mild, so heavy coats usually aren't necessary, but bring layers for temperature changes.
What to Avoid
- Neon or very bright colors that distract from faces
- Large logos or graphics that date the photos
- Too many patterns—limit to one patterned item per family
- All wearing the same color—looks like uniforms
- Uncomfortable shoes for walking on cobblestones or sand
Preparing Kids for Photos
We've worked with hundreds of families with young children, and we know that preparation makes all the difference. Kids pick up on parents' energy—if you're stressed about the session, they'll feel it too.
Age-Specific Tips
Babies (0-12 months)
Schedule around nap and feeding times. Well-rested, well-fed babies are happier babies. Bring extra diapers, wipes, and their favorite blanket or toy.
Toddlers (1-3 years)
Let them burn off energy before the session. Bring snacks and small toys for bribes—we're not above using goldfish crackers to get that perfect smile. Plan for shorter sessions (30-45 minutes max).
School Age (4-12 years)
Explain what will happen beforehand. Many kids this age love being "photographers' helpers." We'll give them small jobs during the session to keep them engaged and cooperative.
Teenagers
Teens can be self-conscious about photos. We start with family shots to get them comfortable, then gradually move to poses that feel natural. Music helps—ask about their favorite songs.
The Secret Weapon: Bubbles
We bring bubbles to every family session with young kids. They create genuine smiles, give kids something to look at besides the camera, and add a playful element to photos. Works every time with the 2-6 age group.
Managing Expectations
Not every photo will be perfect, and that's okay. Some of our favorite family photos happen between poses when kids are being themselves. Authentic moments often matter more than perfectly arranged formal shots.
What to Tell Kids Before the Session
- "We're going to take pictures in a really cool, old city"
- "The photographers have fun games and might even have bubbles"
- "We'll walk around and see interesting places"
- "It won't take too long, and we can get ice cream after" (if that works for your family)
